Adopting?
Get Listed with Us for as little as $99! Click here
for more info.
| Adopting? Get Listed with Us for as little as $99! Click here for more info. |
W e l c o m e !
your Potential Parents!
We
truly believe in
the power of open adoption and see placing a child
for adoption as the
ultimate act of love that a birthmother/birthfamily
can
express.
If you are a pregnant woman we urge you to learn more about open adoption and all the options available to you before proceeding.
If you are a waiting family, please click here to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you make your adoption web site work for you.
If you are a pregnant woman we urge you to learn more about open adoption and all the options available to you before proceeding.
If you are a waiting family, please click here to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you make your adoption web site work for you.
Meet our Featured Potential Parents...
Each time the page loads these families are displayed in random order.If you're looking for a specific family remember to scroll down the page.
We are Chris and Bill from New York City. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and our story. We believe in our hearts that while life sometimes brings people together in unexpected ways, they are always brought together for a reason. As you consider whether an adoption plan is best for you, please know that we are deeply committed to the concept of compassionate and open adoption. We hope that as you explore our family album, you will get to know more about us, our life together and our dream of creating a family through adoption. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-876-8181 |
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Your heart will lead you to the right parents. It must seem that all these letters start off the same and blur together after a while. People that you do not know are being sympathetic to your situation while trying to convey their positive qualities and desire to be parents to your child in a few paragraphs. Please know that while this decision is probably the most difficult one you will make, you are not going to make the wrong decision. Your heart will lead you to the right parents who will love your child completely. We too, want to let you know that we are sympathetic to your situation. We cannot imagine what you are going through, but admire you and the strength you have to make this difficult decision. The fact that you are making an adoption plan shows the love you have for your child. Call
us toll-free at
1-877-303-2289 |
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Thanks for considering us! We recently adopted our daughter, Judy Virginia, through an open adoption and have had such a positive experience that we are ready to do it again! We both come from large loving families and cherish the memories of growing up with brothers and sisters. We want our children to experience thE same type of joy. We have a lot of love to give and are confident that we can provide a great home and family life for your child. Call
us toll-free at
1-866-203-8926 Pin 9563 |
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Hi! We are a fun, educated and happily married couple hoping to build a family through adoption. We promise you that a child placed with us will be supported, cherished and loved unconditionally. We are in awe of the decisions you face and admire the courage you show in considering the best future for you and your baby. We hope you'll take some time to see if we might be a match for you. We'd love to know more about you, too! Call
toll-free
1-877-249-8772 |
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Hi, we are the Cruz family and we're thrilled to have this opportunity to connect with you. We're a young, fun-loving and affectionate family and we're so excited to keep on sharing the love and joy that family brings - both with you and a new baby. Please give us a call or check out our website to learn all about us. We hope we can learn all about you! Many blessings and absolute best wishes. Call
toll-free
1-888-529-5770 |
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This might sound strange, but we believe nothing is an accident. Even now...especially now. Your baby has a destiny. You've obviously done a lot of soul-searching to be considering so deeply the future of your baby. If compassion is genetic, the fact that you are reading this already tells us something about you, and your unborn child. The reason we're here on this site instead of on a plane flying halfway around the world to an orphanage in Russia, is because we feel it's important for you, the mother, to choose the parents who will give your baby a nurturing, love-filled and inspired life. We'd love to hear from you! Call
toll-free
1-888-302-2384 |
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Hello my name is Ivy and I am so excited and appreciative that you are considering me as an adoptive parent for your child. I'm a first grade teacher from New York who is looking to adopt a baby boy or girl. I am a single woman, who is financially secure, and emotionally prepared to take on the role of motherhood. I am really excited about welcoming a baby into my life. I am filled with hope as I embark upon my adoption journey. Call me
toll-free at
1-888-399-1513 Send me an e-mail at
ivyhopes2adopt@aol.com Click here to visit my web page. 03242009
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Thank you so much for taking the time to look at our profile. As soon as we met in college, we knew that we had a strong bond and were meant to be together. After dating for five years, we were married on a beautiful June day which was over four years ago. We are each other's confidants, cheerleaders, and best friends. We have a warm, nurturing relationship that is based upon open communication. We have devoted our lives to each other and can't wait to dedicate our love and lives to our first child. We look forward to hearing your story and possibly forming a relationship with you that can last a lifetime. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-620-2025 Send us email at angandmatt@live.com.
Click here to visit our personal web page or visit www.iheartadoption.org/users/bernier 08082009
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We are excited to build our forever family through adoption. We have dreamed of beginning this process and are ready to create a loving home for your child. Ricky, adopted at age 1 & 1/2, understands how important being placed with a loving and caring family is and we are ready to give that wonderful gift back. We know it is important to have adoption questions answered in a truthful and honest manner when dealing with an adopted child. This has given Ricky acceptance, understanding, growth and maturity growing up. We wish the same for your child and look forward to making the openness work for the level you are most comfortable with. We were both raised with strong ethical and moral values and we look forward to expanding on those with our family. We will continue to fill our home with love, understanding, kindness and respect for others. Sincerely, Anthony & Ricky Call
us toll-free at
1-800-844-3630 |
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Hello. We're Jorge and Mark, and we're looking to
start a family. We hope that our website will give you a better idea of
our lives and what we are like. We're excited about starting our new
life as parents through adoption. We're committed to an open adoption
that is respectful of you and your role. Thanks for visiting.
