It is important that we try in every way possible to address the risks before adoption in order to give the child the best possible placement and our families an optimum chance of success. It is critical that careful thought is given to how the adoption will impact the adoptive parent's marriage and biological family. Foster parents are aware of the stresses that involvement with state agencies and foster children may place on the family. When the commitment becomes adoption vs. temporary foster care then the duties and obligations to the child increase one hundred fold. I often compare this to the difference between dating and marriage.
Marriages often end in divorce with few societal repercussions.
Sadly many adoptions end in dissolution however the consequences are far-reaching and devastating. Since adoption is a legal commitment it is vital that all families seek legal counsel before finalization. This means asking an attorney some hard questions about your legal responsibilities to the child and how to protect your family. As soon as you have a child placed with a plan of adoption begin to document the child's special needs. When the time comes to determine what benefits the child will need post adoption you will find documentation invaluable.