Adoption is an exciting and powerful decision for birth and adoptive parents. However, societal stigma and misinformation can make it challenging to separate fact from opinion.
As people spread more awareness about this beautiful family-building option, the most common questions and misconceptions have been cleared. This article sheds light on persisting myths about adoption and offers straightforward facts.
Let’s get debunking!
Myth 1: The Adoption Process is Simple
Taking the first in the adoption process can be complicated. The adoptive parents have to pass a home study involving multiple background checks and home visits conducted by state laws and adoption agencies.
Moreover, the adoption timeline can vary depending on the matching and processing period, ranging from one to 24 months. So, it’s integral for you to learn about adopting and potentially hiring a Denver adoption lawyer before diving into the process.
Myth 2: Birthmothers are Always Immature Teens
Although teenagers do make adoption plans, a significant percentage of birth mothers are in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s’. Placing a child for adoption isn’t a spontaneous and immature decision and takes an immense amount of courage and maturity.
Most birthmothers opt for adoption plans because they want to give their child the life they know they cannot provide.
Myth 3: I Cannot Adopt Because I’m Single
Adopters don’t need to have a spouse to adopt! Many single people, regardless of their gender, and unmarried couples apply for adoption.
Furthermore, whether you are heterosexual or not will not factor in your right to adopt a child. Most states will only check if you’re committed, emotionally and physically stable, and have a safe living environment to welcome children!
Myth 4: Birthmothers Can Take the Child Anytime
The misconception that birthmothers will appear at your doorstep and demand their child scares many adoptive parents. However, the legal reality diminishes this fear as it states that birth mothers must relinquish parental rights and sign the consent form for adoption.
Besides, most people are confident in their decisions and will not change their minds.
Myth 5: Adopted Children Cannot ‘Fit’ in the Family
Whether biological or adoptive children, parenting is tricky. You might struggle in your relationship with an adoptive child; however, it will not be any different from bonding with biological children.
So, parents and adoptive children will face some issues, but that isn’t due to any inherent “biological kids are closer” idea.
Myth 6: I Can’t Adopt Because I Work Full Time or Am Unemployed
Although financial circumstances are part of the adoption criteria, being low-income or working full-time does eradicate your chances of adoption. Typically, the agency will discuss how you will care for the child and whether you’re on benefit.
In addition, your local or state authorities may offer support plans to adopt children, particularly those with siblings or a disability.
Myth 7: Open Adoption is Confusing for Children and Parents
Another adoption myth is that open adoption is a form of co-parenting. But Adthe fact is that it provides the child with a special relationship with their birth and adoptive parents.
Open adoption can look different from one family to another, but it is not confusing for children!
Myth 8: You Cannot Adopt Children from Different Backgrounds
Adoption agencies will assess individual backgrounds and personality factors to match adoptive parents with children. However, that does not mean you can’t adopt a child from a different ethnic background!
If the adoption agency matches you with a child who does not share your ethnicity, ensure you live in a diverse area or have an extensive network of people with different backgrounds. That way, you’ll have the support you need to provide your children with a fulfilling life experience.
Myth 9: Adoption is Like “Saving” the Child
Adoption is an exciting way to start a family, but you should choose it if you’re confident in your decision to adopt. Parenthood requires commitment, whether you adopt a child or give birth.
However, children need loving parents, not saviors, who will cherish and care for them!
The Bottom Line
Adopting is a fantastic yet scary experience for parents ready to start a family. And with these facts in mind, you won’t have to fear a thing!
