My article A Brief on Adoption Options was rejected for two reasons stating, "We do not consider content that is not professionally formatted according to our guidelines. We absolutely do not accept content submitted with colored backgrounds." I understand that my background was green, and that was corrected, but I don't understand what other formatting errors I had. Also, if I get it fixed can I resubmit it?
Here it is please help:
**note: the references are footnotes and don't transfer to this post, but I did reference.**
A Brief on Adoption Options
When it comes to adoption there are a lot of choices that must be made. First you must choose if you want your adoption to be open, closed, or possibly semi-open. Next you must choose where you would like to adopt from and if you are going to use an agency or adopt privately. But your decisions don’t end there. Once you make these decisions there are many more that come along such as the age, sex, race, and personality of the child you would like to adopt.
There are many reason why adoptive parents choose the way they do. Some of these reasons include security, cost, and peace of mind. Many choose to adopt internationally to reduce the chances of the biological parent trying to take the child back. Others choose to adopt domestically or a foster adoption to reduce the cost associated with the adoption.
Open VS Closed Adoptions
What is the difference in an open and closed adoption? With an open adoption there is continued communication with the biological parent or parents. The adoptive parents and biological parents often communicate prior to the child being born and often after the child is born. Communication may include phone calls, mail, and even face to face visits. With an open adoption the child knows that they are adopted and who their biological parents are. This reduces confusion later in their life. With a closed adoption the biological parents and the adoptive parents stay confidential with no communication prior to the birth or after the birth. At least half of domestic agency infant adoptions involve the birth-parent meeting the adoptive parents and choosing the family whom they feel the most comfortable with, consequently, adoptive parents who insist on a closed domestic agency infant adoption often have a much longer wait.
Other option include semi-open adoptions and identified adoptions. In a semi-open adoption the biological parents and adoptive parents usually know basic information about each other such as their names and the state they live in, but contact information is kept confidential. With a semi-open adoption the biological parents and adoptive parents may communicate prior to the adoption, but after the adoption if they choose to stay in contact must do so through a third party such as an adoption agency. In an identified adoption the birth-mother may choose a family to adopt her child, but may not actually meet them. Often adoptive families change their mind after the adoption and choose to have a more open adoption after meeting the biological parents. However, sometimes it is the exact opposite and they choose to have a more closed adoption after meeting with the biological parents. This is called an evolving relationship.
Domestic VS International Adoptions
After the adoptive parent chooses whether they want an opened or closed adoption they must choose whether they would like to adopt a child who is a citizen of their own country or one form another country. Adoptions within one’s own country are domestic adoptions. Domestic adoptions can either be intrastate or interstate adoptions depending on whether the child is from the same state as the adoptive parents. If the child and the adoptive parents live in the same state than the adoption would be an intrastate adoption, but if they live in different states it would be an interstate adoption. Interstate adoptions can be a little more difficult than intrastate adoptions because each state has its own laws, and while they are all similar they are all have their differences.
What about adopting a child from another country? In 2011 Americans adopted 9,319 international children. Adopting a child from another country is an international adoption. When adopting internationally an adoptive parent must choose whether to adopt from a country that is part of The Hague Convention or one that is not. The Hague Convention is an international agreement among several countries that was concluded on May 29, 1993 which establishes international standards of practices for inter-country adoptions. If the country chosen is part of the Hague Convention than the adoption must meet the requirements of the state, both countries involved, and the Hague Convention. If the country is not part of The Hague Convention the adoption must still meet the requirements of the state and both countries. An international adoption is usually the most costly due to travel expenses incurred. The average total cost of an international adoption can range from $15,000 to $50,000 depending on the amount of travel required and other requirements.
Another option is to adopt a child who is in foster care. In 2010, it is estimated that Americans adopted about 52,891 children from the U.S. public foster-care system. Children are placed into foster care by their parents or by the court because their parents are unable to take care of them for one reason or another. Children who are in foster care are often victims of abuse and neglect, and may have special needs. They are usually older children who may have siblings. The average age of a foster care child is 8.1 years old, and most are considered to have special needs due to age, part of a minority or sibling group, or physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities. These children are looked after by licensed foster parents care until their parents’ parental rights are terminated, and then are eligible for adoption. The foster parents first get an opportunity to adopt them, but if they choose not to than the children are listed and begin the process of being matched with an adoptive family. After their waiting period the child may then be legally adopted. This type of adoption will usually be a closed adoption. Adopting a foster child is the cheapest way to adopt, but also carries more risk than other types of adoption. The average total cost of a foster adoption can range from $1,500 to $3,500 in initial expenses, but are eligible for reimbursements and credits. In 2012 a majority of foster care adoptive families received a federal tax credit of $12,650 regardless of their actual expenses. One risk in adopting a foster care child is that the birth-parent can appeal the court’s decision to terminate their parental rights in a foster care adoption, but they only have a limited time after their rights are terminated to file the appeal. Other risk involve are usually related to the adopted foster child’s past, and how it has effected them.
Private VS Agency Adoptions
Once the decision is made as to the location the child will be adopted from the adoptive family must decide whether to use an agency or have a private adoption. This decision is very important. If things aren't done correctly than there’s more of a possibility that the adoption can later be revoked. It is also important to verify information to avoid the wide array of adoptions scams out there. Unless the family is going to adopt an infant domestically the best option is usually an agency adoption to assure that everything is done correctly. The average total costs of a domestic agency adoption can range from $20,000 to $40,000, comparatively, the cost of private adoptions can be very unpredictable and total expenses can average as high as $35,000. If the family chooses to adopt an infant domestically then may choose a private adoption due to the availability, but should consider all of the involved risk associated. International adoptions are generally conducted by private, nonprofit adoption agencies, however foster adoptions are conducted by agencies. At least half of domestic newborn adoptions are private adoptions, however, private adoption laws vary by state and in some states private adoptions are illegal.
Earlier the term “identified adoption” was mention as an alternative to an open or closed adoption. An identified adoption can also be an alternative when it comes to choosing a private adoption or an agency adoption. With an identified adoption the birth parents will choose the adoptive family, but then may use an agency for other services during the adoption process.
Conclusion
As you can see there are a lot of decisions to make when planning an adoption, and these are just the basics. You will be getting a new child which, like having a new baby, comes with a whole lot of choices and organization. There are so many details such as what who to use for different services, travel arrangements, and so on. Be prepared and don’t let yourself become overwhelmed because it will be worth it in the end.
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