Independent Adoption: The Case Against "Do It Yourself" Plans

Abstract

This WLCFS resource outlines the risks and ethical concerns associated with independent adoptions, contrasting them with the safeguards provided by licensed adoption agencies. While independent adoptions may seem faster or more convenient, they carry significant emotional, legal, and financial risks for birthparents, adoptive couples, and especially the child. The paper presents real-world “what if” scenarios—such as birthparent reversal, medical complications, and legal disputes—that can jeopardize the child’s welfare. In contrast, agency adoptions prioritize the child’s best interests through counseling, home studies, legal protections, and ongoing support. Agencies also offer structured processes for handling special needs adoptions, birthparent involvement, and post-adoption services. The document urges prospective adoptive families to choose agency adoption for its fairness, stability, and Christ-centered care, emphasizing that adoption is not merely a transaction but a lifelong commitment to a child’s well-being.

Prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)