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How To Adopt A Child In New York State

Choosing An Adoption Attorney

New York State To Let Adoptees See Original Birth Certificates

Adoptive, prospective, and foster parents should research and select an attorney with the same care they would exercise in selecting an insurance agent or a contractor. All lawyers are not equally informed about different areas of the law. The lawyer who helped you with your home closing or taxes may be a great guy but he may have very little experience with or knowledge of adoption and child welfare law and regulation.

How Long Must A Person Live In New York Before Adopting

New York has a residency requirement of three months before adopting. This means that would-be adopting parents must live in the state for three months before the adoption is finalized. However, this does not prevent the soon-to-be parents from beginning the adoption process sooner, before they meet the three month residency requirement.

Below are some highlights of New York adoption laws.

Code Section

Laws Rules And Qualifications For Adopting A Child In New York

What are the laws and qualifications for adopting a child in New York?

What adoption expenses can be paid by adoptive families in New York?

  • Reasonable and actual medical and hospital fees related to the birth of the child
  • Necessary expenses incurred by the mother in connection with the pregnancy or birth
  • Reasonable and actual nursing, medical and hospital fees for the care of the child
  • Reasonable and actual expenses for the birth mothers housing, maternity clothing, clothing for the child, and transportation

What are the laws to become a foster parent in New York?

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Be in good physical and mental health
  • Provide references
  • Complete the New York home study

What are the requirements to finalize an international adoption in New York?

Is it legal to use advertising or facilitators to adopt in New York?

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Who May Adopt In New York

Some states have requirements for who may adopt. Generally, in New York, any adult may adopt. If the adopting parent is married, both spouses must adopt the child, unless the spouses are legally separated by a court decree, or have been separated for at least three years. New York does not have restrictions on the genders of the adopting parents, and same sex adoption is an option for singles and spouses.

Minors may also adopt, under a few circumstances. Minors that are married have the capacity to adopt, because marriage usually emancipates the minor, and gives them many of the rights any other adult would have. In certain circumstances, a single minor may adopt another single minor. This is most common when one sibling that is near the age of adulthood adopts a younger sibling.

Parent Adoption Contested By Biological Parent

Programs &  Services

Adopting a stepchild involves obtaining the permission of both biological parents. You will need the blessing of your spouse as well as the other parent.

How will the biological parent feel about the idea of a stepparent wanting to adopt their child? This depends on the relationship between the biological parent and the child.

There are times when the other parent will voluntarily terminate their rights to their child. Perhaps there is very little relationship between the parent and child.

If the stepparent has taken on the active parenting role, and if the biological parent recognizes their lack of involvement, they may agree to know the adoption decision is in the best interest of their child.

When the biological parents rights are terminated, it also frees them from court-ordered financial obligations. Sadly, this can be a huge motivating factor for some biological parents to voluntarily terminate their rights to their children.

What do you do, though, if the biological parent refuses to give permission and contests the adoption? States will almost always only allow two parents to have parental rights to a child. However, there have been a few cases where the courts have allowed three parents.

States are required to take the parental rights of the biological parent very seriously and will only terminate their parental rights if the parent is proven to be unfit, is not the true biological parent, or has in essence abandoned the child.

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How Long Will It Take

Any medical information already submitted by birth parents will be given shortly after an adoptee registers. It will take at least six months to obtain general non-identifying information. It may take years to receive identifying information or it may never be available. This is because it cannot be released until all necessary parties have registered and consented to the release of the information.

Can I Adopt In New York

Applicants must be 21 years old or older. Each member of the home must be in good physical and mental health. You can be single, married, or divorced. Parents must have stable employment as well as a plan for the child to be around adult supervision at all times. Applicants must submit 3 character references. A criminal background check will be conducted, and foster parents must be willing to attend pre service training. For a complete list of adoption regulations click here.

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How Do I Register

If you want to register, you must submit a signed and notarized application. If you are registering as the Adoptee or as a Biological Sibling of an Adoptee, you must include a photocopy of your current birth certificate including parents’ names.

Applications received from an adoptee or biological sibling without a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate will be returned without processing.

Adoptees born in New York City who do not have a copy of their amended birth certificate should order one directly from New York City. Please see the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene web site for more information.