Call
us toll-free at
1-888-369-3917 |
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Hi! We are Myron and Ann. We believe we were meant to become parents through adoption. If you are looking for a stable, peaceful, and happy home for your child that is filled with unconditional love and unlimited hope for the future, we would love to email or talk with you so that you can get to know us and so that we can get to know you. We wish you the very best. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-854-0891 |
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We want to express our admiration and respect to you for your courage and strength in considering open adoption for your child. One reason we chose to pursue an open adoption is that Dawn was adopted and understands firsthand the advantages of an open adoption. We welcome you in our child's life to the degree you are comfortable. We are absoultely elated about the prospect of building our family. We look forward to meeting you and getting to know your dreams for your baby. Call us toll-free at 1-888-318-0980 Click here
to send us
email at dawndeniseadopt@gmail.com. Click here to visit our web page. 11172009
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 Tony & Cynthia from CA We are Tony and Cynthia from Berkeley, California. Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn about our desire to expand our family through an open adoption. In July of 2007, we joyfully became parents when our son Benjamin was placed with us through a fully open adoption. We cherish our visits and relationship with all of Ben's birth family and think of them as our own extended family. We are excited to become parents once again and would welcome your child, and you, into our hearts and lives with unconditional love. It is our hope that something in our website will speak to your heart, and that you will find our world a safe and happy place for your child. Call
us toll-free at
1-800-693-0084 Click here
to send us email at tonyandcynthiab@yahoo.com.
Click here to visit our web page. 12072009
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Hi There. We are Lorraine and Frank. We are a childless couple that are looking to provide a financially secure home for your child and of course a TON of love. There will be a stay at home parent at all times. We admire and respect you for making this very tough decision. Please feel free to call us or email us. We look very forward to getting to know you. Call
us at
1-888-5ADOPT5 |
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A happy home is one that is filled with laughter and love. We deeply desire to share with children the love that fills our home. Our promise to you is a happy, secure, and loving home for your baby. Trust your instincts and make the decision that is best for you and your baby. We invite you to learn more about our desire and ability to provide a loving home for a child. Please visit our website at HappyHomeForBaby.com and contact us any time at 877-444-6055. We look forward to a trusting and caring relationship with the birthmother who entrusts a child to us. Call
us at
1-877-444-6055 |
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Hi! We are Matt & Tina. We feel blessed, extremely appreciative and excited to be adopting the future love of our lives! We have a strong committed marriage based on love and respect and we will have the same commitment and love for our child. Our life is wonderful and the only thing missing is a child to share it with. We will love him/her unconditionally, nurture them and encourage them throughout their life. The fact that you are here reveals that you have a loving soul and want the best for baby. No matter what you decide, God bless you for your courage and your love. Thank you for taking the time to read our profile. Call
us toll-free at
1-866-526-4031 |
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I love being an Aunt and am looking forward to being a mom! I am a creative, fun, happy, nurturing woman looking to build my family through open adoption. I can provide a beautiful home, financial security and unconditional love. I'm blessed with a strong family support system who are looking forward to welcoming a new child into our family. I would love to talk to you more about adoption. I can't wait to hear from you! Call
me toll-free at
1-866-836-2155 |
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Dear Birth Mother, We cannot begin to imagine what a difficult time this is for you. A dear friend of ours gave up her child for adoption many years ago and while we don't pretend to know the difficulty in making this important decision, we have seen how much love and self-sacrifice it takes to make this choice for your children. If you choose to allow us to raise your own precious ones, please be confident that they will be embraced not only by us, but by our close circle of family and friends. Call us at
1-813-477-5086 |
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Hello! We are Brad and Michael from San Francisco, California. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our profile and learn a bit about our family. We understand you are making difficult decision and really respect and admire the steps you are taking to find the best home for your child. We're very excited to start growing our family and thrilled with the opportunities surrounding open adoption. Feel free to reach out to us anytime as we'd love the opportunity to speak with you. Call us
toll-free at
1-888-977-6736 |
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We are Charlie and Nancy. We realize that while reading about us, you are faced with a very hard decision. We cannot imagine how difficult it must be to find the right adoptive parents for your baby. We hope our profile will provide a glimpse into our life and the comfort you need to make your choice a bit easier. We respect your strength in considering adoption and intend on being completely open, explaining to your child from an early age that you made your decision with love in your heart. Call us
toll-free at
1-866-953-6670 |
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Hi, we are Tina and Mike and we want to thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We are hopeful about becoming adoptive parents and look forward to learning more about you and your hopes and dreams for your child. We hope that our website gives you a sense of who we are and that we'll provide a loving, fun and stable home for a child. Call us toll-free at 1-877-219-5129 |
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Too much love for only two of us... Hi, we are Kimberly and Anthony. Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about us. We met six years ago and began to make each other happy. Now, we continue to do so as a married couple and we want nothing more than to share that happiness with a baby. The baby we welcome into our lives is promised a lifetime of love, laughter, and guidance with a stay-at-home mom, a close-knit extended family, and other adopted family members. Please visit our website for more of our story. We would love to hear from you! Call
