Expectant moms considering adoption sometimes ask, “Will I have to have a background check to place my baby for adoption?” The answer, in Arkansas, is no. Women making the brave and beautiful choice to place their baby with an adoptive family are not required to go through a background check. Some adoption agencies may require background checks for birth moms, but it is not a legal requirement.
Are background checks required?
Background checks are not required for birth mothers. Sometimes expectant moms get this idea because adoptive parents must have background checks. Background checks are part of the home study process in Arkansas. You can feel confident that all the hopeful adoptive families we work with at Heimer Law have been checked for criminal activity and child and adult maltreatment.
The health and finances of hopeful adoptive parents are also checked. These investigations are to make sure that the family can provide a safe and stable home for the child. When you choose a family for your child, you don’t need to worry about these matters; you can make your choice with confidence. Background checks for birth moms are not necessary because you will not provide a home for your child.
Questions
An expectant mom can anticipate questions during the adoption journey. You can expect questions about your medical history, your emotional state, and even some details about your living situation. You may want to share your financial concerns or any worries you may have about your pregnancy.
Questions will come up about the father of the child, and whether he will need to be alerted to the adoption or to give consent. You may be asked about the support you have from your family or your community, in order to make sure that you have a safe living situation during your pregnancy.
You will have decisions to make: an open adoption or a closed one, your birth plan, and how much contact you want to have with the adoptive family — these are all your decisions to make. You will have support from your attorney, medical care team, and counselor in the course of the adoption and each of them will have questions they’ll ask you.
Notice that all these professionals are there to support you during this important time and in your preparation for the next stage of your life. Their questions come from a place of caring and a desire to create the best possible experience and outcome. These questions are not a background check.
Considering adoption? Contact Heimer Law for honest answers to your questions. We specialize in adoption.
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