Why isn't adopting through the state mentioned in my adoption books?

Question

My husband and I are ready to adopt. All my adoption books mention agencies and lawyers, but nothing about going directly through the state. Is "the state" considered an agency? Are there issues with adopting through the state that are different from agency adoption?

Answer 1

The reason the books don't mention it is because the agenices can't make money and the lawyers can't make money if you are going through your local county agency or state to adopt.  The reason people go through the agencies and lawyers is because they think that county children are "broken" because they may have issues that some parents aren't ready to handle.  Personally I think that is a stupid excuse because if you give birth to a baby you don't have any gurentees it will be 100% healthy either.  County children are those removed from homes through CPS due to neglect or abuse issues or usually have parents that are in jail, prison or doing drugs.  They are at high risk for developmental problems which makes some people think they are less adoptable but they still need a home and a loving family to raise them too and they aren't all developmentally delayed either.  If you are looking to open your home to a child that really needs a home then contact your local CPS or Job and Family Services or agencies like that and get the information.  I know here in this county we have 300 children listed looking to adopted and currently in foster homes.  They can range in ages between newborn to 17 years old.

Answer 2

Please ignore mominohio's answer.  It is unfounded and bitter.

The reason is because you cannot really adopt "through the state".  You can have a child placed in your custody through the state, but to adopt, you will need to contact an agency or a lawyer.  The state will usually provide you guidance if and when you want to take in a foster child and adopt.

Answer 3

A good resource for finding state laws regarding adoption is http://www.findmybiologicalparents.com

Answer 4

In CA, the adoption rules can vary by county. So even though you are adopting from "the state" the requirements can be vastly different from one town to the next. To compile such varying data x 50 states, and adding in that this info could change frequently, would make any book outdated almost as soon as it was printed and too large to be a valueable resource. Most counties have easily accessible free information on how to proceed.

Answer 5

I'm not sure why adopting through the state is not mentioned in your books, but I definitely recommend it!

My little brother is adopted, and my parents went through social services in the state of Colorado.

So many children of the state move from foster home to foster home, and it's so hard on them.  I wish more people looking to adopt would consider adopting through the state. It doesn't cost anything to adopt from social services and they even give you support for medical needs and such.

Answer 6

As far as I know, mominohio's analysis is correct.  Modern-day adoption is mostly about money.

I think LC's advice is a bit comprmised--aren't you an adoption attorney, LC?  Or just an adopter?

Answer 7

I have no idea. If you want some support check out the link below.

Answer 8

I don't know why your adoption books would not list the state, I'm not really sure what an adoption book is though.  

I do know that some people prefer to deal with private adoption agencies rather than the county though.  But you absolutely can adopt either way.  Actually it's the same kids either way, unless you are looking to adopt an infant from a mother who chooses you.  It's just all who is working for you, a county worker or private worker.  

Do some unbiased research and talk to other people who have some experience or even some workers from each before you make your decision as to who you go with.