Application
You have already begun the application process by requesting an information packet from A Guardian Angel Adoptions, LLC . In order to become an approved adoptive family with A Guardian Angel Adoptions, LLC you will need to complete all the paperwork in your packet. If you already have a current home study please send us all of the completed documents along with your home study and supporting documents as well as 4 profiles to be presented to the birth mothers. Our social work department will then review your information and send you an approval letter. At this point you will be ready to be presented to birth mothers upon your approval.
Home Study Process
The home study is to help prepare you for your adoption and to insure that you meet the requirements of A Guardian Angel Adoptions, LLC as well as the requirements of your home state. The home study includes information given to your social worker during your home study visits as well as written information given to the social worker by yourself as well as letters of reference by friends as well as your medical providers. The information included in your home study offers a look at the relationships within your family, your parenting styles, your financial status as well as your overall physical and emotional help. We accept completed adoptive home studies from other sources that adhere to similar professional adoption standards as A Guardian Angel Adoptions, LLC. In addition, if we complete an adoptive home study for you, we are happy to forward it on to other adoption agencies with which you may be working. It is necessary for your home study to be updated annually.
Presentation
After you have become an approved adoptive family by our licensed social work department, you will be eligible to be presented to birth mothers upon your approval. A representative from the adoptive family department will contact you and share with you the non-identifying information about each particular case. Included in the information will be the legal risk involved, the medical and psychological background, if possible the race and sex of the child, any history of drug and alcohol abuse, and the financial obligation associated with that case. You will then have the option of being presented on the case or of waiting for another.
Match
Once the birth mother selects you, a conference call will take place if all parties are in agreement. A member of the adoptive family department will be on the line to guide you through this process. If all goes well on the call you will be considered matched. At this point you will be contacted by the financial department, sent a financial contract to review and sign and will then be required to wire transfer the birth mother expenses. You will then begin to receive weekly updates on your birth mother and establish a relationship with her if both parties agree.
Delivery
When your birth mother goes into labor she will contact her case manager. The case manager will then contact the adoptive family department who will in turn contact you. 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 in a representative from the adoptive family Department will meet you at the airport, assist you in getting your rental car and take you to the hospital. While the birth mother is in the hospital you will be assisted in interacting with her, the medical staff and the baby.
Placement
If your birth mother delivers in Utah placement may occur at 24 hours after delivery provided that she is free of any narcotic drug. The social work staff will work closely with the nursing staff to insure the birth mother is ready to sign. Signing of the documents may take place together or separately. The birth mother together with her social worker will make this decision. The adoptive family may sign the placement documents after the relinquishment documents are signed by the birth mother. Either two witnesses or a notary will be present at the signing. Copies of the documents will be given to the nursing staff to be included in the charts of both the baby and birth mother. When the pediatrician deems the baby ready to leave the hospital the baby will be released directly to the adoptive family. Please note that it is Agency policy that the baby never leaves the hospital prior to the birth mother.
Interstate Compact (ICPC)
If you are a family from out of state, it will be necessary for ICPC to be cleared by Utah as well as your home state before you will be permitted to leave the state with your baby. ICPC will be started as soon as the medical records are received from the hospital. This usually takes approximately 24 hours. The medical records will complete the ICPC package and it will be hand delivered to the ICPC office in Salt Lake City. You will be notified when this is done. If upon receiving your packet your home state office or the Utah office requests any additional documents they will be sent them as soon as possible. You will then be notified when your ICPC clearance is faxed to our office and will be allowed to return home. Please note that ICPC is a government agency which we have no control over however, we will do our part to process your request in a timely manner
Going Home
Supervisory Visits: There is a supervisory period of generally six months before finalization is allowed. You will visit with a representative on two or three occasions to help ensure you and your child are adjusting to each other and to confirm the success of the placement. Additional visits may be scheduled as needed.
Birth Father: Unless the birth father gives consent for the adoption and the same time the birth mother does, the adoption is considered a "Legal Risk Adoption." Consequently, it will become necessary to determine then terminate his rights in accordance with the laws of any states involved with the adoption..
Insurance: Notify your health insurance company of your new addition. Many companies will reimburse some expenses. Also check with your employer regarding additional benefits, and be sure to take advantage of all tax breaks.
Finalization of the Adoption
This is an exciting time and can take place after a successful supervisory period generally of 6 months. You are responsible for any legal fees associated with finalization. Talk to your worker about getting an amended birth certificate, which will list you as parents and include your child's name as shown on the adoption decree.
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