Adopting a child in Tennessee can change the lives of both the parents and the children they bring into their families. Deciding to pursue adoption requires a big commitment, but it does not require that you become the perfect parent overnight. Knowing where to start...
Does Tennessee recognize open adoption?
When you live in Tennessee and give some thought to adopting a child, you may wonder whether there is potential for the child’s birth parents to remain active in his or her life. An open adoption is one where the birth family, or one birth parent, may maintain contact...
What grandparents should know about adopting their grandchildren
Life doesn’t always turn out like you think it might. You may have been over the moon to discover you daughter was expecting a baby and you would be a grandparent soon. However, after the baby was born, your daughter had a relapse with her drug and alcohol addiction...
Open or closed adoption: Which is right for you?
When you decide to adopt a child, one of the things you’ll need to decide on is the type of adoption you’re going to go through. The two kinds are open or closed adoptions. Open adoptions allow you to choose a child and also interact with their family members. Closed...
Fostering to adopt: A faster way to bring your child home
Did you know that there are over 400 children eligible for adoption in Tennessee right now, according to statistics from Oct. 13? Adoptions are a great way to grow your family, and there are hundreds of children waiting for good homes to go to in the state right now....
Building a healthy relationship with an expectant mother
If you want to adopt a child, you are among many potential parents in the U.S. who consider and follow through with this legal process every year. According to the Adoption Network, parents adopt approximately 135,000 children in the U.S. on an annual basis. If you...
FAQ about Tennessee adoption laws
Whether you plan to adopt your stepchild, a child in the state foster care system or a newborn through a private agency, Tennessee laws govern the adoption process. Knowing what to expect can help you decide what type of adoption is right for you. These are the...
How can you ease your child’s transition to adoption?
The choice to adopt a child from the foster care system in Tennessee is a major moment for you and the child. If you are worried about your kid’s adjustment, there are some ways you can make the transition easier. If it is safe for the child, the U.S. Department of...
Disclosing adoptee status early may prevent feelings of betrayal
Adopting in Tennessee is not an easy legal process. Many new parents face additional challenges, such as whether to inform their new children about their adoption. A study published in The Atlantic magazine suggests that disclosing an adoptee status after the age of...
What documents do you need to provide for an adoption home study?
The home study is one of the most significant aspects of the adoption process in Tennessee. Over the span of about three to six months, on average, a social worker will meet with you (and your partner, if applicable), sometimes at his or her office and at least once...
