COLUMBUS, OH 400 South Fifth Street, Suite 304 Columbus ...9bb65a6ebd4b01a196db-12d758096ed9b5389c0cb0868351a7d0.r6… · Adoption Circle is committed to providing all parties to

COLUMBUS,OH400SouthFifthStreet,Suite304

Columbus,Ohio43215(614)237-7222

&

CLEVELAND,OH20525CenterRidgeRd.,Ste.608

RockyRiver,Ohio44116(216)464-7299

Toll-Free:(800)927-7222Fax:(614)237-8484Email:[email protected]:www.adoptioncircle.org

Columbus(main):400S.FifthSt.,Ste.304,Columbus,OH43215•Cleveland:20525CenterRidgeRd.,Ste.608,RockyRiver,OH44116PH:(800)927-7222•Fax:(614)237-8484•Email:[email protected]•Website:www.adoptioncircle.org

TableofContents

I. LetterfromExecutiveDirector

II. AdoptionCircle’sMissionStatementandPhilosophy

III. WhyChooseAdoptionCircle?

IV. AdoptionProgramsa. InfantAdoptionProgramb. Targeted/IdentifiedAdoptionProgramc. InternationalAdoptionProgramd. AuxiliaryServiceProgram

V. MinimumRequirementsforAdoptiveApplicants

VI. AdoptionProcessa. Applicationb. Selectionc. OrientationandEducationProcessd. AdoptiveHomestudye. HomestudyUpdatef. FamilyProfileg. SurrenderandPlacement

VII. PostPlacementAdoptionServicesa. Finalization

VIII. PostFinalizationAdoptionServices

IX. AdoptionCircleFeeSchedule

X. AdoptionAssistance–SubsidySnapshot

XI. ODJFSNon-DiscriminationRequirementsforFosterCareandAdoptivePlacementsa. AdoptionCircleComplaintProcess

XII. PeopleareTalkingAboutUs……


I. LetterfromExecutiveDirectorDearFriends:

AdoptionCircle,astatelicensed,non-profitadoptionagency,welcomestheopportunitytoshareourAgencyanditsserviceswithyou. TheAgencywasfoundedonthephilosophythatchildrendeservethebestwecangive. Ourcircleisasymbolofthecontinuumandlife-longrelationshipbetweenadoptivefamilies,birthfamilies,childrenandadoptionprofessionals.

TointroduceyoutoAdoptionCircle’sprogramsandservices,wehaveincludedourAgencyInformationPacket.Ifyouwishtoapplyafterreadingtheinformationpacket,completeandsigntheAgencyApplication.ReturnthecompleteddocumentstoAdoptionCirclewiththe$250.00non-refundableapplicationprocessingfee.

WehopethisinformationhelpsyoutobetterunderstandAdoptionCircle. Wewishyouwellinyourpursuitofadoptionandlookforwardtotheopportunitytoworkwithyouinthefuture.

Sincerelyyours,

PamelaS.Hook,LISW-SExecutiveDirector


II. AdoptionCircle’sMissionStatement&PhilosophyAdoptionCircle‘sphilosophyisthatallchildrenhavetherighttolove,securityandnurturance;thefoundationnecessarytobecomeahealthy,happyandproductiveadult. AdoptionCirclerealizesthatthistypeofenvironmentmaynotalwaysbepossibleifachildremainswithhisorherfamilyofbirth. ItistheAgency’sbeliefthatbirthparentshavetheultimateresponsibilitytomakeparentingdecisionsfortheirchildren.Adoptionshouldbeaparentingdecisionthatbirthparentsmakefortheirchildrenafterconsideringalloftheiroptions,freeofpressureandcoercionfromallpotentialsources.

TheprimaryfocusofallofAdoptionCircle’sprogramsistoassistinadoptionplanningandtheplacementofnewbornandyoungchildren. AdoptionCirclewilleffectuateitsphilosophyandpurposebyprovidingprofessionalcounselingforbirthparentsandadoptiveparentscontemplatinganadoptionplan.

AdoptionCirclebelievesthatifadoptionisthechoiceforchildrenandtheirparents,itshouldbefacilitatedbyprofessionalswhorealizethatadoptionisalife-longprocess. AdoptionCircleacceptsthisresponsibilityandAdoptionCircle’spoliciesreflectacommitmenttotheneedsandbestinterestofthechildrenoftoday,theadultsoftomorrow.

AdoptionCircleiscommittedtoprovidingallpartiestoanadoption(birthparents,adoptiveparentsandadoptedpersons)withthesupportnecessarytomakethebestpossibledecisionforachild.TheAgencymaintainsastaffofhighlytrained,statecertifiedadoptionassessors,whoareavailabletoperformadoptionservicesincludingbirthparentassessmentsandadoptivehomestudiesthroughoutOhio.AdoptionCirclemayalsoprovideadoptionservicestoUnitedStatescitizensincompliancewiththeInterstateCompactRulesandRegulations.

AdoptionCircleshallbeanAgencyofadvocacyforallitsclients. TheAgencybelievesitisimportantforallpartiestobeactivelyinvolvedindesigningtheiradoptionplan.AdoptionCirclewillalwaysattempttomeettheneedsofitsclientssolongasfacilitatingthedesignedadoptionplanisinfullcompliancewithOhiolawandtheAgency’slicenseasaprivatechildplacementagency. AdoptionCircleprovidesitsservicesinfullaccordancewithFederalandStateLawincludingtheMulti-EthnicPlacementActasamended.


III. WhyChooseAdoptionCircle?

• Youdesignyouradoptionplantomeetyourneedsasanadoptiveparent.

