If you or someone you know is considering adopting a child in California, Bamieh and De Smeth PLC can help. Our skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced family law attorneys can help you through the entire adoption process.
To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (805) 643-5555.
What is the Adoption Agency Process in California?
Every year, thousands of prospective parents decide to adopt a child in the U.S. California is no stranger to this reality. Many couples choose to bring a child into their family, hoping they can provide them with all the love and nurture they need. However, many people are unaware of how the adoption process works. In California, all prospective adoptive parents have to meet specific requirements.
For instance, the first step in adoption is selecting the type of adoption you wish to pursue. There are two significant types of adoption in California: public and private. There is, however, another type of adoption available to those prospective parents looking to adopt a child overseas. Generally, public adoptions are made along with California’s adoption system. The state will work alongside prospective parents to help them through the adoption process.
Private adoptions are separate from public adoptions, and these are generally done without the assistance of state agencies. Usually, a family law attorney will guide prospective adoptive parents through the process from beginning to end.
Once you have selected the kind of adoption you want to pursue, such as a private adoption, you will need to choose an agency that will be in charge of overseeing the entire process. California has a wide range of private adoption agencies to choose from. Generally, private adoptions are more flexible compared to public, state-driven adoptions. For instance, you may be able to show your profile to expectant parents (parents consenting to put their child up for adoption) early in the process and before a home study is performed. One of the things that makes private adoptions attractive is that they can take less time to complete, which can be extremely beneficial to prospective parents.
One of the most important aspects of any adoption is the home study process. A home study can be defined as a snapshot of your lifestyle. This study is conducted to determine whether you are qualified to adopt a child and provide them with all they need. A home study is arguably the lengthiest, most important part of the entire adoption process. The reason why home studies take so much time to complete is the amount of information required to conduct the study successfully.
In addition to all required documentation, the prospective adoptive parents will also go through a series of interviews. These interviews will serve as a way to understand whether or not you are suitable to be an adoptive parent. You will also go through a series of visits from a social worker. This study is extremely thorough and may seem overwhelming at first. However, you should be aware that the state’s primary concern will always be the children’s best interests. This is why home studies are necessary.
Once you have chosen the adoption—in this case, a private one -, found a home study provider and local social worker, and completed the home study, you will be closer to finishing the adoption process.
What Are Some of the Private Adoption Agencies Available in California?
The adoption process in California can seem daunting and overwhelming to new prospective adoptive parents. One of the things you may find difficult is finding private adoption agencies close to you. Some of the private adoption agencies you can choose from in California include the following:
Adopt International
1000 Brannan Street, Suite 301
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 934-0300 | Fax: (415) 934-0700
Website: https://www.adoptinter.org/
ICA Service: FS
Area Served: Statewide
Children’s Bureau
1910 Magnolia Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 342-0162 | Fax: (213) 342-0253 | Toll Free: (800) 730-3933
Website: https://www.allforkids.org/
Agency Service: FS
Area Served: Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura
Family Care Network, Inc.
1255 Kendall Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-3535
Website: https://fcni.org/
Agency Service: FS
Area Served: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
Our Ventura and Santa Barbara family law attorneys can guide you through the entire adoption process in California.
Private Adoption Attorneys Serving Prospective Adoptive Parents
If you or someone you know is looking to adopt a child, we can help. At The Law Offices of Bamieh and De Smeth, PLC, we can help you understand the adoption process in California. Backed by decades of experience, we can help you fulfill your dream of becoming a parent. To learn more about your specific case in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (805) 643-5555.
