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Adoption
UMFS provides a range of placement services that recognize that adoption is a lifelong process creating a relationship between a child and adoptive parents. We pay special attention to the complex circumstances that give rise to the need for adoption and to the stresses and adjustments that ensue for all parties in this process.
UMFS facilitates adoptions arranged directly between adoptive parents and birth parents or legal guardians. We provide services and protections like those that exist under Virginia law when an adoption is arranged by a public social services department or private adoption agency. Our staff conducts a study of the adoptive home and provides the following services.
- Counseling to the birth parent
- Post-placement services for the adoptive parent
- Finalization
- Continued support from our Adoptive Family Preservation program
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Children with special needs present particular adoption challenges. Our program is aimed at creating permanent placements for children who are behaviorally, emotionally, or physically challenged. Our target population includes children eight years of age or older and sibling groups needing placement as a family. A grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia gives UMFS the ability to offer special needs adoption services at a minimal cost to adoptive parents.
Adoptive parents receive:
- A 9-week pre-service training; see our News/Events listing for upcoming training dates (reservations required)
- A home study
- Family match
- Post-placement services
- Finalization
- Continued support from our Adoptive Family Preservation program
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Adoption of foreign-born children living in their native countries is an avenue some families consider. UMFS is experienced in the often complex procedures and adjustments involved in international adoptions. We are also experienced in working with organizations that identify children available for adoption in other countries.
Adoptive parents receive:
- A home study
- Pre-adoptive education about children and international adoption issues
- Resources and referrals
- Post-placement services
- Continued support from our Adoptive Family Preservation program
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