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What Is FIA's approach to adoption?
FIA believes and practices compassionate adoption, meeting the unique needs of EVERYONE involved in the process. FIA views adoption as a TEAM effort with all parties working towards the common goal of doing what is best for the baby. FIA believes adoption is a LIFELONG process that deserves serious, thoughtful consideration. In addition, FIA believes that you as prospective adoptive parents have the right to disclosure of all medical information that FIA has received.
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How do we begin the process?
Before you make a decision about whether FIA is right for you, we feel that it is important for you to understand who we are, how we work, what we expect from clients, and how we view the adoption process. The workshop will give you a chance to meet our staff, ask questions, and relax in a casual setting while considering whether adoption is right for you. Therefore, attendance at one of our Get Acquainted Workshops (GAW) is mandatory.
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How long does an adoption with FIA usually take?
The time period until you have a baby in your home averages 18 months. This time period is measured from the time your file is complete and you become an active client with FIA. Because a pregnant woman/couple often chooses the adoptive parents, FIA has no control over that time period.
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What is the average cost of an adoption through FIA?
The cost of an adoption averages between $19,000 and $30,000. Costs generally incurred by the adopting couple/single are: agency fee, counseling fees, legal fees, telephone and travel expenses, and in some cases medical expenses (unless the pregnant woman is covered by insurance or Medicaid) and/or reasonable living expenses for the pregnant woman as allowed by individual state laws. Adopting families can make adopting more affordable through federal adoption tax credits and/or corporate employee benefits. For additional information on making adoption more affordable, please speak to your tax advisor.
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Do you have to be a certain age or religion to adopt through FIA?
No! FIA looks for a serious commitment from the couple/single who wants to adopt. We are proud of the diversity of the adopting families we can present to a pregnant woman/couple and encourage active participation from all parties involved in the adoption planning.
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What is open adoption and are all adoptions through FIA open?
Open adoption simply means there is an ongoing direct relationship between the child and the birth family. Most adoptions through FIA are semi-open which means that the connection between the adoptive family and the birth family is maintained through letters and photographs exchanged through FIA. Recently, FIA has seen an increase in requests for a once a year visit, generally at its annual picnic.
As part of the home study process, you will discuss the level of openness in which you are willing to participate. Although the level of contact is often an evolving process, it is important that you are comfortable with whatever post-placement contact you choose. We have a wide range of openness offered by our waiting adoptive families and are happy to discuss with you the issue of post-placement contact. In addition, many FIA families are also willing to discuss the contact they have with their child's birth family and to answer any questions you may have.
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Is FIA a licensed, not-for-profit agency?
Yes, FIA is a not-for-profit adoption agency licensed in Vermont, New Jersey and Rhode Island; a New York State authorized agency and approved in Connecticut. We work primarily with clients throughout the northeastern United States who are seeking to adopt.
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How old are the children that are placed for adoption?
While FIA is licensed to place children of any age, it primarily places newborns.
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What states do the children come from?
FIA is licensed for domestic adoption. FIA works with pregnant women/couples from all over the United States. The majority of the pregnant women/couples we work with come from the northeastern United States.
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Can I specify the gender of the child?
No! Our families often work with a pregnant woman for months and the pregnant woman becomes very attached to a particular adoptive family. Because gender testing has no guarantee and because of FIA's commitment to compassionate adoption, FIA's clients are not allowed to specify gender.
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What if we are working with a pregnant woman and the baby is born with medical problems?
We discuss this possibility ahead of time with everyone involved in the adoption planning. We explain that there is no obligation on the part of the adopting family to adopt a baby unless they are 100% committed to parenting the child. Any money spent towards a particular adoption is NOT refundable. However, your agency fee is good until you have a baby in your home. FIA continues to work with you until this happens. If the adopting family decides against the placement, FIA would continue to work with the birth family to find an appropriate adoptive family for the baby.
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