Adoptive Parent Rights and Responsibilities
Before you welcome your adoptive child into your family, you will spend time and energy working with WACAP staff throughout the adoption process. To make this working relationship the best it can be, it is important that you know your rights and responsibilities as an adoptive parent.
"We began with you in 1999 and brought our children home in November of that year. They are healthy, growing, active children whom we love very much. Our experience with WACAP was excellent and supportive." - Chris
Adoptive Parent Bill of Rights:
The Right to Services. The right to apply for WACAP's adoption services without regard to disability, race, color, creed, religion, gender, marital status, citizenship, state of residence or age as allowable under state, federal and international laws and regulations.
The Right to Be Informed. The right to have all guidelines, policies, procedures, requirements and expectations provided to you in written, understandable language, including required fees and expenses for adoption.
The Right to Choose. The right to select the WACAP adoption program of your choice and to indicate your preferences for gender, age and heritage of the child that would be most suitable for your family in accordance with the requirements and criteria of those who have custody of the children.
The Right to Be Heard. The right to have a voice in major decisions that affect you, and to be informed about and participate in all decisions concerning your family throughout your adoption process.
The Right to Professional Courtesy. The right to be treated with dignity, honesty and fairness; and to receive prompt and personal attention by WACAP professionals who strive to provide you with the best in service.
The Right to Appeal. The right to submit an appeal to WACAP when dissatisfied with agency decisions or to submit a grievance if dissatisfied with agency services.
Adoptive Parent Bill of Responsibilities:
The Responsibility to Become Informed. The responsibility to read all documents, to understand the process, policies and expectations of adoption, and to seek answers from WACAP for your remaining questions.
The Responsibility to Help Control Misunderstandings. The responsibility to ask questions and clarify misunderstandings throughout the process.
The Responsibility to Respect the Child’s Heritage. The responsibility to respect the dignity of the child, the child’s race and ethnicity, cultural heritage and birth country.
The Responsibility to Obtain the Best Possible Information. The responsibility to research and use appropriate medical and legal professionals or consultants in making your decision to accept a child for adoption.
The Responsibility to Know That You Are Making a Difference. The responsibility to recognize that you are participating in assisting needy children in the United States and around the world, beyond your own child’s adoption.
The Responsibility to Commit. The responsibility to know that when adopting a child, you are committing to that child for a lifetime.