Adoption
UMFS provides a range of adoption 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.
(Achieving Adoption Services Through Collaborative Partnerships)
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 also includes children eight years of age or older, and sibling groups needing placement together. A grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia gives UMFS the ability to offer special needs adoption services at a minimal cost to adoptive parents.
Even when an adoption is finalized, many families and children need continued counseling, assessment, support, and referral advice. Our Adoptive Family Preservation (AFP) services can be important to preserving the adoptive family in the months or even years that follow an adoption. Services* include case management, counseling, crisis intervention, parent support groups, and children’s support/activity groups.
* This free service can be accessed by any adoptive family in Virginia, regardless of the origin of the adoption.
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 counseling and post-placement services.
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.
