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FAQ
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Amara's programs are below.
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Adoption
What does the term “Foster-to-Adopt” mean?
The term “Foster-to-Adopt” is used to describe the process of adopting a child from foster care. You’ll act as the child’s foster parent from the moment the child is placed in your home until the adoption is finalized.
Who are the children that Amara places in adoptive homes?
The children we place in adoptive homes represent the diversity of our community. We serve infants, toddlers and older children of any ethnic and cultural background. We place individual children and siblings.
Many of these children are in foster care for their own safety and protection. Some are infants who have been relinquished to us by their birthparents.
Who can apply to be adoptive parents with Amara?
At Amara, anyone who is 21 years or older can apply. We know that adults from all walks of life can be great adoptive parents. We proudly serve caring adults regardless of marital status, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, home ownership, income or education.
We are a same-sex couple and wonder if our adoption will be valid in other states as well?
If a same-sex couple jointly adopts a child in Washington State, the adoption is legally recognized by all other states, including states that don’t allow same-sex couples to adopt.
What is a Home Study Document and why do we need one?
A Home Study Document, also known as a pre-placement report, is a detailed presentation of all aspects of your family. Washington State law requires that you have an approved Home Study Document before a child from foster care can be placed in your home for either temporary foster care or adoption.
For each family we serve, Amara creates a comprehensive Home Study Document that meets our high standards. It’s our experience that a thorough description of a family facilitates the child search process and helps us find the best fit for your family and the child.
How long does the adoption process take?
Every adoption process—and every adoptive family—is unique. So it’s difficult to predict the duration of your adoption process. But we can give you a rough idea of the timeline.
The adoption process can take between seven months and five years—though neither of these extremes is typical. We look at the timeline in three distinct phases: 1) Home Study, 2) Child Search, Match and Placement and 3) Post-Placement through Adoption Finalization. In most cases we complete a Home Study in three to six months but it may take longer. After the Home Study has been approved, it may take a few days or as long as two and half years before a successful match between a child and a family is identified. And the adoption of the child can be finalized between two months and two years after a child is placed in your home.
What is Open Adoption?
There is no single definition of Open Adoption: it means different things to different families. When an adoption is open, the child knows that he or she has been adopted and an avenue is created between the birth family and the adoptive family to communicate.
The degree of openness varies greatly among families. The birth and adoptive families can exchange letters and photos once or twice a year either directly or through Amara. But they can also establish and maintain an ongoing, more personal relationship.
We support open adoption at Amara. Research shows that children benefit from knowing their roots and being able to ask questions and to get answers about their adoption and their birth family. And from our nearly 90 years serving children, we know this to be true.
At Amara, we provide training that helps you understand and think about Open Adoption. The required class helps you feel comfortable making an Open Adoption Plan that fits your family and the child you adopt.
How can Amara help us adopt a child?
At Amara, we provide practical support to ensure that adoptive parents receive the training and guidance they need throughout the adoption process. We practice ongoing encouragement and open communication to help families along the way. The best way to understand how we can assist you is to attend one of our monthly Adoption Information Meetings.
How many families do your Adoption and Foster Care Specialists serve simultaneously?
Best practices for social workers who provide adoption and foster care services are to serve no more than 25 families at the same time. Because we want to provide high-quality, hands-on service to our clients, we exceed these best practice standards. Adoption Specialists at Amara serve between 18 and 20 families.
Can you tell me more about your Adoption and Foster Care Specialists?
Each family works one-on-one with an Adoption and Foster Care Specialist, but is served by the entire team of Amara’s Adoption and Foster Care Specialists. Our team is diverse, represents different ethnicities and brings a combined background in advanced education and work experience. Our Adoption and Foster Care Specialists regularly attend outside professional trainings and are supervised by a licensed clinical social worker who is on staff.
Why do families choose to partner with Amara?
Many families come to us because we were recommended to them from our current and past client families. And we have families who return to work with us when they are ready to adopt another child.
But we also know that many of our clients choose to work with us because of our experience—Amara has been working to create strong families since 1921.
And families often choose to work with us because of our core value that there is no single definition of “family.” We are proud to offer our services to everyone age 21 or older, regardless of marital status, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, home ownership, income or education.
How can we apply to adopt a child through Amara?
We ask that you first attend one of our monthly adoption meetings to learn about the process of adopting a child and how Amara can assist you. We want to ensure that you have a full understanding of the adoption process, who we are and how we can support you throughout the adoption journey before you decide to apply.
The next step is to meet with an Amara adoption program representative and go over your unique and personal questions in a confidential environment. Typically, you’ll receive an application form during this meeting.
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Pregnancy Counseling
I’m pregnant and not sure what I want to do. How can you help me?
An Amara pregnancy counselor can help you explore all your options if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. In a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental environment, we can help you learn about and consider your options. We can provide emotional support and referrals once you’ve made your decision—no matter what decision you make. We believe that only you can decide whether adoption, parenting or pregnancy termination is right for you.
What exactly is a pregnancy counselor?
A pregnancy counselor is a professional counselor who is available to talk with you and to listen to your story without judgment. A counselor helps you sort out your thoughts and feelings so that you can make the decision that is right for you. And your counselor can help you plan for the future according to the choice you make.
Your conversations with your pregnancy counselor are completely confidential and your privacy will always be respected.
I might want to parent my child, but I’m not sure if I can do it. How can you help me?
You can work with your Amara pregnancy counselor to explore what resources you need to feel confident about parenting your child. Your counselor will connect you to long-term resources and to agencies that can provide you with education about child development, parenting classes and financial assistance programs.
I might want to make an adoption plan for my child. How can you help me and how much say will I have in the process?
Talking with an Amara pregnancy counselor can help you explore the option of adoption. Your birth parent counselor will help you determine what is important to you—about the environment where you want your child to grow up. Based on your criteria, your counselor will present adoptive families for you to choose from. And you may still be involved in your child’s life if you choose an open adoption. At Amara, we support open adoption.
I might want to have an abortion. How can you help me?
Talking with an Amara pregnancy counselor can help you determine if terminating your pregnancy (abortion) is the right choice for you. Your counselor will work with you to find an appropriate medical clinic in your area. And your counselor will provide you with the emotional support you need throughout this process.
Will a pregnancy counselor talk me into a decision?
Definitely not. Our support is unbiased and we’ll respect any choice you make. Your pregnancy counselor will help you feel confident about your choice.
Can we meet in person? And can I bring the other birth parent, my parent, or a friend?
Absolutely! An Amara pregnancy counselor can meet with you whenever and wherever you feel most comfortable. You may want to meet in your favorite coffee shop, at your home or somewhere else. And you can bring whomever you wish.
What do I need to pay?
Nothing. Our counseling services are free of charge.
If you have additional questions on Amara's programs, please Contact Us.
