The Adoption Process

Phase One

1. Contact ARCS for an Open Adoption Info kit.
2. Complete background information booklet, All About You.
3. Meet with an adoption worker to discuss the adoption process and options.
4. Meet with the adoption worker to discuss characteristics wanted in adoptive parents.
5. Meet with the adoption worker to discuss the kind of adoption relationship desired – open, closed or semi-open.
6. Meet with the adoption worker to discuss hospital and placement plans.
7. Review birthparent letters of all couples on ARCS’ waiting list.
8. Select at least 3 couples to seriously consider.
9. Review the longer profiles of these 3 couples.
10. Decide whether to interview one couple or all three couples.
11. Hold interview or interviews with birthparent counsellor.
12. Choose adoptive parents for your child.
13. Arrange to get to know the adoptive parents.
14. Introduce the adoptive parents to your important family members and friends.
15. Meet with licensee and adoptive parents to create an open adoption agreement.
16. Continue to get to know the adoptive parents until your baby is born.

Phase Two

1. Spend time with the baby in the hospital.
2. Place baby with the adoptive parents.
3. Sign adoption consent forms.
4. First visit – visit the baby and adoptive parents in their home.
5. Meet important relatives and friends of adoptive parents.
6. Continue to connect and visit with adoptive parents and child.

Phase Three

1. Rebuild your life.
2. Learn how to be a birthparent – an important relative – to your child.
3. Counselling can play an important role in helping you do this.