THE ADOPTIVE HOME STUDY
The Adoptive Home Study, generally called a “Home Study,” is to help prepare you for your adoption process and ensure that you meet agency and state requirements. If you already have a current home study we will assist you in assuring that your home study is in compliance with Heart to Heart and Utah state adoption standards. The home study consists of several interviews and written information provided by you and others. Ask your home study worker questions anytime during the study process. The written material includes medical background, marital status, parenting styles, finances, and other such data. A series of reference letters will also be requested. We accept completed adoptive home studies from other sources that adhere to similar professional adoption standards as Heart To Heart Adoptions. 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.

APPROVAL
Heart to Heart then reviews the home study, your adoptive profile, and the application packet materials. After this review is complete, you will be notified of your approval for the placement of a child in your home. After approval has been granted, we ask that you maintain quarterly contact with the agency until you are matched with a birthmother. This contact can include participation in our adoption education and support group meetings, visits to the agency, written correspondence, and telephone calls to Cindy L. We also ask that you update your Home Study annually and inform the agency of any changes in your circumstances, such as moving or additions to your family.

MATCH
Although we will do all we can to place a child with your family, we cannot guarantee placement. Many factors influence the selection process including the number of approved applicants, the number of children available for adoption, the birth parents, and your preferences. However, we will present your profile to as many birthparents as match your criteria for an adoptive child. The broader your criteria the more often you will be presented. We will let you know each time we present your profile. Once your profile is selected by a birthmother, we generally arrange for a conference call between you and the birthparents. If you both are pleased with each other, we consider you matched. When you are matched you begin to share the financial responsibility for the birthmother with the agency. At that time you will work with Don to fully understand all financial obligations associated with that situation. Be informed that some Heart to Heart employees, volunteers, agents, consultants, or independent contractors may provide services to both the Birth Parents and the Adoptive Families. If the situation does arise Heart to Heart will present both the Adoptive Family and the Birth Parents with the opportunity to work with separate employees, volunteers, agents, consultants, or independent contractors. The Adoptive Family and Birth Parents will be advised before any occurrence of such situations and the potential conflicts of interest that may be inherent pursuant to said situation. Adoptive Families and Birth Parents will be asked to sign a voluntary waiver of understanding as such situations arise.

PLACEMENT OF A CHILD
In the state of Utah, the placement of a child generally occurs 24 hours after the child is born. If your child is born in any state other than Utah, the placement will be subject to the laws and regulations of that state. Depending on your desires and the wishes of the birthparents, you may have the opportunity to be there for the delivery of the child and to support the birthparents. Final payment of all fees is due at the time of placement.

FOLLOWING THE PLACEMENT
Supervisory Visits: In Utah, there is a supervisory period of six months before finalization is allowed. If the adoption occurs in any state other than Utah, the supervisory period is dependant on the rules and regulations of that state. 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.
Birthfather: Any situation other than the birthfather and the birthmother, at the same time, giving their mutual consent to the adoption and relinquishing their paternal rights to the child is considered a “Legal Risk Adoption.” Consequently, it is necessary to determine then terminate the birthfather’s rights in accordance with the laws of any states involved with the adoption. Please see the document “Legal Risks of 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. Also be sure to take advantage of all tax breaks.

FINALIZATION OF THE ADOPTION
This is a very exciting time. Note that you are responsible for any legal fees associated with finalization. You are free to select independent counsel for all necessary adoption proceedings. Heart to Heart currently works with Salt Lake attorney Gregory Hawkins of Hawkins and Sorenson LPC. If it is your wish to work with Greg, Heart to Heart will provide you with the necessary contact information. You are in no way obligated to work with any attorney associated with Heart to Heart. As the adoptive parent, you have the sole discretion to work with whom you see fit. As well, 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.

http://www.gregoryhawkins.com/

REAPPLYING FOR ADOPTION
One year after adopting a child, and once the finalization of the fist adoption has occurred, you are once again deemed eligible to adopt another child