• Youcanbeassuredthatyouwillreceiveone-on-oneindividualizedattentionwithhonestandhelpfulcommunicationthroughoutyouradoptionjourney.Youwillhavedirectaccesstooneofouradoptionsocialworkerswhowillserveasyourguideandpartnerinyouradoptionplan.

• Adoptionisastressfulprocess.Weareheretosupportyouwhenyoumayfeeloverwhelmed,confusedorchallengedasyoubecomeanadoptiveparent.Incriticalsituations,nomatterwhattimeofday,youcancalltheAgencyDirectoronherpersonalcellphone.YouwillalwaysbeconnectedtoAdoptionCircle.

• Withover20yearsofexperience,AdoptionCircle’sstaffhasbeenrecognizedinOhioandacrosstheUnitedStatesfortheirextraordinarylevelofcompassion,knowledgeandexpertiseinthefieldofadoption.Anyadoptiveparent,birthparentorchildthatworkswithAdoptionCirclewilldirectlybenefitfromtheiraffiliationwithourprofessionalandcaringstaff.

• AdoptionCircleisyourfull-serviceadoptionagency.Wewillbebyyoursideeverystepoftheway.Startingfromtheinitiationofourworkingrelationshipwewillfacilitateallservicesneededtocompleteyouradoptionincludingthehomestudyandapprovalprocess,birthparentmatchandselection,placementofchild,thefinalizationofyouradoptionandbeyond.

• Youradoptionprocessmayrequireoryoumaydesiretohavereferralstootheradoptionrelatedprofessionals.AdoptionCirclehasaccesstoavastnetworkofadoptionprofessionalsincludinghighlyexperiencedadoptionattorneys,accountants,doctorsandcounselors,justtonameafew.WhenchoosingAdoptionCircleyouwillhaveaccesstothisnetwork.

• AdoptionCircleunderstandsthatadoptioncanbeexpensiveandoftenrequiresfinancialsacrificefromtheadoptiveapplicant.Ourgoaloftheagencyistoeaseorlessenyourfearsurroundingthemonetarycommitmentneededforeachstepoftheadoptionprocess.Ourfeescheduleispredictableandexplainedindetailduringyouradoptiontraining. Ouradoptionfeesarespreadthroughouttheadoptionprocesswhichallowsforamoremanageableandbalancedpaymentsystem.

• IfyouselectAdoptionCircleasyouragency,youcanbeassuredthateverybirthparentthatchoosesAdoptionCircleisprovidedwiththeutmostofcare,compassionandsupport.Ourstaffprovides24/7supportandcounselingforbirthparents.Ouragencywillmeetwithbirthparentsface-to-face,completeadetailedsocialmedicalhistoryandotherpaperworkrequiredunderOhiolawforthebirthparentassessment. Weareavailableforbirthparentsthroughallphasesofthepregnancy,labor,deliveryandplacementprocessandcontinuetooffersupportafterplacement,ifrequested.BirthparentswhohaveworkedwithAdoptionCircleoftenrecommendouragencytootherbirthparentsconsideringadoption.Weconsiderthisthehighestofpraise.


IV. AdoptionPrograms

InfantAdoptionProgram

AspartofitsInfantAdoptionProgram,AdoptionCircleplaceschildrenbornintheUnitedStates,usuallyundertwomonthsofageanddeemedtobegenerallyhealthybyahospitalorphysicianatthetimeofplacement. Theapplicationfeeforthisprogramis$250.00.

Targeted/IdentifiedAdoptionProgram

AdoptionCirclehasdevelopedatrueexpertiseinthefacilitationofadoptionsinwhichtheAdoptiveParentsandtheBirthparentshaveselectedeachotherpriortocontactingtheAgency. Often,theseadoptionsarearrangedbymedicalprofessionals,lawyersormutualfriends. TheseadoptionsarehandledthroughtheAgency’sTarget/IdentifiedAdoptionProgram.

TheAgencyisexperiencedinquicklyandefficientlyprovidingservicessothattheadoptionwillproceedwithoutdelay. Alltheservicesnecessarytoeffectuateasuccessfuladoption,including,homestudy,birthparentassessmentandcounselingandlegalservicesareprovidedaspartofthisprogram.AdoptionCirclerespectstherelationshipthathasbeenestablishedbetweenthespecificBirthparentsandAdoptiveParentsandwilldoeverythingpossibletoassistthemwiththeiradoptionplan.AdoptionCirclerealizestheBirthparentsandAdoptiveParentshavealreadyselectedeachotherfortheadoptionplan.Toinitiateanyoftheseservicespleasecontactouroffice. Noapplicationfeeisrequired.

InternationalAdoptionProgram

AdoptionCirclehasestablishedalongtermworkingrelationshipwithmanyinternationaladoptionagencies. WehaveassistedwiththeadoptiveplacementofchildrenfromChina,Russia,Guatemala,Korea,IndiaandMarshallIslands.AdoptionCircle’sInternationalAdoptionProgramoffers,homestudy,education,andpost-placementservicesforfamiliesadoptinginternationallythatareworkingwithaHagueAccreditedagency. Ourprogramissupervised byasocialworkerwithanexpertiseinmeetingtheuniqueneedsoffamiliesadoptingchildrenthrough internationalsources.Noapplicationfeeisrequired.*AdoptionCircleisnotHagueAccredited.

