When adoptive parents and birth parents are not closely related and they identify each other privately, without the help of an adoption agency or professional, it is generally referred to as an identified adoption (If they are
closely related, it is referred to as a relative adoption).
Many adoptive parents believe that once a birth mother is identified, a successful adoption simply requires document preparation by a qualified attorney. This is not the case. In addition to comprehensive document preparation, a successful identified adoption plan involves further services
that are referenced below. Moreover, all aspects of the adoption must be in strict compliance with Florida law.
Shorstein & Kelly has over 30 years of adoption experience and has developed proven methods and practices to implement and complete a successful identified adoption plan.
Services performed in a typical identified adoption include:
Birth parent coordination: Florida law mandates certain pre-birth disclosures, notices, affidavits, documentation, and interviews be completed including required due diligence for birth father.
Contact management: Coordination, advice, and guidance as to contact and communication between adoptive parents and birth parents.
Expense management: Budgeting, payment and accounting for birth mother living expenses––with funds provided by adoptive parents, as applicable and pursuant to Florida Law.
Comprehensive document preparation: Document preparation for pre-birth court filings, hospital consent execution and baby’s discharge to adoptive parents from hospital.
Counseling: Arranging and managing counseling for birth parents as needed, and pursuant to Florida law.
ICPC compliance: When adoptive parents and birth parents live in different states, our services include compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which governs interstate adoptions.
Medical records: Obtaining the birth mother’s prenatal medical and hospital records, so the information will be available for the child’s pediatrician.
Finalization: Prepare all documents and provide all legal services needed (including court appearances) to terminate the parental rights of the birth parents and finalize the adoption.
Birth certificate: Obtain a new birth certificate for the child with adoptive parents’ information.
Photos and updates: Manage pictures and updates between birth parent(s) and adoptive parents, as applicable.
Home study referral: Referral of the adoptive parents to a local agency or social worker for preparation of a home study which needs to be completed prior to the placement of the child.
Other services: All other services required to ensure a positive emotional, spiritual, and physical environment during the term of adoption plan.
