Houston residents who seek adoption as a means to fulfilling their dreams of parenthood have many adoption issues with which to contend. Choices abound and include whether or not to adopt a child in the United States or from another country and whether to seek adoption of an infant or to consider an older child or perhaps even siblings. The amount of contact to allow or facilitate with a biological parent, if any, is also one of the factors that must be taken into consideration.
An article in the national media recently discussed the impact that the Internet has made on the ability of an adoptive parents to control the contact with a birth parent. The Internet, essentially, makes it virtually impossible to ensure a truly closed adoption any longer. Many professionals are concerned about the proper use of the Internet in any such situation, whether a domestic or international adoption and suggest that adoptive parents should be aware of this situation and plan accordingly.
The article also highlighted concerns about an increase in fraudulent activity surrounding adoptions. Women seeking to adopt out their babies and prospective adoptive parents alike can be too easily manipulated, coerced or exploited in the virtual adoption world. The best interests of the child in question should always be the primary focus but the Internet makes it easy for some people to ignore that and prey on people during vulnerable times.
The potential for inappropriate dealings in an adoption case cannot be denied. This makes it important for anyone interested in either giving a child up for adoption or adopting a child to work with trusted professionals. If you are in either situation, it may be in your best interest to discuss your needs with an experienced family law attorney.
Source: USA Today, “Internet has turned adoption on its head, report says,” Michelle Healy, December 12, 2013