Change of address: If you have already registered and wish to update your address with the Adoption Information Registry, do not submit a new application simply notify us in writing of your new address. Include your Registry Number or your name and date of birth so that we can update your application. Send to: Adoption Information Registry, New York State Department of Health, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602

You can download your application as a PDF document from the choices listed below:

Children Currently Waiting For Adoption

New York State Health Department’s Adoption Information Registry

All children who are available for adoption are children who are currently in foster care. They have been freed from their birth parents by court order. Children who are waiting forever in families range in age from 3 years to 17 years. Some of the children have physical and/or emotional issues which they continue to address in their daily functioning. We strongly feel that children stand a much better chance of dealing with their issues successfully in a loving, caring forever family.

Most waiting children are eligible to receive a subsidy. A subsidy is money which is paid to the adopting parent until the child is 21 years old. This money helps adoptive parents pay for services the child may need because of the emotional or physical trauma the child has experienced. Waiting children are also eligible for Medicaid coverage until they are either 18 years old or 21 years old. A child qualifies for a subsidy because she or he is diagnosed by a qualified professional, e.g. a Medical Doctor, a Psychiatrist, or a Psychologist as having either a physical or emotional handicap which seriously affects their functioning and will be something they will need to deal with for most or all of their childhood. A child might also qualify for a subsidy because New York State determines that the child would be hard to place in a forever family. You can find a detailed explanation of subsidy and medical coverage on New York States website.

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Birth Certificates And Adoption

You have done a lot of work to be recognized as your childs legal parents a homestudy, post placement visits, matching with a birthmother, placement and then filing an adoption petition etc. The last step before you can apply for a social security card for your child is to obtain a birth certificate with the childs formal name and your names listed as the parents. Lets look at the formal process for obtaining a birth certificate and why its important.

In domestic adoptions, once your decree of adoption is entered by the court, then the Department of Vital Records in the state where your child was or will be born is directed to create a new birth certificate. In adoptions, the original birth certificate given at the hospital often referred to as the mothers copy of the birth certificate will be sealed. The new birth certificate will list you as the parents and use the name you have chosen for the baby. Unless you have an open adoption, you will not receive the mothers copy of the birth certificate.

Completing The Homestudy In New York State

A homestudy is a series of meetings, interviews, and training sessions involving the agency and the prospective adoptive family. Generally within four months of a family’s Application to Adopt, New York State regulations require agencies to complete a homestudy for most families registered with the state. Sometimes prospective adoptive families find the homestudy process difficult, but it is an essential part of adoption that helps them decide whether they are ready to adopt. A homestudy also allows agencies to find out more about what the prospective family has to offer. This helps agencies appropriately place children in their care. The process can be intense, but it is in the best interest of both the child and the prospective adoptive family. Some families withdraw temporarily to consider whether they are ready to adopt. Most decide to have the homestudy completed.

After completion of the homestudy, the caseworker prepares a written summary about the family. The agency uses this summary in the placement process. Prospective adoptive families can review and discuss the written summary and add their own comments.

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Contacting The Agency For Postadoption Services As Needed

The adoption experience requires that families and children make a series of transitions. Many of these changes are exciting, but some are difficult. There may be times when an adoptive family needs assistance from the agency after the adoption has been finalized. Many agencies provide post-adoption services to help families through these transitions. Services may include family and individual counseling, social and support groups, or referral services.

Asking for support during this process is a sign of strength, not weakness. Most successful adoptions occur in families who seek support from the start.

Adoptive parent groups can be a valuable resource for helping families through the adoption experience. New York State has many adoptive parent groups that provide:

  • informational meetings
  • newsletters and other printed materials
  • community adoption recruitment materials
  • support groups
  • social events.

For more information, contact the New York State Adoption Service at 1-800-345-KIDS

Or email us at:

Become A Foster Parent In New York

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If you are interested in becoming a resource family for a foster child in or near New York City, you must meet similar requirements to that of the home study required for adoptive parents.

More information about foster care and foster-to-adopt placements in New York is available on our New York adoption information page, as well as that of the Adoption and Foster Family Association of New York. In addition to the New York Administration for Childrens Services the local agencies listed below provide additional information and services for foster parents in the New York City Region:

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Types Of Adoption Professionals

There are several types of adoption professionals for adoptive families to choose from. Each type of professional varies in the services it offers and the fees it charges for each service. It is important to have a basic understanding of the various types of adoption professionals you may choose to work with.

