How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Adoption Community

While much of life came to a screeching halt in 2020, adoptions continued. Though adoptions have moved forward during the pandemic, it has not come without challenges and obstacles for birth parents and adoptive parents alike. Things like travel restrictions and hospital policy changes have altered what many envisioned for their adoptions.

Adoptions are on the rise

Even though the world has felt like it was on hold, babies are still being born. And with these additional births, more and more families are taking shape through foster care and private adoptions as well. There have been some trends at play during the pandemic that have affected the adoption community as well. The number of pregnancies has increased. Some lost jobs and their confidence in being able to afford to raise a child waned. In recent days there has been an increase of confidence for some financially, thanks in part to the government stimulus program attached to the global crisis.

Adjustments to the process

Home studies are a pivotal step in the adoption journey. When the pandemic hit and the world went on lockdown, home studies were halted. While some private adoption agencies have been able to move forward with home study visits via video chat, many have been postponed until the restrictions were eased and lifted. Previously birth mothers and adoptive parents were able to meet face to face and the pandemic altered that process as well. Most consultations with family law attorneys are being held virtually as well as to keep everyone as safe as possible.

New policies

Often adoptive families travel to the birth of their child, both domestically and internationally. With travel restrictions in place, this has been incredibly challenging over the past year. Domestically, parents have been able to occasionally make a trip by car instead of by plane to still be present. Upon arriving for the birth of the child, hospital restrictions have also changed the landscape of that important time.

Virtual finalizations

For me the moment in court when the judge finalizations an adoption is the “cherry on top.” It’s the celebration they’ve waited months and sometimes years to have. The finalization is the process by which the judge declares the adoption final, giving legal custody to the adoptive parents. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, many finalizations are occurring via Zoom. And while the circumstances may not be picturesque, you still walk away as a family.

While video calls and virtual finalizations might not be how you envisioned your adoption going, thankfully there are ways to still bring families together even during a