us toll-free at
1-877-293-0562 |
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Welcome. We are Laura and Luis from New York. We decided on adoption as the most beautiful option to form a family, for us and the child. We are a very loving couple and we share both the good and the bad times. We are very supportive of each other and believe together we can make our dreams come true. We have been married for six years and now we are ready to share our love with a baby. We hope this web site will give you a better idea of our lives and what we are like. Thanks for visiting! Call
us toll-free at
1-888-287-0927 |
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Hello, we're Maria and Michael and we want more than anything to adopt a child. We are eager to grow our family and to share our love and our life with children. If you decide that our family is right for you and your child, we promise that your child will know her or his adoption story and the special way we became a family. Call
us at
1-800-513-4914 |
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Hello! We are Colleen and Chung, a school counselor and lawyer from New York. We have been together for nine happy years, and have a strong relationship built on trust, laughter, and lots of love. We lead full and active lives, and are surrounded by loving family and friends. We are so excited to share our life with a child through open adoption, to be given the most loving gift imaginable, and to go through the process with you and be there for you 100%. We understand that this is a challenging time for you, and we wish you the strength and clarity to make the decision that best suits you and your child. To learn more about us, please check out our website or call 1-800-427-2281 anytime. Call
us toll-free at
1-800-427-2281 |
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Hello! We are Vicki and Phil, Thank you for taking a moment to read about us and learn about our dream of growing our family through adoption, a familiar path for Vicki, as she was adopted as a baby. We are blessed with a wonderful relationship, filled with unconditional love, laughter and a zest for living life to the fullest. We are truly ready to parent and share our lives with a child. In our arms your baby will be greatly loved and cherished. If anything you see or read in our online profile connects with you in a special way, please feel free to email or call us toll free anytime. Call
us toll-free at
1-800-891-0336 |
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Hello. We are Mike and Denise from Roswell, Georgia. Thank you for taking the time to read our profile! We can only imagine how much courage and strength it takes to consider adoption. You must be going through a lot right now. We are committed to an open adoption and would like to build a relationship with you based on what you want and are most comfortable with. Call
us toll-free at
1-877-800-8689 |
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We're a fun-loving, financially secure couple. Cindy is an Ex-Kindergarten Teacher, now stay-home mom & Peter is a devoted husband & energetic dad. We enjoy outdoor fun & traveling the world. We have Christian values, an open welcoming family & lots of unconditional LOVE! We admire your loving, selfless decision. Thank you for giving the gift of life to your unborn baby. We are fully licensed to adopt & ready now! Please call to PRIVATELY talk, meet or to learn more about us. We would be happy to stay connected with photos and updates if you would like. Approved expenses paid. Call
us toll-free at
1-800-509-0097 |
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Hello and thank you for taking the time to learn more about us! We're Adam and Earl, a young, energetic couple from beautiful Napa, CA. We are very excited to begin the journey toward parenthood and would feel blessed to provide your child with two devoted parents and a loving home. Raising a child in a fully open adoption is a shared journey and we look forward to creating a healthy ongoing relationship with you and your extended family! Call
us toll-free at
1-877-319-3098 |
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Hi! We are Nicole and Kevin from New York and we are very excited to adopt. We would love to welcome your baby into our warm and loving home. We both have beautiful families with children. Please read our website to learn more about us. Thank you for considering us to adopt your child. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-890-1153 |
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Hello! My name is Beth. Let me start by saying how excited and honored I am to be considered for adoption by you. You are bringing me a miracle, and I thank you for this opportunity to expand my family. I am certain: adopting a child is the most important thing I will do with my life, and protecting and loving the child you are bringing into the world is an amazing gift. I would like to adopt a little boy, girl, or siblings. I have no other children, so this will be my first. I intend to shower this child with love and devotion. I've prepared my home and life for this major change. Please
call me at
1-888-878-7051 |
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Hi, we're Jonathan & Beth from New York City. We have a lot of love in our hearts, and we can't wait to share that love with a child! Please visit our website to learn more about us. We hope it gives you at least some small idea of who we are, what our lives are like, and how we would raise your child. And we'd welcome the chance to talk further with you, about how you're feeling and about your hopes and dreams for your child's future. Call
us toll-free at
1-800-403-8712 Click here to send us
email at jonandbeth2adopt@gmail.com.
Click here to visit our web page. 08212011 |
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Hi,we are Denise and Al. We realize that you are going through a lot right now. If you decide to call, we would never take it for granted that you are automatically choosing us or choosing adoption. It could just be to see how you feel speaking with us and finding out more. We have been together for ten years and happily married for three years. We are happy that we met a bit later in life when we know who we are and what we want and need. We will provide a very stable loving home to your child filled with a lifetime of fun, security, education and joy. Please contact us through A Loving Choice Adoption Associates. Call
us toll-free at
1-800-816-6311 Click here to send us
email at denisearchieal@optonline.net.