AuxiliaryServiceProgram

AdoptionCirclecanalsoprovideavastarrayofprofessionalservicestoindividualswhodonotneedtobepartofoneoftheAgency’scompleteadoptionprograms. UnderitsAuxiliaryAdoptionProgramAdoptionCircleoffersthefollowingservices:

• Homestudy• HomestudyUpdates


• Post-PlacementSupervisoryVisits• State-requiredBirthparentAssessments• Counseling• TrainingandEducation• LegalServices

Toinitiateanyoftheseservicespleasecontactouroffice. Noapplicationfeeisrequired.

V. MinimumRequirementsforAdoptiveParents

1. Minimumageforanapplicantistwenty-one(21)yearsofageor,ifamarriedcouple,onespousemustbeatleasttwenty-one(21)yearsofage. Althoughthisistheonlyagerequirementforapplication,pleasenotethatbirthparentsparticipateintheselectionprocessandageisfrequentlyafactorwhichbirthparentsconsider.

2. Marriedapplicantsmustbemarriedforaminimumofoneyear.

3. Applicantswhohavebeenconvictedofanyfeloniouscriminaloffensemayormaynot

beapproveddependentuponthenatureanddateoftheoffense.

4. AdoptionCircleprefersapplicantstobenon-smokers.

5. Applicantsshallhaveaplantoprovidethechildwithreligiousand/ormoralbeliefs.

6. Applicantsshallnotbeinarrearsoncourt-orderedchildsupportpayments.

7. ApplicantswhohaveahistoryofDomesticViolencemayormaynotbeapproveddependentuponthenatureanddateoftheoffense.

TheseareminimumrequirementsandAdoptionCirclereservestherighttoimposeanyandallreasonablestandardswhichitbelievestobeinachild’sbestinterest.


VI. TheAdoptionProcess

Step1:Application

YouhavenowreceivedAdoptionCircle’sInformationPacketwhichprovidesyouwithintroductoryinformationexplainingtheAgency’sphilosophy,programs,andprocedures. ThispacketincludestheAgency’sApplication.If,afterreviewofthismaterial,youwishtopursueadoptionwithourAgency,theApplicationmustbecompletedandreturnedtoAdoptionCircle’sColumbusofficewitha$250.00non-refundableapplicationprocessingfee.

Step2:Selection

AllcompletedapplicationsreceivedfortheInfantAdoptionProgramwillbereviewedandthenscheduledtobegintheadoptionprocessbyattendingtheOrientationandEducationMeeting. AletterofreceiptoftheapplicationandaninvitationtotheappropriateOrientationandEducationMeetingwillbesentwithin15(fifteen)daysoftheAgencyreceivingtheapplication. OrientationandEducationMeetingsarescheduledquarterlyinthemonthsofMarch,June,September,andDecember:*Pleasenote:RoomspaceislimitedfortheOrientationandEducationMeetings.Ifyourapplicationsand/orreservationarereceivedafterreachingroomcapacity,youwillbeinvitedtothenextscheduledOrientationandEducationMeeting

2020OrientationandEducationMeetingDates:

• Wednesday,March4,2020• Wednesday,June3,2020• Wednesday,September2,2020• Wednesday,December2,2020

*2019datessubjecttochange.AdoptionCirclemakeseveryefforttoprovideservicestoanyoneinterestedinbeginningtheadoptionprocess. AdoptionCirclewilloffereachapplicanttheopportunitytoadopt.However,theAgencycannotguaranteethataplacementwilloccurorthelengthoftimethatitmaytakefortheplacementtooccur.AdoptionCircleprovidesitsservicesinfullaccordanceandcompliancewiththeMulti-EthnicPlacementasAmended.

Step3:OrientationandEducationProcess

AnapplicantisinvitedtobegintheadoptionprocessbyattendingtheOrientationandEducationmeetingheldinColumbus.Thismeetingisscheduledduringtheworkweek.Itisafulldaygroupmeetingdesignedtoprovideyouwithadoptioninformationthatwillorientyoutothemanyfacetsofadoption. TopicstobeaddressedincludeAgencyphilosophy,programs,procedures,services,legal


issues,birthparentinformation,andtypesofadoption. ApplicantswillhearbirthparentsandadoptiveparentswhohaveworkedwithAdoptionCirclerelatetheiradoptionexperiences. Opennessinadoptionisdiscussedsothatallapplicantswilleventuallymakeinformeddecisionsastheydesigntheiradoptionplans.Thismeetingalsoprovidestheapplicantwiththeopportunitytotalkwithotherapplicantsandlearnofsupportgroups.AdoptionCirclehopesthiswillbeatimetoallowtheapplicantstobecomebetterinformed,educatedandcomfortablewiththeadoptionprocess.

AfterattendingtheOrientationandEducationmeetingapplicantsarescheduledforthenextrequiredtrainingmeeting.AdoptionCircleholdsthisasixhoursmallgroupmeetingintheagencyofficetrainingroom. Thismeetinggivesyoutheopportunitytoexploreandquestionissuessuchasgenetics,bondingandattachment,mythsandfantasiesinadoption,parentingtheadoptedchild,culture,andchilddevelopment.

Additionally,allapplicantswithoutchildrenorwhohavechildrenolderthanfiveyearsofage,mustcompleteachildcareclass.Pleasevisitwww.adoptioncircle.organdgotoeducationandtrainingforspecificchildcareclasses.AllprospectiveadoptiveparentsmusthavecurrentcertificationininfantCPR.TheAgencyalsoprovidesapplicantswithadditionaltrainingresources,i.e. readinglists,on-lineeducationandmayrequireyoutoreadspecificbookspriortoapprovalforadoption.AdoptionCircleencouragesyoutobecomeinvolvedinadoptionsupportgroupsandeducationalworkshopsinyourcommunity.

