Illegal Adoption Practices

A Mindful Approach to Adoption

During the adoption matching process, it’s essential to stay mindful of practices that can cross legal and ethical lines. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Paying Birth Parents Beyond Legal Limits:

Adoptive families are often allowed to help with certain reasonable expenses for birth parents, like medical or living costs. However, anything that goes beyond these permissible payments or looks like “buying” a baby is illegal. Each state has its own rules on what expenses are allowed.

2. Unlicensed Facilitation:

Only licensed agencies, lawyers, or approved professionals can legally coordinate the matching process. If someone without the proper credentials is involved, it can be against the law.

3. Coercion or Pressure:

It’s illegal and unethical to put any form of undue pressure on birth parents to place their child for adoption. They need to make their decision willingly and without any form of manipulation.

4. False Advertising:

Promising certain outcomes or misleading birth parents or adoptive parents about circumstances, qualifications, or intentions is prohibited. Honesty and transparency are non-negotiable.

5. Failure to Follow ICPC or ICWA:

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) governs interstate adoptions, while the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) protects the rights of Native American children. Not adhering to these guidelines can lead to serious legal issues.

Staying informed and working with reputable professionals ensures the adoption journey is smooth, transparent, and most importantly, respectful and legal for everyone involved.