Click here to visit our web page. 09132011 |
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Hi! We are Brad and Joey, a San Francisco couple that seeks, through open adoption, to increase the size of our loving family to three! We are good-natured people, close to our own families and friends. We are excited to become parents and eager to build a family that will nurture, love, and educate the child you choose to place with us. We look forward to meeting you, and thank you for taking the time to read more about us. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-853-6990 |
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HI! I'm Lidia and I thank you for taking the time to visit my website. It is impossible for me to understand and know what you are feeling and finding a loving home for your baby through adoption is a courageous decision for you to make. I have always wanted to be a Mom and have a family of my own and I hope that I can through adoption. I would love to be able to share my heart, home & life journey with a child. I promise that your child will be raised in an active, stable home, full of fun, laughter, endless love and supportive guidance. Thank you for getting to know me better. Thank you Lidia Call me toll-free at 1-888-206-2505 |
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Loving, financially secure couple offers teddy bears, bedtime stories, and a lifetime of unconditional love and opportunity. Please call us or visit our website. We look forward to speaking with you and learning about your hopes and dreams for your child. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-476-0118 Click here to send us
email at Family@KathieandKumarAdopt.com.
Click here to visit our web page. 11222011 |
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Hi, we're Gia and Patrick. We know it's impossible to express who we are in so few words, but we hope this glimpse will make you want to know more. We love our life. We have fulfilling jobs as writers, a love of music, books, and great food, and we're surrounded by incredible friends and family. We're here because there's nothing we want more than to share our love and life with a child. Should you choose us to be part of your adoption plan, your child will be well provided for, given a great education, and, most importantly, loved unconditionally and with all our hearts! We hope very much to hear from you soon. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-820-1325 |
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Hello! We are Melissa, Jeff and Siena. Thank you for taking the time learn about us. We are a warm, fun-loving family of 3 who are excited to become a family of 4! We can only imagine the daunting task of selecting a potential adoptive family. We can promise that the baby welcomed into our lives will be showered with love, patiently nurtured and given every opportunity for a joyous life. We would love to get to know you and learn about your dreams for your child. Call
us toll-free at
1-800-828-1687 |
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We are Ben and Sean from New York City. Thank you so much for considering us! We have been together for over 12 years and live an exciting life filled with family and friends and music. Our dream is to raise a child and give him/her a great life with endless possibilities. Please call our toll-free number or email us at the address listed below. Thank you for your time! Call
us toll-free at
1-877-784-6228 |
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Hi, I'm Jenny, a devoted kindergarten teacher for nearly eleven years now. Ever since my pre-school years I knew that I wanted to be a mommy and a teacher. My dreams are only half way realized because I look forward to the day when I can shower love on a little bundle of joy, a child who will be joining a large and loving family! I am one of eight children and have 18 nieces and nephews! Please take a minute to check out my website and get to know me better. If you feel a connection I truly hope to hear from you soon. Call
me toll-free at
1-866-751-3377 |
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Hi! We are James, Stephanie and Grace. We want to thank you for taking the time and giving us this opportunity to introduce ourselves. Your decision to choose adoption must have been a difficult one, but we know the choice you had to make came with love and courage to do what is best for your baby. You can be assured that your child will know that your decision to place him or her with us was made out of love. We promise to give your child a safe, secure, nurturing and loving home with tons of hugs and kisses. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time... Call
us toll-free at
1-888-234-0183 Click here to send us
email at stephanieandjames2@gmail.com
Click here to visit our web page. 01122012 |
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Hi! I'm Wendy and words cannot begin to describe how excited I am about bringing a new baby into my home and family... both of which are filled with unconditional love, respect, acceptance,laughter, hugs, kisses,and fun! I have a huge support system in my family and many, many friends. They are just as excited as I am to make my dream of being a mother come true. Please check out my website to get a glimpse of me and my life. Call me toll-free at 1-866-654-7012 |
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Hi, we are Kris, Sonya, and Maggie from DeSoto, Texas. We appreciate your strength in considering open adoption. Our family is very important to us, and we look forward to expanding our family and building a relationship with you. We hope this gives you a glimpse into our warm home and loving family. Call
us toll-free at
1-888-641-1213 |
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We are Greg and Max from New York City, New York. We can only imagine what you might be going through right now. What we do know is that this decision is very difficult and we both would like you to know that we truly admire your courage. You will likely review many waiting couples that are hoping that you select them; all of these families deserve consideration and whomever you choose, your decision will be the right one. If you decide to select us, your child will be constantly reminded of how much you love them. Call
us toll-free at
1-877-767-9177 |
Starting
Points
- What is open adoption?
- For pregnant women
- For adoptive parents
- Adoption in the News
- How to get listed with us
Our Pledge
At PotentialParents.com we value ALL FAMILIES. Unlike some other adoption sites we will never refuse to work with an adoptive family based on marital status, sexual orientation or gender identification.
We believe...
LOVE MAKES A FAMILY!
We
support the work of the
If you are considering becoming an adoptive parent there are many choices to make before starting the process. A good starting point would be to read the following article by Rumbold & Seidelman, adoption attorneys.
After deciding to build your family through adoption, the next step a prospective adoptive parent confronts is deciding what “kind” of adoption to pursue. Choices abound: Domestic Adoption or International Adoption; Public Agency Adoption or Private Agency Adoption; Agency Adoption or Private Placement Adoption. There is no one “best” method of adoption but rather there are advantages and disadvantages to each method. As a prospective adoptive parent, your task is to select a method of adoption which is most suited to your financial circumstances, your emotional needs and your personality. This article will focus on making the choice between a Domestic adoption through a private agency or through private placement adoption. .
