Well…yes and no!
There isn’t really an easy answer to the question “Is the adoption process in New York hard?” because adoption, in general, can be hard regardless of the type of adoption you’re looking at and where you’re looking at it taking place. Adoption is a journey full of ups and downs just like any other major life experience you go through: from learning to walk, starting school, searching for a job, getting married, or carrying a baby.
That being said, New York does have some laws that can make adoption a little more difficult that may draw the process out. The home study process in New York is typical of what you’d find elsewhere in the country: background checks, fingerprinting, interviews, a home safety inspection, parenting courses (which vary by home study agency), a physical exam, and lots of paperwork.
Once your home study is complete, you move on the next step: becoming an active family and waiting to be matched with a birth mother. If you choose to adopt independently, you can advertise your intent and desire to adopt. New York state statutes do not address or prohibit this practice like many other states do. The majority of other laws pertaining to adoption are fairly typical of what you find throughout the country. They do not make the process inherently more difficult. However, some prospective adoptive parents are uncomfortable with the fact that the extrajudicial consent does not become irrevocable until 45 days after the execution of the consent for a private adoption and 30 days for an agency adoption. For the majority of states that waiting period is much shorter; between 48 hours and 15 days.
At a glance, it may appear that a few of New York’s laws could hinder the adoption process or make it more challenging, but some may find that their perspective changes over time as they become more involved in the adoption process. New York state laws surrounding adoption clearly spell things out as to what can and cannot be done. That level of specificity does provide a degree of clarity and comfort during a confusing, conflicting, and emotional time for all parties in the adoption triad.
One thing you can be certain of is that no matter how long or hard the adoption process may be, and whatever state or country you complete it in, all of the highs and lows will be worth it when you meet your child for the first time.
Do you feel there is a hole in your heart that can only be filled by a child? We’ve helped complete 32,000+ adoptions. We would love to help you through your adoption journey. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98.
