The Entire Adoption Process Explained in 9 Easy-to-Follow Modules
Here is what you will learn at your pace...in your space:
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1
Welcome to the Successful Adoption Workshop!
- Welcome...We are thrilled you are here!- FPA President
- Tips for the Online Workshop
- Read Before Moving On (We know you are excited, but this is important)!
- A few questions as we begin...
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2
Legal
- START HERE: The Legal Aspects of Private Adoption Overview-Peter Wiernicki, AAAA Attorney
- Steps in Independent Adoption
- States That Do Not Permit Independent Adoption (There are a few...)
- State-by-State Consent to Adoption Statutes
- Ins & Outs of ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children)-Kristy Blackwell, AAAA Attorney
- ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act)-Jay McCarthy, AAAA Attorney and ICWA Specialist
- STATE SPECIFIC: DC, MD, VA-The Legal Aspects of Adoption-Jennifer Fairfax, AAAA Attorney
- STATE SPECIFIC: AZ-The Legal Aspects of Adoption-Heather Strickland, AAAA Attorney
- Find a AAAA Lawyer in Your State
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3
Home Study
- Tackling the Home Study-Alison England, Licensed Social Worker & Author
- Find Your Home Study Requirements by State
- 5 Smart Questions to Ask to Avoid a Home Study Headache
- STATE SPECIFIC: DC, VA, MD-Home Study Requirements-Sue Hollar, Licensed Social Worker
- STATE SPECIFIC: AZ-Home Study Requirements-Mindy Huang, Licensed Social Worker
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4
Search Strategy Module
- Search Strategies-Katie Zimmerman, Adoption Advisor
- Search Strategy Trends and Profile Site Recommendations
- Avoid an Adoption Disruption-Risk Assessment Tool
- How to Avoid Adoption Scams-FPA Member Tip
- How's It Going?
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5
Expectant Mother Communication and Outreach
- Expectant Mother Support & Ethics-Laurie Shelton, Adoption Specialist
- Building a Relationship -Laurie Shelton, Adoption Specialist
- The Hospital Plan-Paving the Way for Solid Communication for the Hospital
- Adoption Language-A Glossary to Help Navigate Meaning
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6
Cost and Funding
- Cost and Funding Sources-Katie Zimmerman, Adoption Advisor
- Adoption Tax Credit-Current Rate
- How To Minimize Cost in Private Adoption & Case Examples
- Adoption Cost-Adoptive Families Magazine
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7
Birth Mother's Share Their Decision for Adoption
- Erin
- Jade
- Tracie
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8
Adoptive Parent Stories
- Alison & Joel's Story-FPA Members & Volunteers
- Kim's Story-FPA Member & Volunteer
- Q & A with Kim-FPA Member & Volunteer
- Do you have questions?
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9
Bonus Content
- Comprehensive Adoption Resource List
- Presenters' Links and Information
- Join the Members-Only Families for Private Adoption Facebook Group
- Before you go..we would love to hear from you!
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18 Months of Online Workshop Access
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9 Online Course Modules
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Comprehensive Adoption Resource Guide
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Lifetime Access to Members-Only Facebook Group

A Giant Breath of Fresh Air
Leann & Joshua
Answered Questions I Did Not Even Know to Ask
Kristin

The Online Workshop Offered All the Information We Needed to Adopt
Aleks & Rachel
FAQ
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What is Private Adoption?
Private adoption is also sometimes called "independent adoption" or "self matching" or "direct adoption." Domestic adoptions in the United States are conducted either through an agency or with the assistance of an adoption attorney. In a domestic agency adoption, the adoption agency is an intermediary between the prospective adoptive parents and the birth parents throughout the process. In a private adoption, on the other hand, the process is pursued directly by the prospective adoptive parents with the assistance of an adoption attorney. Birth parents decide how to identify prospective adoptive parents and when to contact them; and they are able to relinquish custody directly to the adoptive parents, not to an agency. The prospective adoptive parents are responsible for, and have control over, adoption decision-making, outreach and process.
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Can a spouse share access to the workshop?
Yes, the online registration fee includes access to the online workshop for both persons. The one-year membership to FPA is included with your enrollment fee.
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Who is FPA?
Families for Private Adoption (FPA) is a group of committed volunteers who share the common passion for supporting those on the journey to parenthood. Started over 30 years, the mission of FPA is to provide support and education to those seeking to build their families through adoption. While FPA is supportive of all types of adoption, our particular focus is in drawing upon our members' collective experience to provide practical help and encouragement to people pursuing domestic, private adoption. As a non-profit group, FPA is run entirely by volunteers, almost all of whom are parents through adoption. We are concerned with preserving the dignity of all parties involved in the private adoption process and advocate for the rights of adoptive parents, birthparents and our children. We welcome couples, singles or families of any religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation or gender identity.