How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Colorado?

No two adoption opportunities are the same — every family’s journey is different. That said, you shouldn’t have to wait a lifetime to grow your family.

When you choose to adopt through our agency, you can better protect your emotional and financial investment. We currently have a 12-month average wait time for adoption, and because we’re licensed in Colorado, our estimate is regulated by the state.

We can help you get started with adoption and become a parent as soon as possible. For more information, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our easy contact form.

What Is the Average Wait Time for Adoption?

At other agencies, couples wait multiple years to become adoptive parents. However, our wait time for domestic infant adoption is an average of 12 months. Because we operate in 47 states and have more than 150 staff members, we can facilitate adoptions for hundreds of expecting parents across the U.S.

Here’s how we keep your wait time low:

• Extensive Marketing. Many pregnant women considering adoption research the process online, so we focus on answering common questions and ensuring we appear at the top of search results. Our advertising reaches twice as many people as the combined efforts of 25 other adoption agencies.

• Professional Networking. We collaborate with adoption professionals across the nation. For instance, a Colorado adoption attorney might reach out if they know of a birth mother looking for a family.

• Monitored Capacity. We track how many adoptions we facilitate and the number of adoptive families we work with to ensure accurate wait time estimates. As a licensed adoption agency, our wait times are regulated by state authorities, whereas unlicensed professionals can promote false or misleading estimates.

• 24/7 Availability. Our adoption hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Pregnant women in need of support won’t need to find another agency because they were sent to voicemail.

Your adoption journey doesn’t have to be an endless, complicated mess. As a trustworthy licensed agency, we can help save you lost time.

How Do I Adopt a Newborn Baby Quickly?

Your adoption plan (aka your adoption planning questionnaire answers) can affect how long it takes to adopt. Certain preferences may limit your exposure to expecting parents. For instance, if you want to adopt a child who shares your ethnicity, then your profile will be limited to pregnant women who are giving birth to a baby of that race.

If you’re eager to quickly adopt a newborn, you’ll want to be as flexible as possible when filling out your adoption planning questionnaire. Take time to carefully consider your budget, desired level of contact with birth parents and comfort level with various pregnancy circumstances (e.g., limited medical history, substance use, etc.).

It’s important to be open and honest about the circumstances you’re prepared to navigate. Many of the expecting parents who choose adoption face challenging circumstances. By approaching the adoption process with an open mind and heart, you can find the right match and welcome a child into your family sooner.

How Long Does Adoption Take in Colorado?

The adoption timeline can look different for hopeful families. Here’s what you can expect when you embark on this journey:

Step 1: Complete Your Home Study and Family Profile

Timeline: Two to Three Months

To move forward with an adoption, you’ll need to have a home study. This extensive step will ensure you’re physically, emotionally and financially ready to bring home a baby. You’ll need to submit documents, baby-proof your home and prepare for interviews with a social worker, among other things.

Additionally, you’ll need to develop an adoptive family profile that highlights who you are through letters and photos. This profile will be shown to expecting parents so they can envision your family. Additionally, we’ll help you create a two- to four-minute video profile that authentically captures your relationship, home and life.

Step 2: Prepare for the Birth and Placement

Timeline: Up to Nine Months

After a pregnant woman chooses you as her baby’s adoptive family, you just need to wait for the birth. The length of this step depends on how far along the prospective birth mother is. If it’s early in the pregnancy, you’ll have lots of time to continue on normal. However, if she’s due in a few days, you might need to make last-minute travel plans.

It’s important to note that there are additional regulations for interstate adoptions. If you adopt a child born outside of Colorado, you’ll need to adhere to Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children guidelines. ICPC clearance can take between seven and 14 days.

Step 3: Finalize the Adoption

Timeline: At Least Six Months

In Colorado, you’ll need to undergo at least six months of post-placement observation before you can legally adopt your baby. A social worker will typically visit your home and call you to ensure a stable, loving environment for the child. After these visits, there will be a court hearing where a judge will issue the final adoption decree.

Depending on your adoption opportunity, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) may affect the finalization step. ICWA regulates the adoption of children who are members of a federally recognized tribe, are eligible for membership of a federally recognized tribe or have a biological parent who’s a tribal member.

Learn More About Your Average Wait Time for Adoption

Waiting for the chance to grow your family can be discouraging. You deserve a family, and you shouldn’t have to experience any setbacks.

That’s why American Adoptions of Colorado makes every effort to reduce your wait time. Our agency is dedicated to bringing families together, and we can help you fulfill your dream of becoming a parent. If you’re ready to get started, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION to talk with an adoption specialist immediately or fill out our short contact form for more information about the adoption process.

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