My husband and I recently placed with our amazing daughter and have begun discussing our timeline for adopting again. Does American Adoptions have a time frame that we must wait before becoming an actively waiting family again? Also, are any of the previous fees waived or reduced for returning families? – Heather
American Adoptions recommends that families wait at least until their previous adoption is finalized (usually six months to a year) before beginning to become active again for another adoption.
Once you bring your baby home, you will be very busy developing a new daily routine and with trips to the pediatrician for check-ups, middle-of-the-night feedings, visits with family and friends and much more. It is a very special time for you and your spouse (and your other children) to bond with the baby and enjoy one-on-one time with your new family member! By waiting until your adoption is finalized, the amount of time that passes will likely mirror a natural birth order as well. Our agency recommends you take time meanwhile to focus on this baby before you embark on another adoption journey!
When you return to our agency, you’ll need to begin the process all over again. If your home study is less than two years old, you will need an Extensive Home Study Update. If it is more than two years old, you will need to begin a completely new home study. If you used another home study professional, please contact them to initiate the process and follow their requirements. Please note that regardless of your situation, you will need to produce new copies of many supporting documents including criminal and child abuse clearances.
Families who reactivate with American Adoptions are required to complete new print and online profiles to make sure their photos and text are up-to-date and in accordance with any new formatting. These families will also be required to complete a video profile– a relatively new service that showcases families in a whole new way-even if they have done one previously.
Returning families do not pay a pre application fee and will have discounted fees for other items during their adoption process. We also now offer a limited-risk program to minimize a family’s financial loss in the event of a disruption. Read about this program on our website. And speak with an Adoptive Family Coordinator at 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more!
