Domestic Programs

Hands Across The Water
Domestic Adoption Programs and Services

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, the foster-to-adopt program or assistance when adopting independently.

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. Non-Michigan families can also be in this program.

		We complete your Pre-Placement Assessment (Home Study) according to Michigan adoption law.
		We guide you in preparing your family profile for birth parents.
		We present your profile/photos to prospective birth parents we are working with.
		We are in contact with agencies throughout the U.S. who are seeking families for available infants.
		We guide you in networking to find a birth parent interested in adoption.
		We handle all Michigan legal paperwork such as Interstate and your local court process.
		We provide you with pre-adoption education services and resources.
		We provide your family with post-placement/post-finalization services and support.

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. 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.

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. Very much like the Waiting Child Program, although each family will be Foster Care licensed and be preparred to provide foster care.

This program is designed to provide temporary care fro children in need of an out-of-home placement which provides a family-like setting. The General Foster Care Program is committed to providing families, whether biological, foster or adoptive , the education and training necessary to nurture the children in their care. There are no fees charged by HATW for becoming a foster family. The necessary training is also free.

Domestic Services Only
When the adopting parents are working with an adoption attorney or agency in another state and only need home study & post placement services.

To get started, complete the Application for Services and mail, along with the application fee, to HATW (instructions on form).

Hands Across The Water welcomes prospective adoptive parents of all religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
We work with single men and women, couples married (1 year+) and partnered couples who have been in a committed, monogamous relationship for at least 1 year.