Adoption

Legal Information

• Adoption Options: A Fact Sheet for Families

  This fact sheet provides basic information about adoption options. It focuses on the choices between domestic and inter-country adoption, domestic infant or foster care adoption, and licensed private agencies, independent adoption, or facilitated/unlicensed agencies. A description of how the placement process will vary for each type of adoption is provided, as is a list of resources. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Adoption Options At-a-Glance: A Companion Guide for Families

  This fact sheet provides basic information about adoption options in a table format. It focuses on the choices between domestic and intercountry adoption, domestic infant or foster care adoption, and licensed private agencies, independent adoption, or facilitated/unlicensed agencies. A description of how the placement process will vary for each type of adoption is provided, including agency oversight, termination of parental rights, child characteristics, cost, and potential wait times. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Human and Health Services

• Adoption Powerpoint PDF

  A powerpoint about the adoption process and the different types of adoption. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Legal Services - Columbia

• Adoption Services

  Content Detail

  By:

  SC Department of Social Services

• Are You Pregnant and Thinking About Adoption?

  Written for pregnant women who are considering placing their child for adoption, this fact sheet provides practical information about adoption alternatives. It describes the benefits of counseling and reviews the different types of confidential and open adoption arrangements. Tips for working with adoption agencies, independent attorneys, and adoptive parents are included. Special considerations for babies of color also are discussed. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Brochure 2475 - Important Information About Nonrecurring Costs for Parents Who Have Adopted a Child

  PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  SC Department of Social Services

• Children and the Law

  No relationship is more important than the one between a parent and a child. Many laws affect this relationship, including laws about the duties of parents to their children, how fatherhood is proven, and many more. PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• Children's Law: List of Online Publications

  Long list of online resources offered by various organizations for topics within Children's Law, directed at the layperson as well as attorneys and judicial officials. Most resources are in PDF format and may load slowly. Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Children's Law: List of Written Resources

  South Carolina residents may order publications on line (excluding manuals). Out of state practitioners may call 803.777.1646 for price information. A link to the online order form appears at the end of the resource list. Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Foster Care and Adoption for Waiting Children

  Written for prospective foster and adoptive parents, this fact sheet explains why children are placed in foster and adoptive homes. Steps in the application process are described, as well as basic responsibilities and requirements for foster and adoptive families. Foster care reimbursement and adoption subsidies also are discussed. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Questions to Ask Before You Hire An Attorney for a Domestic Violence or Family Law matter

  Questions and answers about hiring an attorney, fees and costs associated with taking legal action, and more. Content Detail

  By:

  National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

• The Rights of Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children

  This document reviews legal trends and law affecting the security of parent-child relationships between lesbian and gay parents and their children. It focuses on custody and visitation after divorce, adoption, other protections for parent-child relationships and intended families, and related constitutional issues. The document is available in PDF format only. Content Detail

  By:

  LAMBDA Legal Defense & Education Fund