What are the different types of adoption in the US?

Adoption is a process in which a person or couple becomes the legal parents of a child who is not biologically theirs. In the United States, there are several different types of adoption available for prospective parents. Open adoption is a type of adoption in which the adopted child and the adoptive parents stay in contact with the child’s biological parents. This type of adoption can be done with or without the use of an adoption agency. The level of contact that is allowed is determined by the parents and sometimes a court. Closed adoption is a type of adoption in which the adoptive and biological parents have no contact. This type of adoption is arranged through an agency and the child’s original birth certificate is sealed. Private adoption is a type of adoption that is arranged directly between the prospective adoptive parents and the biological parents of the child. In a private adoption, the biological parents select the adoptive family. Foster care adoption is a type of adoption in which the applicant has already been caring for the child in a foster home for a period of time. After the necessary legal requirements are met, the foster family may choose to adopt the child. International adoption is a type of adoption in which the adopted child is from another country. This type of adoption requires the prospective adoptive parents to meet specific requirements and comply with the laws of the foreign country in order to bring the child into the United States. Adoption in Virginia is governed by state law. Virginia residents may choose from any of the types of adoption listed above, although the choice of which type of adoption to pursue may be limited by individual circumstances.

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