 |
What are the ages of children that you place through NCA? We typically place newborns in our domestic program. It is rare for an older child to be placed through private adoption. What kind of criteria should a birthmother consider when selecting a family for her child? A few of the concerns a birthmother has when selecting an adoptive family who will love and parent her child are:
When does NCA begin matching birthparents with an adopting family? Once the social worker has completed all visits and approved the Homestudy of the adoptive parents, and we have received the "Dear Birthmother" letters and photo albums we can begin showing the family profile to birthmothers. What if a birthmother is matched with an adoptive family through another source? Notify our office and your Social Worker immediately. Depending upon the specific situation, you may fall under a modified adoption in which we can provide you counseling services. When does California law say the relinquishment can be signed? A birthmother can sign the relinquishment anytime after she has been medically discharged from the hospital. How long does the birthmother have to change her mind? When a birthmother and/or birthfather signs a relinquishment of the child to the agency, they have 24 hours or until the close of the following business day to contact the agency and regain custody. At the end of this period the relinquishment is filed with the California Department of Social Services. What is Special Baby Care? When a baby has been born and the birthmother has not yet decided if she will parent or place the child for adoption, we have certified families who will temporarily care for the child. What rights does the birthfather have under California law? A birthfather will generally fall into one of two categories; presumed or alleged. A presumed father is a man who is married to the birthmother or who has actively exercised his parental rights though the pregnancy. His rights are the same as the birthmother. An alleged father has fewer rights, but must be notified of the adoption plan. It is important to discuss the rights of a birthfather in your adoption with the agency or your attorney. Why choose open adoption? We believe it is the healthiest situation for all members of the adoption triad. The purpose of open adoption is to comfort and encourage the birthmother with the knowledge of her child's well-being, to provide answers for the child, and to empower the adoptive parents in raising their child. What is the adoption triad? The adoption triad is a term used to describe the three-sided relationship that exists in an adoption between birth parents, adoptive parents and the adopted child. What varying degrees of contact are available in open adoption? Open Adoption encompasses a broad spectrum of contact between the birth and adoptive family. It can be as little as exchanging pictures and letters through the agency a few times a year to ongoing direct contact and visitation. |
