AdoptChange

Thank you to Reps. Harshbarger, Shreve, Schweikert, and Smith for cosponsoring the bipartisan ADOPT Act to prohibit unlicensed intermediaries in adoption! ✨

Many hopeful adoptive parents turn to adoption consultants because the adoption process can feel opaque, fragmented, and overwhelming. We get asked about adoption consultants all the time, so we figured it was time to write a comprehensive guide on consultants.
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Consultants promise guidance, education, and access in a landscape that is emotionally charged and difficult to navigate. For some families, that promise is fulfilled. For others, it comes with unexpected costs, legal risks, and ethical concerns. Increasingly, these risks extend beyond individual families and reflect broader structural shifts in how adoptions are arranged. Understanding what adoption consultants do, how they differ from other unlicensed actors, and where the risks lie is essential when choosing to work with an adoption consultant. Check out our latest blog on this topic:

What Adopting Families Should Know About Adoption Consultants What is an adoption consultant? Learn about their services, costs, and how they differ from licensed providers. Discover the benefits and risks before signing a contract.

Don’t fall for illegal and deceptive ads from unlicensed adoption brokers! These misleading practices can have serious consequences for vulnerable families seeking support. It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. Always work with licensed and ethical professionals who prioritize your needs and the well-being of children. Protect yourself and your family by ensuring you have accurate information and trustworthy resources at your fingertips.
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Visit AdoptChange.org to find out more about these entities and how to protect yourself.

Our holiday wish list is short but bold: oversight, protection, and transparency in adoption. Let’s unwrap a brighter future for all. 🎁

Yesterday, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) introduced the Adoption Counts Act of 2023, which requires state courts to report private adoptions to the Children’s Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This bill will improve the accuracy of information available on domestic adoptions, like the child’s age and relationship to the adoptive parents, which will increase transparency so Congress can better support birth mothers and adoptive families.
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From the press release: “This bill aims to address a crucial gap,” said Celeste Liversidge, Executive Director of Ethical Family Building. “Accurate data on private domestic adoption is essential in order for policymakers to make informed decisions–to assess what’s working in private domestic adoption, what isn’t, and to determine where further resources are needed.”
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Follow along with AdoptChange to get updates on current adoption-related legislation.

Congressman Lamborn Introduces Bill to Improve Adoption Transparency Congressman Lamborn issued the following statement: “Accurate information on privately managed adoptions is necessary to ensure every child is afforded the opportunity to live in a safe, secure home.”