Frequently Asked Questions

Premier Adoption Agency offers a range of comprehensive services to assist families and individuals in the adoption process. These services include adoption counseling and support, home studies, adoptive family assessments, matching services, and post-adoption support. Our agency is committed to providing personalized care and guidance to both birth parents and prospective adoptive parents throughout the entire adoption journey. We also provide educational resources, workshops and trainings to our community partners to ensure that families, expectant parent(s), and professionals are well-informed and supported. Our goal is to create loving and permanent homes for children in need. We are committed to ensuring that every adoption is ethical, legal, and always in the best interests of the child.

At Premier Adoption Agency, our goal is to provide a streamlined and supportive adoption experience for both prospective adoptive parents and birth parents. The first step in the process is to submit an application and pay the application fee. This fee helps cover the cost of processing and reviewing your application, including background checks and your home study. Once your application is accepted, you will work closely with our team to create a personalized adoption plan that meets your needs and preferences. We will guide you through the initiation and completion of the home study process, provide assistance and feedback in putting together your adoptive family profile book, and provide you with education regarding our matching process with expectant parent(s). Once your file is complete, you become a registered family and ready to be matched. Whether you are selected from a pool of waiting families or selected by an expectant parent online, you will be provided with social and medical histories, any pregnancy related medical records, possible risks, and total projected expenses. When your family is selected, we will contact you and give you instructions on how to proceed. We will also help facilitate any phone communication or face-to-face meetings, should both parties desire that. If you decide to accept the child referral, you are considered “matched” and the file activation/matching portion of the agency fee is due in addition to reimbursing the agency for prior expenses for the birth parents, and all projected expense money to support the birth mother. After a match is made, Premier Adoption Agency continues to facilitate communication needs and requests while everyone is waiting for the baby to be born. A birth plan is put in place, outlining the birth mother’s requests at the delivery and the duration of her stay at the hospital. Four weeks prior to the birth mother’s due date, the remainder of the agency fee is due. It is sent via secured funds and held in escrow until the birth mother signs her relinquishment/consent paperwork in accordance with state law. Placement documents between you and Premier are signed at placement outlining the physical and shared legal responsibilities for the baby until the adoption is legally finalized. Post placement visits are required in accordance with the laws of the state where you are finalizing your adoption. At 6 months post relinquishment signing by the birth parent(s), your adoption is legally final. Your child is issued a "revised" birth certificate with you as parents. It is a wonderful day with so much joy and cause for celebration! Throughout the entire process, we prioritize communication, transparency, and ethical practices to ensure a positive and successful adoption journey for all parties involved.

The home study process with Premier Adoption Agency is a comprehensive assessment of your home environment, family dynamics, and readiness to provide a loving and stable environment for a child. This process typically involves multiple in-person interviews with each member of the household, as well as a thorough background check, including criminal record and child abuse clearances. Additionally, our agency will conduct a thorough review of your financial stability, personal history, and parenting philosophy. A home study also includes an evaluation of your physical home, ensuring that it meets safety standards and provides an appropriate space for a child. The home study process is designed to ensure that our agency is placing children in safe and loving homes, and to provide prospective adoptive families with knowledge and resources to support them throughout the adoption journey.

An adoptive parent matching profile book, also known as a family profile or adoption profile, is a personalized book created by prospective adoptive parents (you) to introduce themselves to expectant mothers considering adoption. The profile book typically includes photos, written narratives, and other relevant information to provide a comprehensive and authentic portrayal of your family. In the case of Premier Adoption Agency, our trained professionals guide and support you throughout the process of creating your adoptive parent matching profile book. We encourage you to select photos that are of good quality and accurately represent your family. We will help proofread your narratives which reflects your values, lifestyle, and aspirations for your future child. Our goal is to help you present an honest and heartfelt depiction of your family to expectant mothers which will help them to make an informed decision regarding the placement of their child. The goal is to create a family profile book that is both compelling and respectful, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a successful match with an expectant mother seeking an adoptive family for her child. Our Agency requirements are as follows: · Prepare five books no larger than the standard 8½” x 11” format. Keep one copy for your own reference, as we cannot guarantee that we will be able to return any books to you. · Please refrain from including identifying information (i.e. last names, addresses, phone numbers, email/website address, social media handles, etc.

