Types of Adoption in Oregon

December 30th, 2024
Posted By
Sarah M. Litowich
Child girl having fun with her mothers using mobile phone sitting on house steps outdoors
Adoption can be a wonderful way to expand your family and open your home to a child who needs one. However, the process can often feel overwhelming with so many different pathways that you can take. It’s important to be familiar with the different avenues for pursuing legal adoption to determine how to make the right decision for your family — and a lifelong commitment to the child you will be welcoming. There are several types of adoption to consider in Oregon:

Private Agency Adoption

In a private agency adoption, a birthparent goes to an agency and requests that they find adoptive parents for their biological child. In these types of adoption, the birthparent may choose to be involved and help to select the family, but they do not have to be. Once the mother has recovered from the effects of giving birth, she may sign a certificate of irrevocability to make the adoption final. This certificate cannot be revoked once the child has been placed with their adoptive family. A biological father may also be required to consent to the adoption, unless paternity was not established, he abandoned the child, or is deemed unfit.

Independent Adoption

With an independent adoption, the birthparent arranges the adoption directly with the adoptive parent — there is no agency involvement. For instance, an adoptive parent may find a pregnant mother who is placing her child for adoption through advertising or networking. Independent adoption can also be carried out by a relative or friend if the child’s biological parents are unable to care for them. The adoption process is then completed with the assistance of an attorney or an agency. As with other types of adoption, a home study is still required in an independent adoption.

Public Agency Adoption

There are many children in the foster care system throughout Oregon who are waiting to be placed in loving homes. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) facilitates adoptions of children in foster care when it would not be possible for a child to return safely to their biological parents. While the ODHS considers relatives first when placing a child in foster care for adoption, the child can be adopted by a family who has completed an approved adoption home study if none are found.

International Adoption

International adoption refers to the legal process of adopting a child from another country. Due to the regulatory challenges, legal obstacles, and travel restrictions that may be involved, international adoption can sometimes be more challenging than domestic adoption. While many adoptions overseas require you to follow the regulations of the Hague Convention, adoption from non-Hague countries is also possible. If you choose to adopt from another country, it’s essential to consider several things. After you choose the country where you would like to adopt from, you should evaluate their adoption laws and the costs involved with the process. When adopting from overseas, you will have to factor in not only the legal costs of the adoption, but also travel expenses — especially if you will be required to visit the country several times. You should also take the time to understand the child’s heritage and culture to help them form a strong sense of identity.

Stepparent Adoption

Stepparent adoption is one of the most common types of adoption in Oregon. It allows a stepparent to have all the legal rights and responsibilities that come with raising a child. In addition, formalizing the bond with a stepparent can give a child a sense of security, establish inheritance rights, and allow the child to take advantage of their stepparent’s health insurance — as well as any administrative benefits they receive. Unless a stepchild is adopted, a stepparent cannot legally make decisions for the child or obtain medical care for them if the biological parent is not available.

Adult Adoption

Adult adoption is a process that allows an adult to legally adopt someone who has reached the age of majority. Unlike other types of adoption, the consent of the biological parent is not needed — the only consent required is that of the individual being adopted. There can be many motivations for adult adoption, including inheritance purposes or sentimental reasons. A person might also want to formalize a relationship with a stepparent or foster parent who cared for them through the years. Additionally, adult adoption can allow a person to legally care for someone over 18 with a physical or mental disability.

Contact an Experienced Oregon Adoption Attorney

If you’re considering adoption, it’s vital to have a knowledgeable attorney who can discuss your options and guide you through the legal process. Based in Salem, Litowich Law provides trusted representation to prospective adoptive stepparents throughout Oregon for various types of adoption. We welcome you to contact us for a consultation.
Categories: Adoption