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It can be dangerous to use the Internet for adoptions

On Behalf of | Dec 4, 2013 | Family Law

A woman places an ad on Craigslist looking for a couple to adopt her child who is not born yet. A childless couple who wants to add a baby to their home responds. The child is adopted and everyone lives happily-ever after. While this might seem like the way such a story should go, that’s not often the case. The Internet is being used more and more when it comes to adoptions, but unfortunately, there are many who have found out the hard way that this is not a safe way to handle such a sensitive legal issue.

There are many sites that can be used to find adoptive families, as well as those looking to put their baby up for adoption. Craigslist is just one; others sites include Facebook, Parent Profiles and Adoptimist. The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released a report recently that says the Internet has made it easier for adoption scam artists to operate – and to target a much larger group of people.

The potential for scams is one thing, but it’s another thing altogether when prospective parents or someone looking to place their child doesn’t know who is really on the other end of communications. The adoption institute says that there are parents who are selling their children, collecting payments for children that are not really adoptable, and even keeping back important information about serious medical conditions a child may have. In addition, some parents promise their newborn to many families – all at the same time. Several women have been charged with crimes relative to their scams.

There are varying requirements when it comes to adoption, depending on the state you live in. Colorado families will have to attend an adoption orientation, complete a background check, attend a parenting program and have a caseworker visit your home and interview your family. The process is not simple and in most cases, it will take a year for the adoption to become final.

Family law attorneys can provide valuable advice about the adoption process and will ensure that the required legalities are met in order for the adoption to be considered valid. While the Internet may seem easier, it can lead to a lot of heartbreak for everyone involved.

Source: indystar.com, “Parents’ use of the Internet for adoptions can be dangerous” Marisa Kwiatkowski, Dec. 01, 2013

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