Adoption from Foster Care:Adoption Advocacy has a unique program for families who are willing to open their homes and hearts to children are currently in foster care, but are looking for a “forever home.” With the advent of the Safe Families and Adoption Act of 1997, approved families are encouraged to seek and find their own adoptive placements, regardless of their state of origin. In keeping wit
h the spirit of this law, Adoption Advocacy helps a family with the home study and preparation phase of the adoption process. The agency also works with the family in cooperation with several national data bases of waiting children to find an appropriate referral. In addition, the agency assists the family in meeting inter-state compact regulations, post placement supervision requests, and finalization in the state of South Carolina. Thus far, the agency has worked with over 23 states, placing 323 children from foster care. Domestic Adoption: Many first time adoptive families seek to adopt an infant. The healthy infant adoption is the most sought after and the most difficult to find. Recognizing this, the agency has researched many attorneys and agencies that may broaden a family’s option for the adoption. Recommendations are also made for states that may have more “adoption friendly” laws than other states. The agency works with the family through the home study and family preparation process. The agency also helps the family to design a portfolio that will be shown to potential birth mothers. Then the agency assists the family in selecting reputable sources that can assist in the placement process. After placement, the agency is responsible for supervision until finalization. In addition, the agency makes the family aware of various stated and federal funds that defray the cost of an adoption.
