There are a few different ways to adopt domestically. Hands Across The Water is able to assist Michigan families with all types of domestic adoption. Whether it be in our infant domestic adoption program, our waiting child domestic program, or assistance when adopting independently.
Direct Consent Placement
This is when the birth parent/s relinquishes her/their parental rights directly to an adoptive family.
Temporary Placement
Temporary placement means the child is placed with the adoptive family before the birth parents appear in court to consent to the adoption.
Hands Across The Water Domestic Infant Adoption Program
Total assistance and support is given to both adoptive parents and birth parents throughout the domestic adoption process beginning when the prospective birth parent/s come to HATW to explore her/their parenting options.
Designated Adoption
This is when the adopting parents and birth parents find each other and come to HATW for services to complete the domestic adoption.
Designated Out-Of-State Adoption
This is when the adopting parents and birth parents find each other but the birth parents live outside of Michigan and the adoption will be finalized in the state of the birth parents. HATW will work directly with the adopting parents to provide their adoption services.
Waiting Child Adoption
There are many children throughout the U.S. who are currently waiting for a family. These children have been in the foster care system and the birth parent's rights have been terminated. Hands Across The Water receives photo listings for the state of Michigan as well as many other states across the United States. Adoption fees are initially paid, then may be reimbursed to you after the adoption is finalized through the child's state Non-Recurring Expense Fund.
Domestic Services Only
This is when the adopting parents are working with an adoption attorney or agency in another state and only need home study and post placement services.
If you are ready to begin the process, print the Application for Adoption Services and mail, along with the $250 Application Fee, to HATW (instructions are on the form).
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