The Adoption Process 

• APPLICATION: Generally adoptive families call and request information about our agency and the adoptive process. Our Agency Director represents Heartfelt Adoptions Inc. in answering questions regarding adoptive families. If you wish to apply, she will meet with you and give you an information packet and will respond to any concerns you have as you complete the application and other materials. 

• THE ADOPTIVE HOME STUDY: 
The Adoptive Home Study, generally called a “Home Study,” is to help prepare you for your adoption process and ensure that you meet agency and state requirements. If you already have a current home study we will assist you in assuring that your home study is in compliance with Heartfelt Adoptions Inc. and Utah state adoption standards. The home study consists of several interviews and written information provided by you and others. Ask your home study worker questions anytime during the study process. The written material includes medical background, marital status, parenting styles, finances, and other such data. A series of reference letters will also be requested. We accept completed adoptive home studies from other sources that adhere to similar professional adoption standards as Heartfelt Adoptions Inc. In addition, if we complete an adoptive home study for you, we are happy to forward it on to other adoption agencies with which you may be working. 

• APPROVAL: 
Heartfelt Adoptions Inc. then reviews the home study, your adoptive profile, and the application packet materials. After this review is complete, you will be notified of your approval for the placement of a child in your home. After approval has been granted, we ask that you maintain quarterly contact with the agency until you are matched with a Birth Mother. This contact can include participation in our adoption education, visits to the agency, written correspondence, and telephone calls to the agency director. We also ask that you update your Home Study annually and inform the agency of any changes in your circumstances, such as moving or additions to your family. 

• MATCH: 
Although we will do all we can to place a child with your family, we cannot guarantee placement. Many factors influence the selection process including the number of approved applicants, the number of children available for adoption, the birth parents, and your preferences. However, we will present your profile to as many Birth Parents as match your criteria for an adoptive child. The broader your criteria the more often you will be presented. We will let you know each time we present your profile. Once your profile is selected by a Birth Mother, we generally arrange for a conference call between you and the Birth Parents if you so desire. If you both are pleased with each other, we consider you matched.

• PLACEMENT OF A CHILD: 
In the state of Utah, the placement of a child generally occurs 24 hours after the child is born. If your child is born in any state other than Utah, the placement will be subject to the laws and regulations of that state. Depending on your desires and the wishes of the Birth Parents, you may have the opportunity to be there for the delivery of the child and to support the Birth Parents. Final payment of all fees is due at the time of placement in the form of a certified check or other certified form of payment. 

• FOLLOWING THE PLACEMENT: 
Supervisory Visits: In Utah, there is a supervisory period of six months before finalization is allowed. If the adoption occurs in any state other than Utah, the supervisory period is dependent on the rules and regulations of that state. You will visit with a representative on two or three occasions to help ensure you and your child are adjusting to each other and to confirm the success of the placement. Additional visits may be scheduled as needed.

• FINALIZATION OF THE ADOPTION: 
This is a very exciting time. Note that you are responsible for any legal fees associated with finalization. Or, you can choose to use the agency attorney and the cost for that is included in your fees. You are free to select independent counsel for all necessary adoption proceedings. You are in no way obligated to work with any attorney associated with Heartfelt Adoptions Inc. As the adoptive parent, you have the sole discretion to work with whom you see fit. As well, talk to your worker about getting an amended birth certificate, which will list you as parents and include your child´s name as shown on the adoption decree. 

• REAPPLYING FOR ADOPTION: 
One year after adopting a child, and once the finalization of the fist adoption has occurred, you are once again deemed eligible to adopt another child with Heartfelt Adoptions Inc. ...a new beginning.