Step4:AdoptiveHomestudy

AfteryouattendtheOrientationandEducationandSmallGroupMeetings,theprocesswillcontinuewiththeIndividualAdoptiveHomestudyAssessment. Youwillbeassignedastatecertifiedadoptionassessorwhowillvisitwithyoutoconductyourhomestudy. Thesemeetingswillincludeinterviewsanddiscussionsonavarietyofadoptionandparentingrelatedissues. Youandyourhomestudyassessorwilldiscussyoursocial,medical,psychologicalandfamilyhistoryandotherareasthatrelatetoyourdecisiontoadopt.

Yoursocialworker/assessorwillassessyourhometomakecertainthatitmeetsthestandardssetbytheStateofOhioandtheAgency. Youwillhavetheopportunitytocandidlydiscussyourmotivationforadoptionandyouranticipatedstrengthsandweaknessesasaparent. AdoptionCircleviewsthehomestudyprocessasanopportunityforyoutoassessyourabilitytosuccessfullyparentanadoptedchild.Thegoalofthehomestudyistoeducateandprepareyoutoreacharealisticdecisionregardingtheadoptiveplacementofachildinyourhome.

Applicantswillbegivenalistofspecificdocumentswhichmustbecompletedandgiventotheassessor/socialworkerduringthehomestudyprocess.Amongtherequiredformsarebackgroundchecks,i.e.stateandfederalcriminal,drivingrecordsandchildabuseclearances,financialstatement,medicalformandfourreferenceletters.AllformsrequiredbytheStateofOhiowillbeprovidedtoyou


byAdoptionCircle.Alldocumentswillbereviewedbyyoursocialworker/assessortodeterminethereadinessofanapplicanttoparentanadoptionchild.AdoptionCirclereservestherighttorequestandrequireotherdocumentationdeemednecessaryfortheassessmentofanadoptiveapplicantonanongoingbasisthroughoutthehomestudyandadoptionprocess.Thismayincludereportsonconsultationwithmedical,psychological,and/orlegalprofessionals.Thehomestudycannotbecompletedifanyrequesteddocumentsareabsentfromyourfile.

TheAgency’sgoalisalwaystobesupportiveandhelpfulinguidingyouthroughyourhomestudy.Wewilllendahelpinghandwheneverpossible.Yoursocialworker/adoptionassessorwillscheduleappointmentsandphonecallswithyouatmutuallyconvenienttimesbutyoumustbepreparedtodedicateasubstantialamountoftimetotheprocess.Theadoptionprocesswilllikelyrequireyoutotaketimeofffromwork.AdoptionCirclewillcompleteawrittenhomestudyreportandnotifyyouinwritingtheresultsinaccordancewithOhiolaw.

AdoptionCircleencouragesyoutocompleteallrequiredaspectsofthehomestudyinanorganizedandtimelymanner.DelaysincompletingyourhomestudywithoutAgencyapprovalmayresultintheterminationofthehome-studyprocess.Theinformationwhichyouwillprovidemaybecomeoutdatedandtheprocesswillhavetobeginagainatyourexpense.

HomestudyUpdate

AHomestudymaybeupdatedeverytwoyearsfromthedateofapprovaloftheinitialHomestudy.Applicantsseekingtoadoptanotherchildaswellasthosewhohavenotreceivedaplacementduringthe24monthperiodwillneedtoupdatetheiroriginalHomestudyiftheydesiretocontinueintheadoptionprocess.

Homestudyupdatesincludepersonalinterviewsandprovisionofcurrentdocumentation.Paperworkrequired(butnotlimitedto)includesaprofessionalreferenceaswellasmedical,financialandbackgroundclearances.Additionaldocumentsarerequireddependingoneachapplicant’sindividualchangessincetheoriginalHomestudyi.e.changesinresidence,employmentornumberofhouseholdmembers.

Step5:FamilyProfile

Youwillbeaskedtowriteafamilyprofilethatonceyouareapprovedtoadoptmaybesharedwithbirthparentsupontheirrequest. Yourprofileisthetoolbywhichyouareinitiallyintroducedthebirthparentsconsideringanadoptionplan. Thisfourpagedocumentshoulddescribeyouandyourspouse,ifyouareadoptingasamarriedcouple. Ifthereareotherchildrenlivingwithyou,theyshouldalsobeincluded. Detailsaboutyourlife,includingage,religion,values,lifeexperiences,occupationandhomeenvironmentshouldbeincorporatedintoyourfamilyprofile. Agencystaffmemberswillbeavailabletoassistyouwiththisassignment. Whenyourhomestudyhasbeenapproved,AdoptionCirclewillbegincirculatingyourprofiletoBirthparentsworkingwiththeAgency. AdoptionCircleofferseachapprovedadoptiveapplicanttheopportunitytosharetheirprofileontheagency’swebsite.


Step6:AdoptiveandBirthparentMatch

Whenyourhomestudyhasbeenapprovedandmiddlefeehasbeenpaid,AdoptionCirclewillbegincirculatingyourprofiletobirthparentsworkingwiththeagency.Atthistimeadoptivefamiliesshouldprepareforplacementoftheirchild.AdoptionCirclewillnotifytheadoptiveparentswhentheyhavebeenselectedbyabirthmotherandtheAgencywillsendallavailablesocialandmedicalinformationregardingthebirthparent(s).Theadoptiveparentscanthenselectbackforamutuallydecidedadoptionplan.