  • National Adoption Agency National adoption agencies work with clients across all 50 states, are licensed and regulated by state authorities, often in multiple states, and provide a wide variety of services to adoptive families.
  • Local or Regional Adoption Agency Like national agencies, local adoption agencies often provide many of the same services as national agencies, but may only work with adoptive families and birth parents in a specific state or region.
  • Adoption Attorney An adoption attorney is needed in every adoption to complete the necessary legal services. Attorney services are coordinated for the client in an agency adoption, but a family pursuingindependent adoption may choose to work with an attorney as their primary adoption professional.
  • Adoption Facilitator Adoption facilitators are unlicensed and unregulated adoption professionals that usually only provide matching services. Adoptive families who choose to work with a facilitator will need to find another professional to provide all other necessary services.

When an adoptive family reaches out to an adoption professional, they will often receive a quote for the average total cost of the adoption.

Choosing An Adoption Agency

In New York State, there are more than 130 adoption agencies. Each of New York’s 58 social services districts has an adoption unit, and more than 70 authorized voluntary agencies statewide work with adopting families.

Public and private agencies do not charge a fee for adoption services provided on behalf of children who are in the legal guardianship of the local social services commissioner. For adoption of children in the legal guardianship of authorized voluntary agencies, fees generally are based on the adoptive family’s income. Few agencies charge fees when families adopt children with special needs.

Choosing an agency is a very important step. Talk to different agencies and adoptive parents or parent support groups to learn how the agencies work with prospective adoptive parents. It is very difficult to change agencies once the adoption process has begun. A list of these agencies is available on this web site.

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Medical Care For You And Your Baby

Adoptions From The Heart will assist you in receiving pre-natal care at a hospital of your choice. If you have no medical insurance, the agency will assist you in receiving the insurance coverage for which you are eligible or pay your medical bills if insurance is not available.

Submitting An Application To Adopt In New York State

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After choosing an agency, you must submit an application to adopt. This application seeks information on your background, family composition, and the number of people living in your home. You will need to describe the type of child you feel most suited to adopt, and the agency can help you with this description. This information is necessary to ensure that each child is placed with the family most able to meet the child’s needs.

When families apply to adopt, agencies must check with the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Register to determine whether an applicant, or any person over the age of 18 who resides in the home, has previously abused or maltreated a child. Also, a criminal history check for a prospective adoptive parent or any other person over the age of 18, who is currently residing in the home is required. A criminal record does not necessarily prevent an applicant from adopting. Every effort is made to ensure that children are placed in safe environments.

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Bonding With Your Child

  • 1Do not rush the attachment process. It is natural for the bonding process between adoptive parents and adoptive children to take a long time. The period for a child to develop trust and love for their adoptive parent can take weeks, months, or even years depending on their personal circumstances. Be patient and offer support without rushing the process.XResearch source
  • For instance, don’t force the child to express their feelings or refer to you as their parent before they are ready to do so on their own.
  • 2Be consistent and reliable to earn their trust. Your adoptive child will grow to trust you if you maintain a nonstop pattern of support and love. Be present for your child whenever they need you to assure them that you will always take care of them. Attend their sports games and school shows, give them extra attention if they are sick or hurt, and show patience and concern if they act out.XResearch source
  • Be prepared to take time off work if your child needs you at some point during that time.
  • 3Remain calm and positive if your child throws a tantrum. Acting out is a common reaction of adopted children who are testing the boundaries and structure of their new home. A tantrum may result from your child’s difficulty with processing their emotions, or from a need to gain attention. Avoid reacting negatively to tantrums by staying present, acknowledging your child’s feelings, and offering constructive solutions to comfort them.XResearch source
  • Brief Overview Of New York State Adoption Laws

    In New York State the adoption surrender may be signed by birth parents at any time after birth. A man denying paternity may make an irrevocable denial before the birth of the child. The surrender becomes irrevocable 30 days after signing the surrender if taken by an Authorized NYS adoption agency and transfer of child to adoptive parents was made. Within a private adoption the surrender is deemed irrevocable 45 days after signing and transfer of child to adoptive parents occurred. Revocation of the surrender triggers a best interests hearing if the adoptive parents or agency choose to contest the revocation. There is a putative father registry within the state.

    Allowable birth parent expenses may include medical, legal, counseling, living and may be paid to the birth parents from two months pre-birth to one month post-partum, unless court finds extraordinary circumstances to extend this period.

    Prospective adoptive parents may advertise in the state. Out of state adoptive parents may finalize the adoption within the state.

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