LGBTQ Adoption Options

Your inclusive adoption options

Adoptions for LGBTQ families is not yet as seamless or on par with adoption for straight families. Here’s everything LGBTQ people who want to grow their families should know about inclusive adoption options.

Adrienne Elliott of Adoption Options

“It shouldn’t matter what your lifestyle is. It should [be a] matter of, can you parent this child, and can you do it in a safe and appropriate way so that this child can have a family for the rest of their life? That’s what should be important.” Adrienne Elliott and Adoption Options believe a family is a family, and they’re on a mission to support people in the queer community who want to be parents. So, how do LGBTQ families looking to adopt find an inclusive agency?

Adrienne is the executive director of Adoption Options, Colorado’s premier adoption agency. She has 20-plus years of experience working in all aspects of the child welfare system. Adrienne has served as a child welfare trainer for the Colorado Training Academy, and she currently teaches courses around family social work, foster care and adoption for the University of Denver and Metropolitan State University. Adrienne earned her master’s in social work from the University of Denver.

Adrienne joins Queer Money™ to explain the major differences between infant and foster care adoption, from wait times to associated expenses. She walks us through what prospective parents should consider and offers insight on why so many foster kids are waiting for families. Adrienne also covers the reasons why families might be turned down, the financial review process, and the other ways to get involved if you are not prepared to be an adoptive parent. Listen in to understand the impact religious exemption laws may have on an LGBT family’s ability to adopt and learn how to use the HRC All Children—All Families designation to find an inclusive agency.

Hear all your adoption options from Executive Director, Adrienne Elliott:

Topics covered about LGBTQ adoption options

Infant adoption vs. flexible family (foster to adopt)

Home study very similar
Wait time 18 months to 3 years for infant
Wait time 6 months to 1 year for foster

The process of foster certification

6-week education course
60-90 days to complete home study
1 month to get licensed

What to discuss in preparation to adopt

Finances, room for child in home
Research agencies to work with

The common expenses associated with adoption

Infant—medical, legal fees to support birth parents
Foster—much more accessible (county covers fees)

The average cost of adoption

Varies by state, agency
$25-40K for infant ($28K through Adoption Options)
Foster adoption technically free w/ kids in county
$5K for CPA to conduct search across US

Why there are so many kids in the foster system

Kids age 8+ and sibling groups hard to place
Younger children adopted faster

How to combat the fear of the unknown

Respite care, mentor to practice
‘Stronger than you think’
Informational meetings

The common reasons people are turned down

Significant criminal history (child abuse, domestic violence)
Not prepared for legal risk
Not financially prepared

What’s involved in the financial review

Assets, debts, income and savings on application
In-depth financial worksheet in home study

What LGBT parents should consider

How to handle conversation w/ child once placed
Otherwise no difference relative to straight peers

The impact of religious exemption laws

Children from or going to inclusive states not an issue
Kids from states like TX, KS may need approval (ICPC)

The number of LGBT applicants at Adoption Options

40% of total
Due to marriage equality, word-of-mouth

The HRC All Children—All Families designation

Adoption Options only placement agency in CO
Adoption Exchange received seal of recognition
State of CO currently working on designation

The value of the HRC designation

Indicates inclusive agency, community support
Easier to partner with likeminded professionals

The children available for foster care adoption

8 to 14 years old, usually male
Behavioral issues, multiple placements
Unique situations (i.e.: sibling groups, LGBT)

How to help if you’re not considering adoption

Volunteer opportunities, respite family
Become board member or donor

Connect with Adrienne of Adoption Options

Adoption Options
Call (303) 695-1601