Step7:SurrenderandPlacement

Nosoonerthanseventy-two(72)hoursafterthebirthofachildaBirthparentmayrelinquishhisorherparentalrightsandlegalcustodytoAdoptionCirclebyvoluntarilysigninganODJFS1666PermanentSurrenderofChild.TheAgencywillneveracceptasurrenderfromaBirthparentuntiltheBirthparentappearstobemakinganinformedandvoluntarydecision,freeofallduressandpressure. Shortlyafteracceptingasurrender,AdoptionCirclewillplacethechildintheapprovedhomeoftheadoptivefamilyandshallperformpost-placementsupervision.

VII. PostPlacementAdoptionServices

Thepre-finalizationperiodshallbenolessthansixmonthsfromthedateofplacement. DuringthattimeAdoptionCircleretainslegalcustodyofthechildandwillperformpost-placement,pre-finalizationsupervision.Acaseworker/adoptionassessorwillmakeahomevisitwiththeadoptivefamilynolaterthansevendaysfollowingplacementandshallmakeface-to-facevisitsduringthepost-placement,pre-finalizationperiod.PerOhioLaw,allvisitsareinthehomeandbothparentsmustbepresent.Allmembersofthehouseholdmustbepresentforatleasttwovisitsduringasixmonthperiod.

Duringthepost-placementvisitsyourcaseworker/adoptionassessorwillobserveyourfamilytomakecertainthatyourchildisthrivinginyourhome,surroundedbyloveandappropriatecare. Theassessormayofferparentingsuggestionsandwillassessthetotalfamilyenvironmenttoinsurethehealthandwelfareofthebaby.

Adoptiveparentsarerequiredtosendpicturesofthebabyandlettersdescribingthebaby’sprogressonamonthlybasistotheAgencyforaperiodofoneyearfromthedateofplacement.TheseitemswillbesharedwiththeBirthparent(s)uponrequest.

Forsixconsecutiveweeksimmediatelyfollowingplacement,oneorbothadoptiveparentsmustremainhomewiththeinfant.AdoptionCirclebelievesthisisaveryimportanttimeofparent/childbonding.

AdoptionCirclewillprovideand/orarrangeforservicesforthefamilyorchildasmaybeneededduringthisperiodoftime.Adoptiveparentswhobelievethattheirchildmaybeeligibleforanytypeofsubsidymustapplyforthesubsidiesduringthepost-placement,pre-finalizationperiod.


Finalization

Duringthepost-placementperiod,adoptiveparent(s)petitiontheCourttofinalizetheadoption,therebytransferringlegalcustodyofthechildfromAdoptionCircletotheadoptiveparent(s).TheAgencywillassistwiththeprocessbutyouwillhavetohireanattorneytocompletethelegalpaperworkandattendtheCourthearing.Thefeesforthefinalizationincludingcourtcostsandtheattorneyfeesarenotincludedinyouragencyadoptionfee.Theadoptionfinalizationhearingcannotbehelduntilthechildhasbeeninyourhomeforsixmonths.

VIII. PostFinalizationAdoptionServices

AdoptionCircleshallprovidepostfinalizationadoptionservicesuponrequestofthebirthparents,adoptiveparentsand/oradoptedpersonevenaftertheadoptionhasbeenfinalized. Theseservicesshallbeprovidedbytrainedprofessionalswhoareknowledgeableaboutthelegal,socialandemotionalissuesoftheadoptionprocess. IfAdoptionCirclecannotdirectlyprovidetheservicesrequested,theAgencyshallmakeareferraltoothertrainedindividualswhocanassistyou.Theremaybeafeeforthesepost-adoptionservices.


IX. AdoptionCircleFeeSchedule

Tofacilitatehealthy,secureandwellplannedadoptions,thefollowingservicesmaybeprovidedaspartofyouradoptionplan.

• AdoptiveApplicant/sagencyfacilitatedrequirededucationandtrainingclasses• Onecompletehomestudy,revieworupdate• AssistancewithwritingAdoptiveApplicant/sprofile• GuidancetoprepareAdoptiveApplicant/sprofileandvideoforonlineposting• MaintainingAdoptiveApplicant/sonlineprofilepage• OhiorequiredBirthparentAssessmentforBirthmotherandBirthfather• Birthparentservicesincludingcounseling,educationandprovisionofinformationalmaterials• AssistingAdoptiveApplicant/sandBirthparent/sintheirrequestforopenness• Preparationandreviewoflegaldocumentationforsurrenderandplacement• Communicationwithlegalrepresentativesofeitherparty• AgencyattorneyavailabletoanswergeneralquestionsforAdoptiveApplicant/s• MeetingwithAdoptiveApplicant/storeviewandsignplacementpaperwork• AcceptanceofPermanentSurrender• Ifnecessary,acceptphysicalcustodyofchildfromhospital,parentalorfostercare• Post-placementcommunicationforoneyearfromdateofplacement• Post-placementSupervisoryvisits,sevenvisitsincluded(Ohioresidentsonly)

Non-Ohioresidentsshallarrangeandcoverthecostsofpost-placementSupervisoryvisitsintheirstateofresidence

• Facilitatingpaymentofnon-agencybillsincludingbutlimitedtomedicalandlegalbills• Applicationforsubsidies,ifrequestedinwritingbyAdoptiveApplicant/spriortofinalization,if

applicable• Medicaidapplicationassistanceforchild• OriginalbirthcertificaterequestsfromtheOhioDepartmentofVitalStatisticstoprocessthe

adoption• IntermediarycommunicationsbetweenAdoptiveApplicant/s,Birthparent/s,legal,medicaland

socialserviceprovidersuntilfinalization• CommunicationwithotherAdoptionProfessionalsand/orAgency• AssistAdoptiveApplicant/sand/ortheirattorneyintherequiredprocesstofinalizetheadoption• Reasonableandcustomarytravelexpenses,includingmileagetoprovidetheserviceslistedabove


PleaserefertotheInformationPacketforacompletedefinitionoftheprograms.ThefeechargedbyAdoptionCircleforeachspecificprogramisprovidedbelow.

