Adoption Services
Learn More About Adoption Services
Begin Your Adoption Journey
Are you interested in adopting a child? Taking the first step is easy. Contact the SWAN Helpline at 1-800-585-7926 or email [email protected] for guidance on initiating the adoption process. At Loftus-Vergari & Associates, Inc., we’re dedicated to helping both prospective families and children navigate this journey seamlessly.
The Children
Every child’s path to adoption is unique. Some children are voluntarily placed into the system by parents facing difficulties, while others are removed from their homes due to court orders. These children may experience various outcomes, including returning to their families, placement with relatives, legal custodianship, planned permanent living arrangements, or adoption by individuals like you. County agencies play a pivotal role in resolving issues within the child’s family before recommending adoption, which is ultimately decided by a judge. Before a child becomes available for adoption, parental rights must be terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, based on factors such as abuse, neglect, or incapacity. Termination of parental rights is a critical step in the adoption process. It signifies the legal separation between biological parents and the child. This can occur voluntarily if both biological parents agree or involuntarily when agencies can prove parental abuse, neglect, or incapacity that cannot be resolved. Children waiting for adoption are registered with the Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange, where over 3,000 children in Pennsylvania await their forever families.
Prospective Adoptive Parents
Prospective adoptive parents have diverse backgrounds and unique expectations. Some already have a specific child in mind, while others seek more information to start their journey. Regardless of your circumstances, we welcome you with open arms. Those wishing to adopt infants typically engage private adoption agencies, while those interested in older children or children with special needs often collaborate with county agencies or SWAN affiliate agencies.
The Application Process
Every prospective parent must complete an application and undergo an initial screening. This involves providing a doctor’s statement verifying basic health, financial records, and undergoing background checks to ensure the child’s safety. Specific criteria, such as child abuse history or certain convictions, may affect eligibility. Personal references are also necessary.
The Family Profile (Home Study)
Following the initial screening, prospective parents embark on the home study process, also known as the adoptive family profile. During this phase, you’ll engage in a series of meetings with an agency worker to assess your home’s suitability and prepare you for adoption. Meeting formats vary by agency, including individual interviews or group sessions. These meetings provide you with opportunities to ask questions about costs, challenges, support services, and other aspects of raising an adopted child. Home visits, while intimidating for some, are essential steps in uniting families. Social workers inquire about your life experiences, motivations for adoption, child preferences, and your ability to handle everyday challenges, especially for married couples. If you’re single or divorced, your support system and child care plans may be discussed.
The Final Steps
Once your family profile is complete, the agency will start introducing you to waiting children who may be a good match. Social workers will share all available information about the child’s family background, health, and circumstances leading to removal from their family. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and spend time with the child before making decisions. If both you and the child feel comfortable, the county agency with custody of the child will arrange their placement in your home. Adoption finalization requires filing a “Report of Intent To Adopt” with your lawyer. Before the adoption can be completed, there’s a period of supervision and support for both the child and your family, typically lasting three to six months. This ensures a smooth transition and lasting stability. Foster parents who’ve already welcomed the child into their homes may expedite the adoption process.