Initially, I want to stress that all adoptions involve the same basic components; for example: educating the adoptive parents regarding the adoption process, determining whether the prospective adoptive parents are qualified to adopt, identifying an adoptive child, obtaining medical and background information , etc.. None of these components should be shortchanged regardless of the kind of adoption you chose. The quality of the service provided to the adoptive parents and birth parents should not vary based on the method of adoption chosen but may be affected by the ethics and expertise of the professionals performing the service.
Fundamentally, the difference between an agency and private placement adoption is that in an agency adoption, the agency acts as an intermediary between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. In a private placement adoption, there is no intermediary between the birth parents and adoptive parents. For this reason private placement adoption is often referred to as direct adoption; the plan for the adoption is made directly between the birth and adoptive parents.
In an agency adoption, the agency has mandated policies and procedures governing the adoption process and the adoptive parents are required to comply with those pre-established agency requirements. While some agency policies are dictated by state regulations, there are many areas in which the agencies have discretion in their approach. Consequently, an agency’s adoption procedures may vary based on the staff’s determination as to best adoption practices. This is especially true as it relates to issues of the level and degree of communication with birth parents both before and after the adoptive placement.
In a private placement adoption, the adoptive parents undertake to perform many of the required functions themselves, with the assistance of their attorney and independent contractors (i.e. social workers, psychologists, and advertising consultants) retained to perform services as needed.
* It tends to be less expensive (no agency fee is required)
The difficulty of choosing between methods of adoption varies greatly between people. For some, the inability to pay the agency fee alone may dictate their decision. Many others have an immediate, emotional reaction to each method and/or their personalities dictate the choice. For example, some adoptive parents choose to pursue private placement adoption because they have the time and emotional energy to devote to the process, they are comfortable or even relish the opportunity for direct communication with potential birth parents, they do not want to wait the delays inherent in the agency adoption process and they do not want agency adoption policies impacting on the manner in which the adoption is conducted. By contrast, some potential adoptive parents choose to pursue and agency adoption because by they time they reach the decision to adopt they have already walked a long and difficult path. These people are comforted by the knowledge that the professionals they have selected will take charge of the process for them and that the process will be conducted in an ethical and secure fashion which effectively addresses both their needs and the needs of the potential birth parents.
Of course, these are broad generalizations and there are exceptions to every generalization made. However, these broad considerations should be useful as a first step in your inquiry into these two methods of adoption. In conclusion, no one method of adoption is superior; it is merely a question of choosing the path to adoption best suited to your individual circumstances.
For further info we suggest vising the Rumbold & Seidelman website at AdoptionLawNY.com.
Practicing as Rumbold & Seidelman since 1996, Denise Seidelman and Nina E. Rumbold concentrate their practice almost exclusively in the areas of adoption and reproductive law. They are licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey. Nina and Denise are experienced in all aspects of adoption law and have handled the full panoply of adoptions, including domestic private-placement adoptions, domestic agency adoptions (including adoptions of children in foster care), international agency adoption, and step-parent adoptions. They also focus their practice in the evolving field of reproductive law and have counseled Intended Parents, Egg, Sperm, Embryo Donors and Gestational Carriers in collaborative reproduction arrangements. They are both members of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In addition to their law practice, Nina and Denise are trained mediators and serve as mediators in the fields of Child Permanency and Parent Child Mediation.
Nina was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1979 and Denise was admitted in 1980. Both Nina and Denise started their legal careers working as criminal defense attorneys for the New York City Legal Aid Society, where they each tried numerous criminal cases to verdict and Nina also handled criminal appeals. Nina has two sons, ages 21 and 18 and a daughter aged 16. Denise has two sons, aged 21 and 17 and a daughter aged 18.
What is Open Adoption?
Open
adoption is a term generally used to describe a variety of
arrangements allowing for ongoing
contact between
members of the 'adoption
triad' (adoptive family, birth family, and adopted child). The level of
openness in any relationship varies widely. Degrees of open
arrangements span from mediated contact, which implies letters and
photographs sent through a third party (so that the adoptive family can
maintain privacy), to fulll disclosure of the adoptive family's
personal information. In fully open adoptions, there is actual physical
contact, through meetings and visits between the birth family and the
adoptive family. Sometimes an adoption agency may describe an adoption
as 'open' when the birth-mother (and/or birth-father) may have a say or
may make the actual decision on who is chosen to parent their child,
though this is not the generally accepted definition.
An adoption where the adoptive and birth parents do not become aware of each others' identities and where only medical and historical information is given to the adoptive parents is known as a closed adoption.
PotentialParents.com highly recommends
the services of:
and
Pregnant? Have questions about open adoption?
The following answers to FAQs posed by pregnant women considering an adoption plan were supplied by Friends in Adoption, a leading adoption agency specializing in open adoption.
What Choices Do I Have in Adoption?
You have many choices in adoption! If you decide on adoption, you and the adoptive family will make the decision that will make your adoption unique and personal.
Just as every person is different, every adoption is different. The adoption will be defined as yours by the choices you make. You may decide to place your child with a family of a particular Race or Religion or it may not matter to you at all. You may want to meet with the family who will adopt your baby, or you may just want to talk with them over the phone. You may want to place your baby with a family who does not have children, or a family who already has children. The things you feel are important will shape your adoption plan. All adoption plans are as unique and different as the people who make them.