A. DomesticAgencyInfantAdoptionProgram $22,500BreakdownforDomesticInfantAdoptionProgramFeeasfollowsFee Amount DueAgencyEntranceFee(includesoneHomestudy,HomestudyUpdateorHomestudyReview)

$3,500 Duefourteen(14)dayspriortotheOrientation&EducationMeetingorwheninvoiced,whicheverisearlier.

AgencyMiddleProgramFee $4,500 Dueuponcompletionandagencyapprovalofadoptiveapplicant’sHomestudy,HomestudyRevieworHomestudyupdate.Uponreceiptofpayment,AdoptionCirclewillbegintocirculateAdoptiveApplicantprofiletoprospectiveBirthparents.

AgencyPlacementFee $14,500 Thebalanceplusanyadditionalfeesisdueandowingwithinthirty(30)daysofplacement.ContactAdoptionCircle’sBillingCoordinatorforpaymentplanoptions.IndividualizedpaymentplansareauthorizedatthediscretionoftheExecutiveDirector.

B. TargetedorIdentifiedAdoptionProgram $6,000-$7,500BreakdownforIdentifiedAdoptionProgramFeeasfollows.Fee Amount DueIdentifiedProgramEntranceFee

*$2,000-$3,500 Duepriortotheinitiationofservices.*($2,000foronehomestudyreviewforAdoptiveApplicant/swithanapprovedhomestudyOR$3,500forcompletionofoneOhioapprovedhomestudybyADOPTIONCIRCLE)

IdentifiedMiddleProgramFee N/A

IdentifiedProgramPlacementFee $4,000 Thebalanceplusanyadditionalfeesisdueandowingwithinthirty(30)daysofplacement.


C. InternationalAdoptionProgramandHomestudy/AuxiliaryServiceProgram

• Independenthomestudy $1,500.00• Expeditedhomestudy $2,000.00

(Agencytoperformtworequiredvisitswithinthreeweeksofreceiptofsignedagreementandpayment)

• Step-Parenthomestudyfor1child(additional$100perchild) $750.00• Post-placementsupervisoryvisits(nottoexceedsixvisits) $1,800.00• Individualpost-placementvisits $300/visit• BirthparentAssessmentONLY $850.00• Birthmother&BirthfatherAssessmentONLYFee(whencompletedby $1,200.00

SocialWorkeratthesametime)Forotherspecificadoptionservices,pleasecontactourofficeat(614)237-7222.PotentialAdditionalFeesThenecessityoftheseserviceswillbedeterminedonacasebycasebasis.Adoptiveapplicantswillonly bechargedforthoseservicesnecessarytocompletetheirspecificadoption.• Terminationofparentalrights(TPR)includingBirth/LegalFather $1,000.00

(doesnotincludeservicebypublication,processserver,guardianadlitemoradditionalcourtscosts)

• IndianChildWelfareAct(ICWA);facilitatingnon-courtprocessorother $300.00statutoryrequirements

• IndianChildWelfareAct(ICWA);facilitatingrequiredin-court $1,000.00 processorotherstatutoryrequirements

• AcceptingTemporaryCustodyofChild,ifneeded $500.00• Arrangingandcontractingfostercareforchild $300.00• Surrender,Placementorotherdirectface-to-faceserviceprovisions $250.00/hr

requestedanytimeafter5pmonFridayandbefore9amonMondayorservicesprovidedonNationalholidays

• AnyandallspecialrequestsmadebytheAdoptiveApplicant/sthat $250.00/hrrequiresocialworkeragencytimeand/oradditionalbirthparentcounselingasdeemednecessarybyADOPTIONCIRCLE

• Attendingface-to-facemeetingwithAdoptiveApplicant/sandBirthparent/s $350.00 and/ortheirfamily

• Non-routineorunforeseenlegalservicesrequiredtocomplete $300.00/hryouradoptionplan(i.e.issueswithbirthcertificate)

• Additionalpost-placementSupervisoryvisits $300.00/visit(ifmorethansevenvisitsarerequiredforAgencyfamilies)

• AgencymanagementofBirthparentlivingexpensesforAgencyfamilies $200.00• AgencymanagementofBirthparentlivingexpensesforIdentified $425.00

situations• Preparationofpaperworkforfinalization $200.00• HomestudyUpdate $750.00• HomestudyCopy $25.00


• CompliancewithInterstateCompactonthePlacementofChildren(ICPC) $1,000.00ifADOPTIONCIRCLEisthe“SendingAgency”

• CompliancewithInterstateCompactonthePlacementofChildren(ICPC) $300.00IfADOPTIONCIRCLEisthe“ReceivingAgency”

• Shippingchargesand/orFedExifneededtosendoriginalpaperworkforICPC TBDcomplianceand/orforfinalization

