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Adoption can be accomplished through several
means. Depending on the avenue and type of child you would
like to adopt, there are different contact sources and
requirements.
Private or Independent Adoption
An adoption that
is initiated without the involvement of a publicly funded
agency. Often an intermediary, such as an adoption attorney,
is involved. These can be domestic or international
adoptions. Contact a private attorney who specializes in
adoptions. To view a list of Iowa agencies involved in
private adoptions, visit Iowa Association of Adoption
Agencies (IAAA):
www.iowaadoption.org.
International Adoption
An adoption that occurs
when the child and adoptive parents are from two different
countries. Extra legal work through immigration services
must be done to authorize an international adoption. Contact
Private Adoption Agencies who handle adoptions from the
desired country. To view a list of Iowa agencies
involved in international adoptions, visit Iowa Association
of Adoption Agencies (IAAA):
www.iowaadoption.org.
Special Needs Adoption
When a foster
child is unable to return to their birth family and their
parental rights are terminated, the child becomes available
for adoption. The public agency (Department of Human
Services) has custody of these children. While the
children are waiting for an adoptive family, they may be
living in in a foster family home, youth shelter, group
home, or residential treatment facility. These
children are typically older, minority or multiracial, in a
sibling group to be adopted together, or have physical,
mental or developmental challenges. To view a list of
children currently available for adoption in Iowa, visit
Iowa KidsNet:
www.iowakidsnet.com
Kinship Adoption
The adoptive parents are
grandparents, aunts and uncles, or other biological
relatives who legally adopt the child. If you you have
a relative placed in foster care and would like to be
considered as their foster/adoptive parent, contact the child’s placement worker
with the Department of Human
Services. To view a list of DHS county offices and
phone numbers, visit:
www.dhs.state.ia.us.
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