Why Don't Some People Think That Adoption is OK?
Adoption has changed a lot in the past few years. In the past, people often thought of adoption as a secret that shouldn't be discussed once the child was placed with an adoptive family. Happily, adoption is now being viewed in a positive way that looks at the needs of the birth parents, the child they are considering placing, and the adoptive parents they are choosing.
We are looking more at the needs of those involved in the adoption and how to make it work. We believe that adoption planning needs to be focused on the best interests of the child, and we are committed to "child-centered adoption". At Friends In Adoption, we are concerned with making sure that you have the information and support you need to make a decision you can feel comfortable with.
What if I Don't Have Medical Insurance?/How Will I Pay my Medical Bills?
These are both very common questions. There are many social and federal organizations that are designed to help you. If you do not qualify for these programs or if the resources are unavailable to you, it is possible that the prospective adoptive parents may assist in paying for your prenatal care and delivery costs. It depends on the adoption laws in your state.
What Are My Legal Rights in Adoption?
As a birth parent, you need to be fully informed of your rights before your child is born. The baby remains yours until you decide to relinquish your rights and place the baby with adoptive parents. In most states you will appear before a judge in completely neutral surroundings so that he or she can determine that you understand exactly what you are doing before you sign the adoption papers. The agency or attorney who you are working with should explain this to you ahead of time, and everything should be done to be sure that you are clear and comfortable with the adoption.
Do I Have to Tell The Father of My Baby? Who Else Should I Tell?
Fathers have rights too, and we address the issue of birth fathers in every adoption. Every effort needs to be made to include the birth father and/or account for his role in the adoption planning process. It secures the adoption for the child and for you.
It is hard to decide who else you can share this with. It is scary to think of telling your parents or friends, but these are sometimes the people who offer the best support since they already know you. It is up to you to decide whom you want to tell, but know that we are here to give you support or an unbiased opinion in the decisions you make.
What Happens After Placement?
Your adoption plan should/will address the need for contact after placement. It is important for you to know that your child will be secure and well taken care of, and your child needs to know he or she is as loved by those who placed him/her as those who will care for him/her. How you choose to do this and how often you keep in contact is up to you. Future contact may be important to help you feel good about the decision that you are making, as well as to secure the child's history and place in this world.
If you choose to place your child for adoption, you will need some time to adjust to the changes it will bring. You can use this time to develop a fresh outlook and make plans for the future. This can be a beneficial time for you, and we can provide an objective viewpoint during this time to help to put your new ideas to work.
What if My Baby is Not Healthy?
This is clearly the worst nightmare of any parent, whether it be a birth parent or adoptive parents. Everyone needs special care and support in a time of crisis, and we are here for you 24 hours day. Some families may not be ready to bear the added financial burden, but there are many who are ready, willing, and capable of parenting a handicapped or health-impaired infant. Good prenatal care is vital in order to do everything possible to ensure a healthy baby. Seeing a doctor as soon as you can may ensure an easier delivery, and increase the chances for you to have a healthy baby.
How Much Contact Will I Have? As Time Passes, Will it Change?
The amount of contact you have after placement is something that you and the prospective adoptive parents should work out ahead of time to insure that feelings will not get hurt after placement. It is important that birth parents and adoptive parents each know what their responsibilities will be before and after placement. It is important to know "where you stand". Therefore, you need to weigh your decisions carefully. Counseling is a very important part of your decision making process, It helps you to search within your heart, to identify your needs and to make a decision that you can feel right about.
For more information we recommend you contact Friends in Adoption , an adoption attorney or licensed agency in your area.
Considering growing your family through open adoption?
If you are considering becoming an adoptive parent there are many choices to make before starting the process. A good starting point would be to read the following article by Rumbold & Seidelman, adoption attorneys.
Adoption Option:
Making the Choice between Domestic Agency and Private Placement Adoption
by Denise Seidelman
and Nina E. Rumbold
Making the Choice between Domestic Agency and Private Placement Adoption
by Denise Seidelman
and Nina E. Rumbold
After deciding to build your family through adoption, the next step a prospective adoptive parent confronts is deciding what “kind” of adoption to pursue. Choices abound: Domestic Adoption or International Adoption; Public Agency Adoption or Private Agency Adoption; Agency Adoption or Private Placement Adoption. There is no one “best” method of adoption but rather there are advantages and disadvantages to each method. As a prospective adoptive parent, your task is to select a method of adoption which is most suited to your financial circumstances, your emotional needs and your personality. This article will focus on making the choice between a Domestic adoption through a private agency or through private placement adoption. .
Initially, I want to stress that all adoptions involve the same basic components; for example: educating the adoptive parents regarding the adoption process, determining whether the prospective adoptive parents are qualified to adopt, identifying an adoptive child, obtaining medical and background information , etc.. None of these components should be shortchanged regardless of the kind of adoption you chose. The quality of the service provided to the adoptive parents and birth parents should not vary based on the method of adoption chosen but may be affected by the ethics and expertise of the professionals performing the service.
