Congratulations! You have already begun the application process by requesting a packet. You will need to complete all the paperwork, home study, and provide supporting documents. For your convenience we have created a checklist . Please send all your information together. When your file is complete, our social work department will review your information and send you an approval letter. You will be ready to be presented to birth parents.
The home study process involves education, preparation and gathering of information about prospective adoptive parents. You are required to provide letters of referrals by friends, family and medical providers. You home study will provide insight of family relations, parenting styles, financial status and overall physical and emotional health. We accept completed adoptive home studies from other licensed professionals. It is necessary for your home study to be updated annually.
Once approved as an adoptive family, you are eligible to be presented to birth parents. A representative will contact you about available situations. This will include is legal risk, medical, psychological background, race, gender, drug history, alcohol abuse and financial obligation for each situation. Please be 100% committed to the situation.
A birth parent usually makes a selection within a few days of the profiles being presented. We know this is an anxious time, and we will contact you as soon as we know the outcome. When matched, you will be assigned a case manager. Our case managers are very experienced in adoption and guide you through the entire process. A conference call will take place if all parties are in agreement.You will be contacted by the financial department, sent a financial contract to review and sign, and will wire transfer the birth parent expenses. You will begin to receive weekly updates on your birth parent and baby. You will also continue to establish a relationship with her if both parties agree.
If your birth mother has a scheduled induction or c-section, please arrive in Utah the day before your birth mother delivers. Your case manager will guide you through the process. If your birth parent goes into labor, she will contact her case manager. At this point you should start considering travel plans but not purchase a ticket or leave. After monitoring the birth mother for about an hour at the hospital, the medical staff will make a decision as to whether she will be admitted to the hospital for delivery or will be sent home. You will then be notified of the outcome and assisted in making plans to arrive at the hospital if necessary. If you are flying, your case manager will meet you at the airport, assist you in getting your rental car and take you to the hospital. While the birth parent is in the hospital, you will be assisted in interacting with her, the medical staff and the baby.
If your birth parent delivers in Utah, relinquishment and placement may occur at 24 hours after delivery. The social work staff works closely with birth mother to ensure that relinquishment takes place according to Utah law. The adoptive family may sign the placement documents relinquishment. A notary will be present at the signing to notarize all documents. Copies of the documents will be given to the nursing staff to be included in the charts of both the baby and birthmother. This insures that the hospital staff will discuss baby’s condition with you and will release the baby to you at the appropriate time. When the pediatrician deems the baby is ready to leave the hospital (usually around 48 hours), the baby will be released directly to you. In most cases, the baby stays in the hospital until birthmother's discharge.
If you are a family from out of state, it will be necessary for ICPC to clear Utah and your home state. You may not leave Utah until you receive clearance from A Guardian Angel Adoption, LLC. ICPC will be begin as soon as the medical records are received from the hospital, which usually is 24 hours after the baby is released. The medical records will complete the ICPC package, and it will be hand delivered to the Utah ICPC. You will be notified when ICPC clears in Utah and your home state. Please note that ICPC is a government agency that we have no control over; however, we will do our best to process your request in a timely manner. Please plan on being in Utah for 2 weeks.
Supervisor Visits, Birth Father and Health Insurance
Supervisory Visits: There is a supervisory period of generally six months (each state varies) before finalization is allowed. You will visit with your social worker in your home on two or three occasions to help ensure you and your child are adjusting and to confirm the success of the placement. Signed copies of these evaluations need to be sent to our office. Additional visits may be requested.
Birth Father: Unless the birth father gives consent for the adoption at the same time the birth mother does, the adoption is considered a "legal risk adoption." It will become necessary to terminate his rights according the laws of the states involved. Your attorney and our attorney work together to complete this process.
Health Insurance: Please contact your health insurance to obtain preauthorization for your baby. Many companies will reimburse some expenses. Also check with your employer regarding additional benefits, and be sure to take advantage of all tax benefits.
Finalization is an exciting time and can take place after a successful supervisory period. The attorney finalizing your adoption will need to be in contact with our agency to request all documents needed for finalization. Failure to do so may delay your the process. You are responsible for any legal fees associated with finalization. After finalization, you may apply for an amended birth certificate.
The adoption journey is near and dear to our hearts, and we consider it an honor to help you build your family. Thank you for allowing A Guardian Angel Adoptions, LLC , to assist you during this amazing time. Please let us know if we can help in any way. You may contact us at 801-302-8916 Monday-Friday 9-5 MST.