Adoption in Colorado
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You are interested in adoption, but you don`t have any idea how to start? There are several types of adoption in Colorado.
Colorado Infant Adoption
If you are interested in domestic infant adoption, or are a birth parent who would like to make an adoption plan, you can do so through a licensed adoption agency, or through an adoption attorney. Be sure that any attorney that you choose has experience in adoptions.
If you are pregnant and feel that you can not have the resources to care for a child, or to make an adoption plan, Colorado does have a Safe Haven law. This allows you to leave your baby up to 30 days old at an emergency room or at a fire department, and they will help to place your infant in a safe environment.
Colorado International Adoption
If you are interested in an international adoption, you must work with an agency that is specifically licensed to do international adoptions. First decide what country you are interested in adopting from. Each country has its own criteria such as age limits, and the length of time you must remain in the country before you can return to Colorado to complete the adoption.
Colorado Older Child, Or Special Needs Adoption
Older child, or special needs adoption, is available in Colorado. These adoptions are facilitated through Colorado Social Services. The children available for adoption are currently in foster care. Special needs adoption does not mean that the child has physical or mental disabilities. It could mean that the child is older, from a minority, or part of a sibling group that needs to stay together.
Many agencies will require that you take a pre-adoption education class to help educate yourself about the types of things you might encounter in special needs adoption.
Who May Adopt In Colorado
People who adopt must be at least 21 years of age, but there is no upper age limit. You do not have to be married in order to be able to adopt in Colorado.
Colorado Adoption Home Study
No matter what type of adoption you decide to pursue, you will have to have a home study completed. Home studies include back ground checks, a check of your financial status to be sure that can financially provide for a child, a safety inspection of your home, discussions about your marriage or divorce (if applicable), your child hood and parenting style, any resources or supports that you already have in place, along with many other questions.
Finalizing Adoptions In Colorado
Regardless of the type of adoption that you pursue, Colorado law indicates that you must wait a minimum of 6 months before petitioning for adoption from the time that you take custody of the child. This allows all parties to make sure that the adoption is in the best interest of everyone involved.
Colorado Adoption Registry
If you were adopted in Colorado, or placed a child for adoption in Colorado and are interested in reunification, you can register on the Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry. This service is offered through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This is a passive registry, and you will only be notified if both parties have indicated an interest in a reunion.
