Parents who seek to adopt a child may not be aware that they are in a position where someone could attempt to take advantage of them if they are not careful. Unfortunately, adoption fraud does happen, and a recent case involving a Texas woman has revealed that it sometimes even happens in Kansas.
In September, a Texas woman pleaded guilty to a charge of wire fraud after she obtained money from four Kansas couples after telling them that she was pregnant and interested in giving her unborn child up for adoption. The woman had defrauded couples and adoption agencies in other states as well by using similar stories. In the interests of adopting her child, the prospective parents and adoption agencies had given her gifts, in addition to sending her money for living expenses, which they thought were supporting her in caring for herself as she carried a child to term. Unfortunately, the woman was not pregnant, so there was no child to be adopted.
Fortunately, prospective parents can avoid adoption fraud by working with adoption professionals like social workers and attorneys throughout the adoption process. These professionals are trained to look beyond the stories that purported birth parents provide, so that prospective parents do not get taken for an emotional and financial roller coaster ride. If someone contacts you and tells you that they are searching for a family who would be willing to adopt their unborn child, offer to introduce them to your adoption attorney or social worker. If the person refuses to meet with the adoption attorney or social worker, discontinue contact with them, as it is possible that they are trying to take advantage of you.
In addition to ensuring that prospective parents are not taken advantage of through adoption fraud, adoption attorneys and adoption professionals look at the medical history of birth parents and investigate whether they have been receiving the proper prenatal care. Prospective parents deserve to know the medical history of their potential adoptive child’s birth parents, as well as whether the birth mother is getting the care that she needs in order to have a healthy pregnancy.
Also, adoption attorneys and other professionals know all about adoption laws, and about the procedures which must be followed to complete the legal adoption of a child. Adoptions are legal proceedings and, as such, must be completed through the proper legal processes in order to be valid. If you plan to adopt a child, your adoption attorney can ensure that your adoption is legally recognized and binding upon all parties.
Adoption can be an emotionally trying process, but the reward of welcoming a child into your family can make it well worth the wait. As you work to prepare yourself for parenthood, your Kansas Adoption Attorney will be by your side, advocating for your best interest throughout the adoption process. Kansas Adoption Attorney Thomas McDowell has helped many families through the adoption process, and he would welcome the opportunity to help you. Please call (316) 269-0746 today, to schedule an initial consultation.