Private adoptions occur through the court system via an entrustment and consent process. There are several types of private adoptions that CHSVA is equipped to support.
Parental Placement
In this type of adoption, the birth parents choose the family to adopt their infant or minor child. Custody transfers directly from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. The birth parents must be offered the opportunity for counseling by a licensed child placing agency and also be offered legal representation. Birth parents may by law request assistance with medical bills, legal expenses and in some cases, living expenses. Typically, both parties meet and exchange identifying information, and future contact between the families is up to the birth parents and adoptive parents to decide. There will be a consent hearing in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, so you will need an attorney experienced with adoption as a part of your team. CHSVA can assist with the home study and birth parent counseling (if the birth parent resides locally). We can also complete required supervisory visits after placement of the child and related court reports.
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Services for Pregnant/Expecting Families
Are you or a loved one experiencing an unplanned pregnancy? You are not alone. CHSVA offers free and confidential counseling services to help pregnant/expecting families explore available options and ultimately choose the path that’s right for them. Whether you chose to parent your child, place your child with a relative, or select an approved adoptive family, CHSVA can provide individualized, compassionate support during this important time.
To discuss your options, please contact Justina, Foster Care & Adoption Program Manager at [email protected] or at 804-489-7506.
From Custody to Legal Adoption
If you have legal custody of a child and wish to adopt, you should begin by hiring an attorney. He or she can help you understand the requirements for obtaining the proper consent from the child’s birth parents in order to adopt the child. Several court hearings will likely be needed to complete the process. The court will require you to have a home study and may require supervisory visits. CHSVA can assist with this part of the process, so contact us to learn more.
Click here to learn more about home studies
Click here to review our service fees