Frequently Asked Questions |
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ABOUT ADOPTION FACILITATORS
What’s an adoption facilitator?
How is an adoption facilitator different from an adoption agency or attorney?
How are adoption facilitators regulated?
ABOUT ADOPTION PATHS
How is Adoption Paths different from other adoption facilitators?
Do you work outside the state of California?
How long do I have to wait for a baby?
Can you guarantee you will find me a baby within a particular time frame?
ABOUT THE COSTS
What does the facilitation fee pay for?
How long is the facilitation fee good for?
What are the other costs required for adoption?
ABOUT ADOPTION FACILITATORS
What's an adoption facilitator?
Adoption facilitators specialize in the important task of bringing birth families together with adopting families. We make it easier and faster for you to find your child.
At Adoption Paths, we're expert in the field of adoption, wholeheartedly committed to supporting and educating birth parents and adopting parents in the best interests of children.
How is an adoption facilitator different from an adoption agency or attorney?
Adoption Paths is a registered adoption facilitator, not a licensed agency, and we do not provide legal services. It will be necessary for you to contract with an agency and/or attorney for adoption-related services including the home study, birth mother counseling and advisement, relinquishment, post placement supervision, and more.
While some adoption agencies and attorneys help their clients locate babies to adopt, not all of them do. They have many other responsibilities related to the legal process.
Unfortunately, many of our clients come to us after months or years of failing to match with any potential birth mothers through their agencies and attorneys. Through the efforts of your agency or attorney alone, you might not be successful in finding a pregnant woman wishing to place her baby with you, and you might need added adoption education and support throughout your process. That’s where we come in.
How are adoption facilitators regulated?
No licensing exists specifically for adoption facilitators, and the different states handle our profession differently.
In California, where Adoption Paths is based, state law requires us to meet several ethical and legal requirements in order to be registered as an adoption facilitator. We have met all those requirements in compliance with the California Family Code, and we also have extensive, specialized training in all facets of domestic adoption. Also, we are bonded and insured.
ABOUT ADOPTION PATHS
How is Adoption Paths different from other facilitators?
Adoption Paths is a registered adoption facilitator maintaining high ethical standards and very low fees, helping you create and manage your own outreach to pregnant women rather than paying us advertising fees. Your primary contact person is Sara Lively, a respected adoption professional you can trust who has specialized expertise and skills. We maintain a small practice to provide personalized and flexible services to adopting parents throughout a process that is as emotionally challenging as it is logistically complex.
Read more about the reasons to choose Adoption Paths
Do you work outside the state of California?
Yes, as an adoption facilitator registered in the state of California, we are permitted to work with adopting parents and (through our professional contacts) with potential birth parents from some of the other states.
How long do I have to wait for a baby?
The average time from the completion of your family profile to your match (including any unsuccessful starts) is typically twelve months. Your wait might be shorter, or it might be longer if your criteria are very narrow.
Can you guarantee I will find my baby within a particular time frame?
No adoption professional can make guarantees about a process in which it is up to the birth parents to relinquish their baby, and up to the adopting parents to accept the placement.
ABOUT THE COSTS
What does the facilitation fee pay for?
Our facilitation services include adoption planning, profile development, guidance about advertising and outreach, education and support, birth parent relationship coaching, and networking. Services are flexible depending upon your needs and priorities. Your fee will cover a lengthy initial meeting and a recurring monthly fee for up to four hours of services (minimum of three months), with a flat fee just for help with developing the parent profile if you need only that.
How long is the facilitation fee good for?
The fee provides for two years of our services. There is no additional fee in the event that your match with an expectant woman does not work out.
What are the other costs required for adoption?
The average total range of costs is between $15,000-$25,000, though your costs could be higher depending upon the circumstances. Not covered in our facilitation fee is the cost for creating and printing your family profile and (if you choose) creating your website. You will be required to contract for one or more other providers to complete your home study, obtain legal and other services as required for the adoption process. Additional costs might also include maternity-related expenses and out-of-area travel.
As part of our commitment to affordable adoptions for our clients, we can discuss the options for adoption credits, benefits, loans and grants. We can also discuss ways that you budget only for those services you need, rather than paying for overlapping services.
Send us an email.