Washington Foster Care Adoption Lawyer — Seattle Adoption Agency Attorney
If you are considering a private or a state agency adoption, our law firm can explain to you the differences between the two and help you determine which type of adoption will be best for you and your adoptive child. Knowing all of your options and being well represented by an attorney can help make adoption the celebratory process it has every right to be.
At the law office of Ridgway and Gafken, P.S., Lisa W. Gafken represents families in adoption matters throughout the Puget Sound area. We take a pragmatic and caring approach to working with our adoption clients and always provide highly personalized services. When you work with us, you can always expect professional, compassionate legal representation.
Is a Private Agency Adoption Right for Me?
The State Department of Social and Health Services licenses private adoption agencies in Washington. While they are all licensed through the state, each private agency is different in its approach and its requirements for adoptive parents. Some agencies restrict adoptions based on marital status, religion, adoptive parent age or other criteria.
In most private adoptions, the birth mother is involved in the adoption process and the choice of adoptive family. She may request a closed adoption or want an open adoption, and it is up to the adoptive parents to determine what they want and feel comfortable with. It is important for adoptive families to understand all of their options and fully understand what it means to choose an open adoption with a private agency. We are here to help you understand your options and assist you in choosing what is right for your family.
What Are State Adoptions (Foster Care Adoptions)?
Foster care adoptions involve the state's Division of Children and Family Services, a division of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). In a foster care adoption (or state adoption), the division has removed the baby or the child from the birth parent's home because of neglect, abuse or other problems that put the child at risk of harm. If the birth parent is unable to solve the problems that caused the child to be removed, his or her parental rights will be terminated, and the child becomes legally free, or available for adoption.
At this point, it is possible for the child to be legally adopted by an adoptive family. The Division of Children and Family Services offers many programs that can help streamline the process of adoption for an adoptive family, including a Washington foster adoption program. In this program, you can be licensed as a foster family and simultaneously undergo a home study.
Once the birth parents' parental rights have been terminated, the adoptive parents may proceed with the adoption of the child. It is important at this point for the adoptive parents to have legal representation. Lisa W. Gafken can guide the adoptive parents through the adoption process with compassion.
Talk With a Seattle Agency Adoption Attorney Who Cares
To discuss your concerns and learn more about how we can help you in your adoption journey, please call to talk with a knowledgeable adoption attorney at 206-973-3479. Feel free to email us to schedule a meeting or with your questions. All consultations are confidential.
