Types of Adoption in Pennsylvania

Adopting a child is a blessing for the entire family. While this is a joyous time, it can also become quite complex. The adoption process is a long one and it requires a significant amount of time and effort from the adoptive parents. In Pennsylvania, there are also many different types of adoption. Below, our Lehighton adoption lawyer explains what these are.

Open Adoptions vs. Closed Adoptions 

When a child’s adoptive and birth parents do not know anything about each other, it is a closed adoption. In closed adoptions, the birth and adoptive parents are not aware of each other’s names or their contact information. In an open adoption, the families communicate with each other. The adoptive parents may send the birth parents pictures or updates about the child, and they may even visit each other.

Private Adoptions 

One of the most common types of adoption is private adoptions. During a private adoption, the birth parents place their child up for adoption voluntarily. In most cases, the birth parents can also choose the adoptive parents.

Grandchild Adoptions 

Grandparents play a large role in the life of their grandchildren. At times, they may even have to provide full-time care for their grandchild if the parents are incarcerated, have physical or mental incapacities, suffer from substance abuse, or the child has been removed from the home. In these instances, grandparents may pursue parental rights through adoption.

Stepchild Adoptions 

When two people get married and one spouse has a child from a previous relationship, the new partner may want to legally adopt the child. All children in Pennsylvania can only have two parents. If a stepparent wishes to adopt the child, one of the biological parents must have their parental rights terminated, or they must be deceased.

LGBTQ+ Adoptions 

LGBTQ+ couples can jointly adopt a child in every state throughout the country. However, since the landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015, there is no real clear protection against discrimination. It has been known that some agencies discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community and so in these cases, it is even more critical to work with a Lehighton adoption lawyer.

Foster Parent Adoptions 

Many children are in the foster care system waiting to be adopted. When a foster child is placed with a family, the foster parents often decide to adopt the child. In these situations, the rights of the parents must also be terminated.

Special Needs Adoption 

A special needs adoption occurs when a child with emotional, physical, or mental disorders are adopted. Special needs adoption also involves children who came from a home with a history of neglect, abuse, or they were exposed to alcohol or drugs.

Our Adoption Lawyer in Lehighton Can Help You Through the Process 

Regardless of what type of adoption you are pursuing, our Lehighton adoption lawyer at The Law Office of Kim M. Gillen, P.C., can guide you through the process. Call us now at 484-613-0011 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.

Source:

legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chpt=27