Why choose D.A. Blodgett for Children as my adoption agency?
D.A. Blodgett for Children is the oldest child welfare agency in Kent County. We’ve been facilitating infant adoptions since 1933. We have a long history of building families through adoption, we know “the ropes” and we offer a wide range of adoption choices from Open to Confidential, plus our Post Adoption Support Services are available to you as a lifelong benefit.

Who is eligible to adopt an infant?
Today, most birth parents have a role in selecting who will adopt their baby. We feature profiles of waiting families on our website to aid in that process. Birth parents often select childless couples with infertility issues first, but married couples with children and single adults are also considered. As long as you are stable, emotionally and physically healthy and able to provide a secure and loving home, you are eligible to adopt an infant.

How do I get started?
One of our adoption specialists completes a home study and then you create a photo album and family profile which can be placed on our website and kept in our office for birth parents to review. Waiting parents create their own unique books, sometimes in groups with other waiting couples. The album gives you an opportunity to show what makes your family special.

How long does it take to adopt an infant?
In recent years, we’ve matched healthy newborns with adoptive families within four months of application. But, many factors are at play including how many infants are available and what birth mothers are looking for in an adoptive family. There is no guarantee an infant will be matched to your family and the wait can be as short as several months or take as long as several years.

How much will it cost?
Your initial consultation and orientation is free. After that, fees vary but we are continuously reviewing our fees in comparison to other agencies in an attempt to assure ours are among the lowest in the state. The adoption tax credit may help you offset the cost and we’ll help you with the forms. Generally, infant adoptions range from $10,000 to $15,000. As fees and tax credits fluctuate, it is important to obtain up to date information by speaking with one of our experienced adoption social workers.

Will I meet the birthmother?
That is up to her…and you. At D.A. Blodgett for Children, we believe that every adoption is special and can’t be put “in a box.” Birth parents and adoptive parents may create their adoption plan face to face, or they may choose to meet each other on a first name basis once. Some may decide to share just photographs. While most birth mothers want some openness, others prefer no contact at all. With the help of an experienced adoption social worker, you’ll find a plan that is right
for your situation.

What if we have adjustment problems after the adoption is finalized?
D.A. Blodgett for Children is all about healthy relationships. That’s why we offer free support to you and your family throughout the life of your adopted child. Turn to the Post Adoption Support Services section of this pamphlet for more details.

I’m considering a confidential adoption. Can D.A. Blodgett for Children complete my required home study?
Yes. And, because D.A. Blodgett for Children has been doing adoptions since 1933, families trust the agency to coordinate arrangements for more unusual adoptions, too, like those that involve out-of-state agencies, confidential adoptions and attorney-supervised adoptions.