Monday, July 11, 2011

Adoption Process in Denver

Adoption in Denver is managed by the Denver Department of Human Services. The Department oversees the adoption of children that are considered “legally free” for adoption. These are children whose parents have had their parental rights terminated by the Juvenile Court as a result of abuse, or neglect. The Department works closely with state adoption agencies, non-profit adoption organizations, as well as overseas adoption agencies, to recruit adoptive parents.

In addition to children that are placed in the state’s care due to neglect and abuse, adoption in Denver can also be the result of a parent relinquishing parental rights to a former spouse. It can also result because a birth mother terminates the rights to her child. To a large extent, the children eligible for adoption in Denver are those with special needs. These needs can be emotional, physical, psychological, educational, or medical in nature. In addition, the children are generally between the ages of 5-16 years, and of ethnic minority.

Due to the special needs of many of the children who are legally free for adoption in Denver, the Denver Department of Human Services is obligated to ensure that prospective adoptive couples meet eligibility requirements. These adoptive parents must be fully cognizant of the scope of their roles and responsibilities.

The paramount goal of the adoptive process, is always to ensure that the best interests of the children are taken care of. Therefore the Denver Department of Human Services, seeks to ensure that each child is placed in a safe, stable environment. In order to realize this goal, the adoptive process is governed by strict state guidelines that are mandated by federal law.

Any prospective parent that applies for, and meets the mandatory requirements of the Denver Department of Human Services, has a right to be considered by this state Agency. This is clearly spelt out in The Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA ACT) of 1994. This law was passed in an effort to protect against any discrimination in the adoption process. The law forbids any bias that might delay the placement of a child on the basis of color, race, or nationality. This discrimination can be against the adoptive/foster parents, or the child. Consequently, the adoptive process is expected to be transparent, and stand up to scrutiny.

While there are often as many as 60 children available for adoption in Denver at any given time, the adoption process is often a lengthy one. Of course prospective parents much be properly screened, and when a child is placed in an adoptive home, they have to remain there for a minimum of 6 months, before the adoption can be finalized. This time is required in order to facilitate a proper assessment of the child’s condition, and adaptability in the new home.

Open adoptions are the norm in Denver, which means that communication between the adoptive parents and the birth parents is permitted. The entire adoption process can be a very emotional time for adoptive parents and children, especially those with a history of abuse. As a result, it is important that good judgment is exercised in seeing an adoption through to its eventual conclusion.

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