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Alexis Muir
Professor Rebecca Miner
English 1010
19 July 2016

Adoption
When you think of adoption you are probably thinking that it is a hard process
and that it will take years before you can start a family. In some instances this is true, the
process you go through is lengthy. Although adoption has a purpose to why it is such a
long process. In my research of adoption I found the qualifications needed in order to be
considered for adoption. There are three main types of adoption; open adoption, closed
adoption, and semi-open adoption. Adoption is a second chance for those that want a
family. When dealing with adoption there are many people involved to make sure that it
is a smooth transition. The affects of adoption draw heavily on the adoptive parents,
biological parents and most of all the children involved.
Even though these requirements vary by state, some states requiring marriage for
2-3 years before they are eligible to jointly adopt. Medical health needs to be physically
stable, with the expectation to live a majority of the childs life. Emotional health is also
taken into consideration. History of child abuse and criminal history, your record requires
being clear of any criminal acts, especially domestic or child abuse. Marital history varies
by state, although some may also allow single individuals to adopt, as well as same sex
couples. Having financial security is something that adoption agencies look into, the cost
of adoption is quite steep, Such cost vary, and depending on the type of adoption, the

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type of agency used, whether they adopt domestically or internationally, and so on.
According to the National Survey of Adoptive Parents (NSAP), about a third of all
adoptions cost nothing. This pertains mostly to adoptions from foster care. On the other
hand, 20 percent of private adoptions cost between $10,000 and $20,000 and another 12
percent cost more that $20,000. (Strong & Cohen 3) Home environment is a factor to
adopting, as well as have parenting education.
Social workers and counselors are professionals who specialize in adoption. They
also help place children who have been legally separated from their birth parents into a
new family. They deal with domestic and international adoptions and the legal
requirements. Although requirements vary, license is mandatory. Rewards and challenges
go hand in hand, but the overall objective is to help children find good homes.
When you are searching for adoption agencies there are many web sites such as;
americanadopotions.com, lifetimeadioption.com and many more that have success
stories, and blogs about the families that they have helped throughout the years. This
poem of adoption is shared with other families that are going through the same struggle.
This is one that I found to be most popular:
Legacy of an Adopted Child
Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The fist one gave you life and the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love. The second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality. The other gave you a name.
One gave you a talent. The other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions. The other calmed your fears.

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One saw your first sweet smile. The other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.
And how you ask me, through your tears,
The age-old question unanswered through the years.
Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling. Neither. Just tow different kinds of love.
Before the 2000s adoption was a different story, many adoptions were closed, not
knowing where your child would grow up or even turn out to be. Now more than before
open adoption was the norm, being able to see pictures of their child growing up
sometimes visits or phone calls. Giving your child up for adoption doesnt mean you
dont love them it is an option for you to give them a better life and giving another family
a second chance to having their own family.
Open Adoption is where there is contact between the adoptive family and the
biological family. This is becoming the most popular way of adoption. This also varies by
state whether they prohibit private adoptions, or are supportive of it. Estimates indicate
that 55 percent of adoptions are fully open, 40 percent are mediated, and only 5 percent
are closed adoptions. (Strong & Cohen 3) Open adoption situations vary with each
family, how they have contact, and the relationship they develop with one another. The
advantages to having open adoption are great; children are able to gain a sense of who
they are by knowing their adoptive story. Studies show that adopted children grow up to
be as happy and healthy as their peers. (American Adoption 5) Also benefiting from a
healthy relationship with their biological parents.
Closed adoption becoming less of a norm by birth mothers and the adoptive
families. Prior to the 1980s, it was common practice to keep adoptions closed.

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Oftentimes, women facing unexpected pregnancies would temporarily move to another
location, have their babies, and return home. The doctor or a child-placing agency would
then find an adoptive family, unbeknownst to the birth mother. Clearly, this led to various
complications in each of their lives, especially for the adopted child. (American
Adoption 5) Having more negatives that positives, close adoptions is not the best interest
of the child. Disadvantages to not knowing what your story can have an effect on the
childs psychological and emotional state.
Semi-open adoption is the in between category of open and close adoption, that
being exchange of non-identifiable information. Research is the best thing to do when
considering your options. Many times agencies leave the decision of what type of
relationship they want to have with the adoptive family.
Adoption all around affects everyone involved, adoptive parents, biological
parents and the child. All are to different extents and levels of emotional distress.
Adoptive parents may have gone through the struggles of not being able to conceive a
child naturally. Adoption is another option for a loving family. With adoption you risk the
chance of that possibility of it falling through different circumstances, a major one due to
the biological parents changing their mind. This is always a possibility and puts the
adoptive parents in a position of distress and emotional discomfort. Then you have the
biological parents that are giving their child up for whatever reason, young pregnancy,
lack of financial means, single parenting being undesirable, and sometimes culture or
religion. Children are the ones that suffer the most in either of the situations; research has
shown that children often do better with open adoption. Due to the circumstances that
make the situation complex, while growing up is a tricky for everybody, issues inherent

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in adoption bring additional layers of complexity on identity formation. Parents of
adoptive children should support children by allowing them to recognize and experience
their feelings. (Di Lisi 6)
In conclusion, adoptive parents, biological parents and children are highly
affected by the process but greatly benefit in one way or another. Even though adoption
can be a tough decision it is a wonderful alternative for everyone involved. It gives the
biological parents a second option for their unborn child, and adoptive parents a second
chance at having a family. The decision to go with open adoption, closed adoption, and
semi-open adoption can impact how everyone involved, but initially should be in the best
interest of the child.

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Works Cited
"What Does an Adoption Social Worker Do?" Social Work Degree Guide. Web. 22 July
2016.
Yang, Hannah. Adoptions help complete loving families. Post-Bulletin (Rochester,
MN) 18 March 2016: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 22 July 2016
Strong, Bryan, and Theodore F. Cohen. The Marriage and Family Experience: Intimate
Relationships in a Changing Society. Print.
"Poetry for People Touched by Adoption - Lifetime Adoption." Lifetime Adoption Poetry
for People Touched by Adoption Comments. Web. 22 July 2016.
"American Adoptions -- America's Adoption Agency." American Adoptions. Web. 22 July
2016.
Di Lisi, Silvia. Review Of the Open-Hearted Way To Adoption. Helping
Your Child Growing Up Whole. Journal Of Child And Family Studies 24.5
(2015): 1519-1522 PsycINFO. Web. 22 July 2016