In finding a family for a locally-born child, the Adoption Service focuses on the needs of the child and the wishes of the birth parents.
The birth parent is shown a number of profiles of prospective adoptive parents who have been approved for adoption. In most cases, the birth parent/s nominate the family they feel best meet the needs of the child they are relinquishing. In some cases the decision is made by Adoption Service. When a potential match has been found Adoption Service staff will talk to you about placing the child in your care.
How is a match made with a child from overseas?
With intercountry adoptions, Adoption Service do not chose the prospective adoptive parents. This decision is made by the authorities in the country from where the child is coming. Adoption Service makes efforts to obtain information about the prospective parents to assist in the placement decision.
Making the right decision if offered a child.
If you are offered a child, adoptive parents usually react with excitement and strong emotion. It is important to think over the offer carefully before making a decision. If you feel the child may not meet your expectations, you should not accept the offer. There is no penalty for declining the offer of a child and you will continue to be an approved applicant who will be selected if a suitable match is found.
How much information is known about the child.
In all cases you will be given as much information about the child as possible. This will include medical reports if they exist.
It is common for little or nothing to be known about one of the child’s birth parents (usually the father). This means that the child would have no knowledge of one half of their biological heritage. With intercounrty adoptions often little is known about the child’s birth mother and family history.
Children may have social or health difficulties.
Often significant disadvantages the child may have experienced only become apparent later in the child’s life.
A child may have difficult social or health issues in their family history.
You need to decide if these details are important to you and whether you would be able to help the child deal with issues as they grow up.
Adoption Service staff can give you more information and help you work through any issues you may have.
For more information see: