“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked.”
1 Samuel 1:27
Domestic Adoption Process
1 - 2 Weeks
Phone Call
When you call, our adoption consultants will help you decide if applying is right for you.
Application
You will receive a response approximately within one week of your application.
Pre-Active Status
Once you are accepted into our program, we work with you to become an active adoptive family.
2 - 3 Months
Parent Training
An Open Door assists families with obtaining training. The training helps prepare you to parent a child who may be from a different racial background, or have different needs due to their family of origin.
Home Study
If you are in Georgia and you choose, a caseworker can be assigned to complete your home study. During the home study process, you will explore options such as your desire for an open or a semi-open adoption.
5 - 8 Months
Online Profiles and Life Books
You will create an online profile for viewing as well as a “Life Book” which gives expectant mothers a glimpse of your family and home.
Matching
Once you are in the program and your Life Book is received, expectant mothers are able to select you, or sometimes we will match a child to a family for the expectant mother, if she requests it.
Meeting the Expectant Mother
If appropriate, you will have the chance to meet the expectant mother and spend some time with her. Sometimes, you may be present for the birth, sometimes not.
Signing Surrenders
Once the baby is born, the birth mother signs a document surrendering her parental rights. According to Georgia law, she has 4 days to change her mind. This is referred to as the revocation period. If she does revoke, the baby will be returned to her. If we feel that a placement is “high-risk”, you may choose to place the baby in a wonderful caring home until the 4-day period has passed. You should also know that it is typical in the United States for 1/3 of adopting couples to experience at least one revocation. This is often a very difficult experience, and our heart is to help you with the support you need as you ultimately journey to the child God has for you.
Finalization
This usually occurs three to six months after placement.
Communication
Our Agency provides birth mothers with monthly updates of the child for the first six months and yearly updates for every year after until the child is 18 years old.
An Open Door works with a limited number of families. Currently, the waiting period is 12-18 months.