Independent and Interstate Adoption

Independent Adoption (often referred to as Private Adoption) happens when the birthparent(s) and adoptive parents find each other through sources outside the agency. Adoption Services can provide the birthparent services, adoptive homestudy, guardianship, court reports, and post-placement services. This type of adoption can cost anywhere from $4,000 - $7,000 in agency fees.

Independent Interstate Adoption is the same as an independent adoption with the addition of interstate regulations, due to the birthparents and adoptive parents living in separate states. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is involved and the agency coordinates the needs of ICPC for each state in order to get the placement approved. This type of adoption can cost anywhere from $4,000 - $7,000 in agency fees.

Common Q & A  

Independent adoptions can happen in several different ways, but the most common is through word of mouth. A friend of a friend may hear of someone who would like to place their baby for adoption. There are also many websites designed to aide pre-adoptive parents in finding a birthparent. Other ways include newspaper ads, or posting flyers around your community.

The amount of information you know about the birthparent(s) is dependent on the way that you meet. If you meet through friends, and have been talking on the phone, chances are you know quite a bit about their situation. On the other hand, if you meet through the internet, you may only be emailing, and can't get a real picture of the situation. As the due date nears, if the expectant parent(s) still wants to work with you, the agency will contact them and offer assistance. If they are out of state, we will most likely get verifying information from the agency or lawyer that is facilitating the paperwork. If the expectant parent gives us permission, this information may also be shared with you.

Hopefully you will be able to provide some form of contact to the birthparents you have found on your own, whether it is an email address, phone number, or agency name. When you establish communication, you should forward a copy of your profile to the expectant parent(s). This is how they will get to know you and your family.

Independent adoptions cost less because there is less immediate work that the agency is doing, which means there is less financial risk. However it is important to remember they may be less expensive from the agency standpoint, but they may be more expensive overall. The adoptive parents will be expected to pay for all services to the birthparents. This means they may be liable for any additional agency fees or lawyer fees.