Non-AgencyFeesAnadoptiveapplicantwillberesponsibleforpayingforthefollowingservicesifunpaidornotreimbursedthroughanothersource. TheseservicesarenotprovidedbyAdoptionCirclebuttheymayberequiredtocompleteyouradoptionplan.• Adoptionrelatedmedicalexpensesforbirthmotherandchild,onlyifplacement

occurs• AttorneyfeesincurredinthelegalrepresentationofAdoptiveApplicant/s,includingthecostof

finalizingtheadoptioninyourstateorcountyofresidence• Attorneyfeesincurredinthelegalrepresentationofbirthparent/s,whetherornotaplacementis

completed• ServicecostsrequiredintheTerminationofParentalRights,includingbutnotlimitedtoPublication

ordirectpersonalservice• GuardianadLitemandcourtcostsforanyrequiredcourtactionsuchasTPR• Fosterorsubstitutecarecosts,ifapplicable• Costofdiagnosticand/ortherapeuticservicesforAdoptiveApplicant/srequestedbytheAgencyat

anytimeduringtheadoptionprocess• AnyandallrelatedexpensestocompleteahomestudyincludingCPRclass,fingerprints,etc. • Costofpost-placementcounselingforbirthparents• Birthmotherlivingexpensesnottoexceed$3,000.00perBirthmother

MethodsofPaymentAdoptionCircleacceptscash,check,moneyorder,cashiercheck,Visa,Mastercard,DiscoverandAmericanExpress. Pleasenote:AdoptionCirclehasa4%handlingfeeoncreditcardtransactions. Thisfeewillbeaddedtoeachtransaction.

*AllFeesaresubjecttochange. PleasecheckcurrentFeeScheduleattimeofyourapplication,matchandplacement

(REV.12/16)


X. AdoptionAssistance–SubsidySnapshot TitleIV-EAA

FederalAdoptionAssistanceSAMS

StateAdoptionMaintenanceSubsidy

NonrecurringCosts PASSSPostAdoptionSpecialServicesSubsidy

Services MonthlyPaymenttofamilynegotiabletoamaximumof thefostercarerateforthe child.

Monthlymaintenancepayment.Maximumof$250instatepayment.

Onetimepaymentfor expensesdirectlyrelatedtothe adoption.Maximumpayment of$1,000perchildafter finalization.

Reimburses family for therapeutic, respite,residential services up to $10,000 per SFY($15,000inextraordinarycircumstances).

SpecialNeedsCriteriaforChild

ChildmeetsTitleIV-EAA specialneedscriteria.

ChildisnoteligibleforTitleIV-EAA.Childmeetsthe statespecialneedscriteria.

ChildmeetsTitleIV-Especial needscriteria.

Childhasphysicalordevelopmentaldisability ormentaloremotionalconditionthatexistedbeforetheadoptionpetitionisfiled,or developedafterthepetitionisfiledandcanbe directlyattributedtofactorsinthechild’spre-adoptionbackgroundorbirthfamily’s backgroundormedicalhistory.

FinancialMeans Test

Child’smeetsADC relatednessstandardsor requirementsoftheFostering ConnectiontoSuccessandIncreasingAdoptionActof2008orthechildiseligible toreceiveSSI.Noadoptive parentincomerequirements.

Adoptive familymust be within120%of the statemedianincome.

NoADCrelatedness requirement.Noadoptiveparentincomerequirements.

5%co-payrequired,iffamily’sgrossincome isgreaterthan200%ofthepovertyguidelines.

DateofApplication

Signagreementwith custodialagencypriorto finalization.Applicationafter finalizationthroughstate hearingifPCSAdidnot informparentsofsubsidyor failedtosharerelevant informationregardingchild’s specialneeds.

Signagreementpriorto finalizationwithcustodial agency.

SignagreementwithcustodialagencyifTitleIV-E agreementisinplaceorwith PCSAincountyofresidence ifthereisnotaTitleIV-Eagreement.Thismustbe signedpriortofinalization.

ApplyafterfinalizationtoPCSAincountyofresidence.

ProvisionofMedicaid

ChildiseligibleforMedicaid card,exceptifthechildis eligibleforAAbasedona substantialriskonly.

FamilymustapplyforMedicaidinthecountyof residence;thechildmust haveamedicalnecessity.

N/A N/A

AdoptionAssistance–201-A4-S

WrittenbyIHSfortheOhioChildWelfareTrainingProgram–RevisedJune2013

AdoptiveParentshavetherighttoapplyforfederalandstateadoptionsubsidies.Anyapplicationanddeterminationofsubsidyeligibilitymustbemadepriortofinalizationofanadoption.AdoptionCirclecannotguaranteethatchildwillbeeligibleforanyadoptionsubsidyorassistance.

FormoreinformationcalltheODJFSHelplineat1-866-886-3537orrefertotheOhioAdoptionSubsidyGuideandotherhelpfuladoptionassistanceinformationlistedonODJFSwebsite:http://jfs.ohio.gov/oapl/publications.stm


XI. ODJFSForm0611Non-DiscriminationRequirements




AdoptionCircleComplaintProcess-PursuanttoOACRule5101:2-33-03and5101:2-5-13(A)(40)

AdoptionCircleprocedureforcomplaintsofallegeddiscriminatoryacts,policiesorpracticesintheadoptionprocessthatinvolverace,colorornationalorigin(RCNO)shallincludewrittennoticeoftheprocedureforanycomplaintsofdiscriminationprovidetoallindividualinquiringaboutorapplyingtobeafostercaregiveroradoptiveparent. Suchnoticeshallbeprovidedwithinsevendaysoftheindividual’sfirstcontactwiththeagency. Theprocedureisasfollows:

1. Anyindividualmayfileacomplaintallegingadiscriminatoryact,policyorpracticeinvolving(RCNO)inthefostercareoradoptionprocessofAdoptionCircleorOhioDepartmentofJobsandFamilyServices(ODJFS)

2. Anyperson,includingbutnotlimitedto,anemployeeorformeremployeeofAdoptionCircleoramemberofafamilywhichhassoughttobecomeanadoptiveparent,mayalsofileacomplaintallegingthatheorshewasintimidated,threatened,coerced,discriminatedagainstorotherwiseretaliatedagainstinsomewaybyAdoptionCircleorODJFSbecauseheorshemadeacomplaint,testified,assisted,orparticipatedinanymannerinaninvestigation,proceeding,orhearinginconnectionwithanallegationthatAdoptionCircleorODJFSengagedindiscriminatoryacts,policies,orpracticesasitappliesintheadoptionprocess.

