Adoption can be a good choice for people who can not or wish not to have biological children. However, the process can be lengthy, and the regulations surrounding the process can be daunting, even to those who are otherwise well-versed in family law.
Here are some of the different types of adoption in Alaska and what they entail.
Adoption through foster care
When someone adopts a child through the foster care system, they agree to permanently raise a child for which they or another family previously provided foster care while the child was under the State’s custody.
Adoption through private means
Private adoption occurs when an individual or couple takes in a child that the birth parent or parents handed over to a private agency. This can be an expensive option, but it does offer some benefits. For example, the agency might provide support to both the birth and adoptive parents. The process may also go more quickly than some other adoption methods.
Adoption through a relative
Sometimes, a close family member will adopt a child when the birth parent can no longer care for the child. For example, a grandparent might adopt their grandchild, or an aunt might adopt their nephew or niece. This may happen when the child is an infant or when the child is older but still under 18.
Adoption can be a long process, but very worth it in the end for prospective parents. There more someone knows about the process, the easier it is for them to make informed decisions.