At Premier Adoption Agency, the timeline for adopting a child can vary depending on several factors when narrowing down your child placement preferences. These factors may include the age of the child, ethnicity, health, whether you are open to special needs or drug exposure, birth parent expenses, legal risk, post placement communication preferences, the availability of a suitable match, and the completion of required paperwork and home study. Your profile could be chosen the first time it is presented to a birth parent or after several times. There is no rule that universally applies to what attributes birth parents are looking for in the family they choose to adopt their child (e.g., age, number of children, ethnicity, external appearances, socio-economic standing, religion, etc.). You will be selected by a birth mother who feels that your family is the very best choice for a permanent placement. Placing a child for adoption is a life altering decision for any parent. Premier Adoption Agency counsels our birth parents on all their options and respect her freedom of choice. No placement is ever guaranteed, even after a match where living expenses have been paid on her behalf for pregnancy related items. Our team at Premier Adoption Agency is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the adoption process. There can be many ups and downs before your child is placed in your home. We are committed to providing you with support and will keep you informed along the way.

The majority of children available placed through our domestic adoption program are newborns. Occasionally, we place older children ranging in age from 6 months-5 years of age, but this is infrequent. We understand the importance of collecting data and considering various demographic categories to determine the types of training to provide to our prospective adoptive parents. We collect data on all adoptive placements for the prior year which takes into account various demographic categories such as gender of the child, any drug exposure, what type of exposure, ethnicity, age of the mother, etc. If you are interested in reviewing our latest statistical data collected, please let us know. We are happy to share.

At Premier Adoption Agency, we understand that the decision to adopt is a deeply personal and important one. If after being matched you feel uncertain or uneasy about proceeding, we encourage you to communicate your concerns with our team. We are committed to providing a supportive and understanding environment, and we will work with you to address your feelings and determine the best course of action. Should you choose to withdraw from the match, you may do so. The file activation/matching fee and any financial support for a birth parent is forfeited.

If an expectant parent or birth parent changes her mind about placing her child for adoption, it can be a challenging and deeply emotional time. We will work closely with all parties involved to navigate the changes in the adoption plan. We believe in honoring the choices of birth parents, and our agency is dedicated to facilitating a respectful and ethical adoption process for all involved. If she has not yet signed her relinquishment documents, she has the right to change her mind. Our team will also work closely with her to provide counseling and support as she navigates this decision. We will help you to explore alternative options and will be placed back in the pool of waiting adoptive applicants. The file activation/matching fee and any birth parent financial support paid out is considered "at risk" and not recoverable. However, all birth parent expense money not expended is returned. When you are re-matched with another expectant parent, the file activation/matching fee is repaid. This process repeats until placement. We will do what we can to prioritize your family after a failed match bearing in mind that the majority of our adoptive placements are open adoptions where the expectant mother selects your family from an approved pool of other expectant parents. You are eligible to remain on Premier's active family list as long as you have an active homestudy. This homestudy must be updated annually in order to keep your file with the Agency active.

It is legal and allowable to provide the birth mother with living expenses during the time she is pregnant and for up to 2 months after the delivery of the baby. Living expenses can include: rent, utilities, transportation, insurance, food, medical expenses, toiletries, etc. Expenses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Living expenses are considered a “loss” and will not be refunded back to you in the event the birth mother changes her mind about the adoption. However, no further expenses are given once we know she has changed her mind. The unused expenses will be returned to you.

After birth, it is mandatory that the birth mother wait a legally designated amount of time prior to signing relinquishment of parental rights (72 hours after birth in Nevada and Arizona and 24 hours after birth in Utah). What happens between the delivery of the baby and the signing of relinquishment documents is dictated by the birth parent’s birth plan. If inter-state travel is required, plan on a seven to ten day stay to complete all necessary paperwork (i.e., Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children documents) after placement. When such travel is not necessary, the family can return home immediately after the birth mother has signed relinquishment documents and the child is released from the hospital. Finalization of the adoption varies depending on your state of residence, but usually consists of hiring an attorney to file your adoption petition, terminating parental rights if a birth father has not consented to the adoption, completing post-placement supervisory visits according to the laws of the state in which you will finalize your adoption, and submission of other paperwork as required by local courts.

