You should be working closely with your professional and have their approval and advice on whether to proceed with a birthmother in formalizing an adoption plan. You should be working with your professional on obtaining medical records, discussing any birthfather issues, American Indian issues, ICPC, expenses, prenatal care, medical coverage, etc.
Your adoption plan may include the following:
The birthmother’s pregnancy has been verified.
The birthmother’s identity has been verified.
The birthmother has completed a questionnaire on herself.
The birthmother or birthfather has completed a questionnaire on the birthfather.
The adopting parents have retained an agency and/or attorney in the birthmother’s state (especially if the birthmother resides in a state different than the adopting parents).
The adopting parents and birthmother, through their professionals, have agreed on what expenses, if any, can and will be paid for the benefit of the birthmother.
Adopting parents have received an estimate of costs from their professional(s).
Birthmother has authorized the release of her medical records to adopting parents and/or their professional.
Birthmother has agreed to be tested for HIV, drugs and any other reasonable tests.
Birthmother and adopting parents have agreed on the quantity and type of post-adoption contact, if any.
Both birth parents have been asked about any possible Native American ancestry and, if any exists, adopting parents’ professional is obtaining clearance from the tribe.
If the birthfather is not involved in the adoption and is not available to sign consent documents, adopting parents have discussed the ramifications of this (probability of success, process and costs involved) with their professional and understand what will need to be done under all applicable state laws for the adoption to proceed without his consent.
Birthmother has been offered counseling and given access to a counselor if she would like this service.
Birthmother and adopting parents understand the consent process.
ALL parties have developed a level of trust in the other.