Fundamentally, the difference between an agency and private placement adoption is that in an agency adoption, the agency acts as an intermediary between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. In a private placement adoption, there is no intermediary between the birth parents and adoptive parents. For this reason private placement adoption is often referred to as direct adoption; the plan for the adoption is made directly between the birth and adoptive parents.
In an agency adoption, the agency has mandated policies and procedures governing the adoption process and the adoptive parents are required to comply with those pre-established agency requirements. While some agency policies are dictated by state regulations, there are many areas in which the agencies have discretion in their approach. Consequently, an agency’s adoption procedures may vary based on the staff’s determination as to best adoption practices. This is especially true as it relates to issues of the level and degree of communication with birth parents both before and after the adoptive placement.
In a private placement adoption, the adoptive parents undertake to perform many of the required functions themselves, with the assistance of their attorney and independent contractors (i.e. social workers, psychologists, and advertising consultants) retained to perform services as needed.
WHY SOME PEOPLE CHOOSE
PRIVATE PLACEMENT ADOPTION
* It tends to be less expensive (no agency fee is required)
- * The process of becoming qualified as an adoptive parent can be more quickly and easily accomplished
- * Adoptive placements tend to occur more quickly because the adoptive parents have more control over the process of seeking out and identifying a potential adoptive child
- * The adoptive parents, with the guidance of their attorney, have more control in directing the various aspects of the adoption process
- * The adoptive parents look forward to the opportunity to have direct communication with the potential birth parents in the hope that this positive relationship will extend past the adoptive placement.
WHY SOME PEOPLE PURSUE AN
AGENCY ADOPTION
- * Once the agency qualification requirements have been completed the adoptive parents look forward to being able to emotionally distance themselves from the process until the time a child is actually identified
- * The Adoptive Parents personal schedules do not afford them the opportunity to direct the adoptive process or receive calls from potential birth parents
- * The adoptive parents are uncomfortable speaking directly with potential birth parents either because they feel they wouldn’t know what to say or because the process of receiving the phone calls would be too emotionally draining
- * The adoptive parents feel that the agency’s expertise and its established policies and procedures will make the process more secure
- * The adoptive parents do not have the confidence that they will successfully identify a potential adoptive child themselves
The difficulty of choosing between methods of adoption varies greatly between people. For some, the inability to pay the agency fee alone may dictate their decision. Many others have an immediate, emotional reaction to each method and/or their personalities dictate the choice. For example, some adoptive parents choose to pursue private placement adoption because they have the time and emotional energy to devote to the process, they are comfortable or even relish the opportunity for direct communication with potential birth parents, they do not want to wait the delays inherent in the agency adoption process and they do not want agency adoption policies impacting on the manner in which the adoption is conducted. By contrast, some potential adoptive parents choose to pursue and agency adoption because by they time they reach the decision to adopt they have already walked a long and difficult path. These people are comforted by the knowledge that the professionals they have selected will take charge of the process for them and that the process will be conducted in an ethical and secure fashion which effectively addresses both their needs and the needs of the potential birth parents.
Of course, these are broad generalizations and there are exceptions to every generalization made. However, these broad considerations should be useful as a first step in your inquiry into these two methods of adoption. In conclusion, no one method of adoption is superior; it is merely a question of choosing the path to adoption best suited to your individual circumstances.
For further info we suggest vising the Rumbold & Seidelman website at AdoptionLawNY.com.
Practicing as Rumbold & Seidelman since 1996, Denise Seidelman and Nina E. Rumbold concentrate their practice almost exclusively in the areas of adoption and reproductive law. They are licensed to practice in both New York and New Jersey. Nina and Denise are experienced in all aspects of adoption law and have handled the full panoply of adoptions, including domestic private-placement adoptions, domestic agency adoptions (including adoptions of children in foster care), international agency adoption, and step-parent adoptions. They also focus their practice in the evolving field of reproductive law and have counseled Intended Parents, Egg, Sperm, Embryo Donors and Gestational Carriers in collaborative reproduction arrangements. They are both members of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In addition to their law practice, Nina and Denise are trained mediators and serve as mediators in the fields of Child Permanency and Parent Child Mediation.
Nina was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1979 and Denise was admitted in 1980. Both Nina and Denise started their legal careers working as criminal defense attorneys for the New York City Legal Aid Society, where they each tried numerous criminal cases to verdict and Nina also handled criminal appeals. Nina has two sons, ages 21 and 18 and a daughter aged 16. Denise has two sons, aged 21 and 17 and a daughter aged 18.
Adoption in the News
About Us
PotentialParents.com
was
founded in the Spring of 2005 after the adoption of our beautiful and
amazing
daughter. A “waiting
family”
for
over two and a half years, we were
involved in networking efforts designed to locate a birth family in
every medium
you can imagine, be it print ads, agency group advertising projects,
the yellow
pages, and the Internet. After
navigating the various adoption sites on the Internet, it became
apparent that
there was a need for a site that provided quality
networking and web design services
for a
reasonable price.
After
all, more
and more connections leading to adoption plans are being made via the
Internet. PotentialParents.com strives to be that site. By firsthand experience, we understand that adoption networking can be very expensive. We’d rather you save the money for your future child and all those unexpected expenses than spend it on more advertising. That’s why we offer options like “list until you adopt” and web design packages at significantly lower prices than other sites.
