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Your inclusive adoption options
Adoptions for LGBTQ families are not yet as seamless or as equal as adoptions for heterosexual families. Find everything you need to grow your family with inclusive adoption options. In the meantime, get your free copy 5 building blocks for a happy gay life Here.
Adrienne Elliott from Adoption Options
“It shouldn’t matter what lifestyle you have. It should be a question: Can you raise this child and can you do so in a safe and appropriate way so that this child can raise a family for the rest of his or her life? That should be important.” Adrienne Elliott and Adoption Options believe that a family is a family, and they are committed to supporting people in the queer community who want to become parents. How do LGBTQ families looking to adopt find an inclusive agency?
Adrienne is the CEO of Adoption Options, Colorado’s premier adoption agency. She has more than 20 years of experience in all areas of the child welfare system. Adrienne served as a child welfare trainer for the Colorado Training Academy and currently teaches family social work, foster care, and adoption courses for the University of Denver and Metropolitan State University. Adrienne earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver.
Adrienne joins in Queer money™ to explain the key differences between infant adoption and foster care, from wait times to the costs involved. She walks us through what prospective parents should consider and gives insight into why so many foster children are waiting for families. Adrienne also discusses the reasons why families might be rejected, the financial review process, and the other ways to get involved if you’re not ready to become an adoptive parent. Listen to understand the impact religious exemption laws can have on an LGBT family’s adoptability and learn how to use HRC’s All Children – All Families designation to find an inclusive agency.
Hear all your adoption options from Adoption Options:
Topics covered regarding LGBTQ adoption options
Infant adoption vs. flexible family (foster family)
- Home study very similar
- Waiting period 18 months to 3 years for small children
- The waiting time for a foster home is 6 months to 1 year
The process of nursing certification
- 6 week educational course
- 60-90 days to complete home study
- 1 month to get the license
What to discuss when preparing for adoption
- Finances, space for a child in the house
- Research agencies to work with
The general costs associated with adoption
- Infant and legal fees to support the birth parents
- Foster – much more accessible (the county covers the fees)
The average adoption cost
- Varies depending on the federal state and authority
- $25,000-$40,000 for infants ($28,000 via adoption options)
- Foster care adoption is technically free for children in the county
- $5,000 for CPA to conduct a search throughout the US
Why there are so many children in the foster care system
- Difficult to accommodate children aged 8 and over and sibling groups
- Younger children are adopted more quickly
How to combat the fear of the unknown
- Short-term care, mentor for practice
- “Stronger than you think”
- information meeting
The most common reasons people get rejected
- Significant criminal record (child abuse, domestic violence)
- Not prepared for legal risks
- Not financially prepared
What the financial audit is about
- Assets, debts, income and savings upon request
- Detailed home finance worksheet
What LGBT parents should consider
- How to handle a conversation with the child once seated
- Otherwise no difference to heterosexual peers
The effects of religious exemption laws
- Children from or in inclusive countries are not a problem
- Children from states like TX, KS may require a permit (ICPC)
The number of LGBT applicants to Adoption Options
- 40% of the total
- Because of marriage equality, word of mouth
The HRC All Children – All Families Award.
- Adoption Options only adoption agency in CO
- Adoption Exchange received the seal of recognition
- State of CO is currently working on the designation
The value of the HRC label
- Demonstrates inclusive agency and community support
- It’s easier to work with like-minded professionals
The children are available for adoption into foster care
- 8 to 14 years old, mostly male
- Behavioral problems, multiple placements
- Unique situations (e.g. sibling groups, LGBT)
Here’s how you can help if you’re not thinking about adoption
- Opportunities for volunteer work, family recreation
- Become a board member or donor
Connect with Adoption Options
LGBTQ Adoption Options Resources