3. TheindividualfilingacomplaintshallusetheJFS02333“DiscriminationComplaintForm”4. Thecomplaintshallbefiledwithintwoyearsfromthedateoftheoccurrenceofthealleged

discriminatoryact;ortwoyearsfromthedateuponwhichthecomplainantlearnedorshouldhaveknownofadiscriminatoryact,policyorpractice.

5. ThecompliantmaybefiledwithAdoptionCircleorODJFS.6. AdoptionCircleshallforwardthecomplainttoODJFSwithinthreeworkingdaysofdateof

receiptofthecomplaint.7. ODJFSshallnotifyAdoptionCirclethatitisthesubjectofthecomplaintwithinthreeworking

daysofthereceiptofthecomplaint.8. ODJSshallconductaninvestigationofthecomplaint.AdoptionCircleshallnotinitiate,

conduct,orrunconcurrentinvestigationssurroundingthecomplaintortakeanyfurtheractionregardingthecomplainantorthesubjectofthecomplaintuntiltheissuanceofthefinalinvestigationreportbyODJFS,unlessapprovedbyODJFS.

9. AdoptionCircleshallcooperatefullywithODJFSduringthecourseoftheinvestigationandshallsubmitanyinformationrequestedbyODJFSnotlaterthanfourteendaysfromthedateoftherequest,unlessotherwiseagreedupon.

10. ODJFSshallconductaninvestigationthatshallincludebutisnotlimitedto:a. Facetofaceinterviewswiththecomplainant,therespondentandallrelevant

witnessesb. IssuanceofafinalinvestigationreporttothecomplainantandAdoptionCircle. The


c. reportshallincludetheallegations,backgroundinformation,analysis,determinationandrecommendationsandshallbeissuedwithinninetydaysofthereceiptoftheinitialcomplaint. IfadditionaltimeisrequiredODJFSwillnotifythecomplainantandAdoptionCircleregardingtheneededtime.

d. Uponcompletionofthefinalinvestigationreport,ODJFSshalldetermineifanyactionagainstAdoptionCircleiswarranted.

e. Nopersonwhohasfiledacomplaintallegingdiscriminatoract,policyorpracticeinvolvingRCNOinthefostercareandadoptionprocessofAdoptionCircleorwhohastestified,assistedorparticipatedinanymannerintheinvestigationofacomplaintshallbeintimidated,threatened,coercedorretaliatedagainstbyanyemployeeorcontractorofAdoptionCircle.

f. AdoptionCircle’spolicydoesnotprohibitaninvidualfromfilingacomplaintwiththeUnitedSatesDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices(HHS),OfficeforCivilRights(OCR)allegingdiscriminationthatinvolvesRCNOinthefostercareoradoptionprocessofAdoptionCircle.

g. AdoptionCircleshallprovideawrittennoticeoftheproceduresforanycomplaintsofdiscriminationinthefostercareandadoptionprocessthatinvolveRCNOwithinthirtydaysoftheeffectivedatetoallfostercaregiverscertifiedorintheprocessofcertificationandtoallindividualswhohaveapprovedhomestudiesorwhoareparticipatingintheadoptivehomestudyprocessontheeffectivedateofthisrule.


XII. PeopleAreTalkingAboutUs…“Wewouldnothavethefamilywedoifitwasn'tforthekind,caring,professionalstaffatAdoptionCircle.Theyknowwhattheyaredoing,theycareabouteachcircumstance,andtheyleavenostoneunturned.Theylookateveryangleandensurethesafestpossiblecreationofafamilyandsupportbothsides,adoptiveandbiologic.Thestaffcreateawonderfulteamthathelpadoptivefamiliesbecomehome.Theysupportbiologicalmomswhoneedtheadditionalsupport.”

Adoptivemother,Ohio

“IwillneverforgetthewonderfulpeopleatAdoptionCircleandourtwoplacements!Thesearesomeofthebestpeopleoutthere!Theyarefamily!Notonlydotheylookoutfortheadoptivefamilytheyalsolookoutforthebirthmomorbirthparentswiththeirbestinterestsinmind!”

Adoptivemother,Ohio

“HowcanIeverthankyouforallyouhavedoneforus!!Knowingthatourbabyhasbeenplacedinawonderfulhomemeanstheworldtous. EveryoneatAdoptionCirclehasbeensohelpful.Godblessyou.”

Birthmother,Cleveland

“WeloveAdoptionCircle!Theyarelikefamilytous!Wearesogratefulforallthey'vedoneforus!” AdoptiveMother,CentralOhio

“Itwasgreattoseeyouagain!Thanksforholdingthesupportgroupmeetings. Youareverypatientandunderstanding. Youdoagreatjobasasocialworkerandfriend.”

Birthmother,Cleveland

“ThankyoutothefabulousstaffatAdoptionCircleforhelpingusbuildourfamily.Youallhavebeensuchblessingstousoverthelastfewyears.”

AdoptiveParent,Columbus

Documents

COLUMBUS, OH 400 South Fifth Street, Suite 304 Columbus ...9bb65a6ebd4b01a196db-12d758096ed9b5389c0cb0868351a7d0.r6… · Adoption Circle is committed to providing all parties to