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The Role of Adoption Agencies in Missouri: A Comprehensive Guide

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In 2020, the United States had over 95,000 adoptions completed. Many of those adoptions were from foster care or by a stepparent, but that number also includes adoptions through licensed private adoption agencies. An agency’s role is to facilitate adoptions between all parties. 

Here is a comprehensive guide to show you what to look for when choosing an adoption agency in Missouri.

Understanding the Triad

A triad is a group of three people or things that are connected. The adoption process involves the birth parents, the potential adoptive parents, and the baby. Those three are the adoption triad.

Some refer to the “adoption constellation.” This term applies to everyone touched by the adoption process: birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents, and their extended families, such as siblings or grandparents. It can even include the adoption professional who assists in the adoption process. 

Representing Everyone in the Triad 

A licensed private adoption agency in Missouri provides representation, education, and counsel to everyone involved in the adoption process. The following is a list of some of the many services a reputable adoption agency should provide:

  • Clear and complete education about the adoption process for the birth and potential adoptive parents
  • Preparation of all adoption paperwork
  • Advise couples on how to put together a profile
  • Assist birth parents in receiving pregnancy-related services
  • Match the birth parents with possible adoptive parents
  • Screen the health of birth parents and the couple wanting to adopt
  • Perform the required background checks on the potential adoptive couple
  • Conduct a complete home study of couples who have applied to adopt
  • Understand all Missouri state-specific requirements for adoption
  • Assist likely adoptive parents with applying for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit
  • Provide or arrange for counseling for the birth parents
  • Collaborate with the birth mother on her hospital visit, and how she wishes to place her child with the adoptive family she’s chosen
  • Arrange legal representation for every member of the triad
  • Ensure the health and safety of the adopted child with post-placement visits
  • Assist in finalizing the adoption after six months
  • Act as a go-between for communication if the birth parents have selected a semi-open adoption

Are You Considering Adoption for Your child?

Whether you are an expectant mother or you’ve already given birth, you need mental and physical support when deciding about adoption. It is a challenging emotional journey for everyone, particularly a birth mom. You need to know your adoption counselor is in your court.

Many outstanding services are available to you if you are considering placing your child for adoption. 

Missouri’s laws for placing a child for adoption require the following consent:

  • A birth mother’s written consent
  • The presumed father or a man who attempts to establish paternity within 15 days of the child’s birth or has filed with the putative father registry must provide written consent

Are You Wanting to Adopt?

To become an adoptive parent in Missouri, you must be:

  • At least 21 years of age
  • Pass a criminal background and child abuse registry check 
  • Be in good physical and mental health
  • Be financially stable
  • Have a residence that passes safety requirements

Some adoption agencies have additional requirements for adoptive parents, such as an infertility diagnosis or the couple cannot be older than 50. 

Why You Should Consider A Gift of Hope Adoptions

Do you want to work with a Missouri agency that understands the law and provides you with the necessary counsel and adoption education? Talk with Elizabeth at A Gift of Hope Adoptions. She will help you know if adoption suits you and your situation best. 

Call the agency at 888-564-HOPE. Chatting with us doesn’t mean you are committing to adoption. We know you need information, emotional support, and a listening ear. Give us a call today or chat with us online.   

This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.

What Questions Can We Answer?

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testimonials

Elizabeth and A Gift of Hope have been a touchstone during our adoption process. Having had issues with a previous agency – Elizabeth was a breath of fresh air! Reassuring, supportive and empathetic. We are so in love with our daughter and thank A Gift of Hope everyday for her!

AGOHA is a great agency that has provided amazing support and guidance though the adoption process. Would highly recommend AGOHA!

Our family has used their services for adoption. It’s wonderful dealing with someone who is looking out for the whole child, not just placing kids.

A Gift of Hope Adoptions is a Godsend for so many expectant young mothers. I completely recommend this organization for anyone interested in providing a wonderful life for their soon-to-be baby. This organization is also a Godsend for those of us who cannot have our own biological children.

I have recommended A Gift of Hope Adoptions to several mother’s considering adoptions for their babies. They have been so happy to feel supported and empowered through their decision.
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“We adopted both of our sons through A Gift of Hope Adoptions. They helped us every step of the way and answered all the questions we had, and we had a lot! We would not be where we are today, with two busy boys in our family, if it wasn’t for A Gift of Hope.”

“We decided to use A Gift of Hope Adoptions because they are very personal and caring. The wait and uncertainty of adoption seemed daunting, but A Gift of Hope helped make the process go smoothly, and we couldn’t be happier with our beautiful child.”