Adoption in Independence, MO
Independence Adoption Agencies, Lawyers and More
Although overall adoption experiences will be similar for most, the specific experience of each birth parent, adoptive parent, and adoptee will differ because each situation is unique. Similarly, the Missouri adoption process will look the same for most people, but for those who live here, an adoption in Independence, Missouri, will be specific to this location.
Adoption is a beautiful journey. Whether you’re trying to give your baby a better life or you’re a hopeful adoptive family trying to create the family of your dreams, American Adoptions has you covered.
“You’re going to contemplate the decision a hundred times, but at the end of the day, you’re going to know what’s right for you and what’s right for your child,” said Julia, a birth mom who worked with American Adoptions.
This guide will help you find everything you need to complete the Independence adoption process — whether you’re an expectant birth parent thinking about adoption or you’re hoping to adopt a child in Independence.
Independence Adoption Agencies
The importance of choosing the right agency can’t be stressed enough. This will determine most of your experience.
Your adoption process can be the gateway to a brighter future. As one of the foremost national, full-service agencies in the country, American Adoptions is a top choice for expectant birth parents and hopeful parents, and we’re honored by that status. Being founded by an adoptee and having many staff who have personal experiences with adoption, we’re able to lead both parties through every step of the Independence adoption process.
We offer many beneficial services and resources, such as:
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24/7 counseling. Our adoption counselors will help birth mothers navigate the complicated emotions that may accompany the unplanned pregnancy and the adoption process.
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Financial assistance. Adoption is always free to the birth parent. You’re likely going through a lot at this time in your life, and we want to alleviate as much stress as we can by covering living costs and pregnancy expenses throughout your pregnancy.
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Matching services. If you’re an expectant birth parent, you get to choose the adoptive family. You will be able to choose from adoptive family profiles provided to you by your adoption specialist. With our agency, you’ll have more choices than anywhere else, which gives you a better chance of finding the perfect family.
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Shorter wait times. As a national adoption agency, we work with a large pool of adoptive families and expectant birth parents. This means both sides will have shorter wait times when it comes to finding an adoption opportunity.
Although we have a national reach, our headquarters are located just half an hour away at 7500 W. 110th St. in Overland Park, Kan. You’re always welcome to make an appointment to speak with our adoption specialists in person. Or, you can contact us anytime if you have any questions about the Independence adoption process or if you’re ready to begin.
Just let us know how we can help, and we’ll be there for you.
Independence Adoption Attorneys
All prospective birth and adoptive parents will need an experienced attorney to help them through the legal steps of adoption in Independence, Missouri. Your lawyers will make sure everyone involved is fully informed and consents to everything that’s happening to ensure the process is completely safe, legal, and ethical.
Prospective birth and adoptive parents are represented by separate attorneys to ensure that everyone is fairly advocated for and that everyone’s rights are protected. American Adoptions can always refer you to attorneys we frequently use.
You are, of course, more than welcome to work with your own preferred professional. Some Independence-area adoption attorneys who may be able to help include:
Remember, if you’re an expectant birth parent, adoption is completely free to you. The adoption financial assistance we provide will cover your attorney fees.
Independence Adoption Home Study Providers
The home study process must be completed through a Missouri-licensed provider before an Independence adoptive family can be cleared to adopt a child. Home studies are important tools that assess a family’s readiness for this unique journey and ensure that they’re able to provide their future child with a safe, stable and loving home.
As a national domestic adoption agency with over 30 years of experience, American Adoptions ensures you do not face unnecessary delays while you receive the personal attention, support, and expertise you deserve.
American Adoptions is a licensed full-service adoption agency that provides home study services for families throughout the entire state of Missouri. Follow this link to begin your home study and to learn more about the services we offer.
American Adoptions only assists with private domestic adoptions, but we’re always happy to connect you to the appropriate local resources if you’re interested in fostering or adopting a child from foster care. Contact one of these organizations if you want more information on foster care adoptions in Independence, MO:
Independence International Adoption Agencies
International adoptions have been decreasing over the years due to the complexity of the process and longer wait times, but it is still an option if you work with a reputable and experienced agency. Although there isn’t a local international adoption agency in Independence, there is one in St. Louis that you can contact for more information:
Independence Hospitals
If you’re pregnant and reach out to us about making an adoption plan, you’ll create a hospital and birth plan with the help of your adoption specialist. That plan helps you outline things you are and aren’t comfortable with during your labor and delivery, especially regarding the adoption so that hospital staff can abide by your wishes. Remember that all your medical care will be covered for you when you’re considering Independence adoption.
American Adoptions has personal experience in all of the various areas of the adoption process, including the hospital plan. We understand that the delivery and hospital stay are the main events and can feel overwhelming at first. Your adoption specialist will let you call all of the shots and coordinate everything for you so that you can focus on caring for yourself and preparing for the big day.
There are a couple of hospitals in Independence that may be helpful for your healthcare and delivery needs, including:
Independence Adoption Court System
After a child is born in Independence and has been placed with his or her adoptive parents, the adoption will be legally finalized several months later in Jackson County court. This is a simple and short hearing. A judge grants a final decree of adoption, and any loved ones in attendance are welcome to take a photo together.
Only the prospective adoptive parents need to be present at the adoption finalization. The birth parents are not required to attend.
Independence Tourism
If a child is being placed for adoption in Independence, it’s likely that the birth and adoptive families will spend some time together there. You may get to know one another in Independence when you’re first “matched,” you’ll be there for the birth and placement, and then you’ll probably spend time together there for open adoption visits through the years.
It can be helpful to have a few ideas to keep yourselves entertained in the area, like:
Get more information about the process of adoption in Independence, Missouri and contact us now. Our specialists are here to answer any questions you have, whether you’re a prospective birth parent or hopeful adoptive parents. We’re here to help you start your journey whenever you’re ready to begin.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.