We hope you’ll consider giving us a try as you continue on your adoption journey. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us. We wish you the best of luck and hope that you make that “special connection” soon.
Sincerely,
Cliff Schlosser Loretto
Founder, PotentialParents.com
SUCCESS!
Congratulations to the following families who have recently adopted:
Jonathan & Rebecca
Earl & Sean from MD
Meg & Dave from NY
Conio & Cliff from NY
Joe & Sherri Ann from NY
Rachael, Rossiya & Ella
from NY
Ross, J. & Connor from MD
Todd & David from TX
Barbara & Roy from CA
Received on 7.09.08 via email:
"We have adopted a beautiful, healthy baby boy."
Lauren & Caroline from NY
Received on 7.02.08 via email:
"We have adopted a beautiful girl, Abigail!"
Stephen, Carmela & Maribelle
from NY
Received on 7.02.08 via email:
"Hello Cliff!
We
have adopted a beautiful baby boy! Luke Nickolas was born on May 23rd
in New Jersey and we adopted him at birth. We are home now and
Maribelle is loving him to pieces - as are we! Thank you so
much for your service, it is wonderful! Please move us to the
successful adoptions side of the website!
Thanks,
Carmela,
Stephen and Maribelle from NY"
John & Noreen from NY
Elizabeth & Paul from CA
It's a boy! Baby Domenic born 4.15.08
An internet match
Tom & Carl from NY
It's a boy! Luke Thomas born 4.8.08
Jill & Marion from NY
Congratulations! An agency match.
Tim & Christine from CA
It's a girl! - a Coop Adopt match
March 2008
Tony & Cynthia from CA
Baby boy, Benjamin - Internet match
Karen & Barry from CA
Karen and Barry Williams - Baby boy, Hayden - Friends & Family match
Ken
& Nancy from NC
Baby boy, Hugh - CoopAdopt match
Baby boy, Hugh - CoopAdopt match
John, Karen & Gavin from CA
Congratulations to John Karen & Gavin.
They have adopted a baby boy.
Tim & Brett from CA
Congratulations to Tim & Brett
on the adoption of Baby Olivia!!
Andy & Saran from CA
via e-mail on 10/28/07:
"Just wanted to let you know that we have adopted! Our little fella Eoin is home to stay and we are very excited. Thanks for the wonderful service you guys have given us in the last year."
Peter, Traci & Brendan from NY
via e-mail...
"We are so excited to tell you that we
have been blessed with a beautiful, sweet baby girl who makes our family complete! :)
As with our son, Brendan, we got the call out of no where and arrived home later the same day with our little miracle.
Her name is Kyra Elizabeth.
Born 8/4/07; Home 8/6/07.
Big Brother is thrilled and so are we!"
Denise & Dave from CA
Congratulations!!!
Dave and Denise have adopted
a son, Zachary!!!!!
A PotentialParents.com match!
Tony & Cynthia from CA
Its
a boy!
Benjamin
George Norris Barlow.
Born
7/27/07
(Internet
match)
Bridget & Joshua from RI
have adopted!
Chris & Deb from NY have
adopted a baby girl.
John, Kathy & Aaron from NY have adopted.
Joanne, Jerry & Jacqueline from NY
via e-mail...
"I just wanted to share the
good news and tell you that you
can move us to the "Success Story"
section of your site. Our match
came from a newspaper ad, but
we enjoyed being part of the
Potential Parents "family" for
the months that we were listed on
your site.
We became parents to a beautiful baby
girl born on May 20, 2007. She is healthy
and perfect and we feel so blessed to have been chosen as her parents.
Thank you again for your help!"
Jerry & Rian from CA
via email...
"We just wanted to let you know that our daughter, Sophie, was born on
April 15th. She's absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way. We are so happy and can't thank you enough. It was your website that connected us with our birthmother."
A PotentialParents.com match!
Robert, Penny & Cody from NY
have adopted a baby boy born on 2-13-07
Robin & Greg from NJ
have adopted a baby boy born on 2-13-07
Carol & Chris have adopted.
Tom & Melissa from PA
have adopted a beautiful baby girl.
Geoffrey & Gary from NY
have adopted a boy, Anthony Joseph.
Beth & Lou from CA have adopted.
Trish, Gina & Avery from PA
are head over heels with the arrival of sweet, little Finn.
Michael, Dawn & Cody from PA
have a dopted a babya boy, Michael Garrett.
Angela & John from NC have adopted a son.
Sherri from NY has adopted a son, Zachary.
Deanna from IN has adopted a son, Tyler Richard.
Tim & Terry from WI have a dopted a baby boy, Joshua Dale.
Leila & Hank from NC have adopted a beautiful baby girl, Julia Anne.
Matt & Jason from CA have adopted.
Tod & Tom from MI have adopted.
How to Get Listed with Us
Getting
listed with PotentialParents.com is fast, easy and most of all
affordable.
If you are a prospective adoptive parent who is home-study approved and currently working with an adoption professional such as an adoption attorney or agency you are eligible to list on our site.
If you are a prospective adoptive parent who is home-study approved and currently working with an adoption professional such as an adoption attorney or agency you are eligible to list on our site.
To
learn more about the services we offer and to sign up, click here!