Post placement reports chronicle the visits in report form made by a social worker between the time of placement and prior to finalization, in accordance with the laws of the state in which you are finalizing your adoption. These visits determine how you and your child are adjusting. The number of visits required varies in each state. If you are completing your adoption in the State of Nevada, you will need monthly post-placement visits before being able to finalize. In the State of Utah, one post-placement visit is required to finalize.

Adoption is expensive. There are many resources available to you. Click here for for more information on our website. Consider the tax credit and fundraising options. If you need help or have any questions, please call us for assistance and suggestions.

Total agency fees vary depending on the gross combined annual income of the adopting parents. Nevada state law requires that we establish a sliding scale based on income. Our fees, based on this sliding scale, range from $15,000 to $25,000. Birth mother expenses also vary. In addition, families are required to pay for their pre-placement home study evaluation, application fee of $800, file activation/matching fee of $7,500, post-placement supervisory visits, legal expenses, and travel expenses (if applicable).

There are 2 types of adoption home studies; domestic and intercountry or international. The type of home study depends on whether your plan is to adopt a child born in the United States or whether you choose to adopt a child who was born and resides abroad. The home study report is a document which consists of an overall in depth evaluation of you, your family and your home. It describes in detail who you are, where you come from, and your motivation to adopt. The home study is comprised of many items. For example, results of criminal and child abuse background checks, interviews with the applicants (individual and joint), personal questionnaires, medical reports, reference letters, a thorough home inspection, and many more. The home study evaluation is generally conducted by a social worker experienced in evaluating and educating families about adoption related issues including readiness and preparation for the adoption experience.

In contrast to a domestic home study needing to meet the home study standards for your state, an international home study needs to meet your state standards, immigration standards, and the standards of the country from which you are planning to adopt. Premier is Hague-accredited by the Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity, Inc., and is able to conduct a Hague home study for adopting families adopting from a Hague country.

The time it takes to conduct a home study varies depending on your state of residence. The home study process usually takes three to five months in most states. Nevada and Utah are usually on the quicker side.

Each state has specific requirements as to who can conduct a home study. The State of Nevada requires a licensed social worker with a licensed agency to conduct the home study. Premier can conduct your home study if you reside in Nevada, Arizona, or Utah.

Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.

Yes, but only in NV and UT. Although, in AZ, we can only assist families in Maricopa or Pima county. AZ may be subject to expand soon.

The home study is the first step in the adoption process. If you are ready to begin the adoption process you should begin the home study as soon as possible.

Driver's license(s). Adoptive parent(s) birth certificate. Copy of social security card(s). Employment letters for each job position, for each PAP. Tax statement. Adoption Home Study Questionnaire. Adoption training certificate. If married, must provide a copy of the official marriage certificate. If divorced, must provide a copy of the official divorce decree. Medical Insurance card(s). Floor plan of home. Minimum of 5 personal letters of recommendation. Child abuse checks.

You will not need to have a room "nursery ready", or have your home baby proofed by the time of your home study. Although, you must do so by the time your adopted child can crawl. Click the link below to download a pdf with more information on specific requirements.

No, as long as there is sufficient room in the home for where the child is to sleep. Please be prepared to answer what their living arrangements will look like. Children of the same sex must share a bedroom and have their own bed. Children of the opposite sex, of any age, are not permitted to share a bedroom.

No. You may qualify as long as you can prove financial stability and not have any significant debts that may be hard to manage with unplanned expenses.

It depends on the degree of offense and the amount of time that has passed since the arrest. Charges are determined on a case-by-case basis. Don't hesitate to contact your caseworker to explain your situation.

No.

Yes, your social worker will return to your home to complete another home visit and a new home study report. The following documents will also need to be updated. Fingerprints Background checks Medical check up(s) Reference Letters Financial Information

Utah and Nevada: One year from the date that your home study was approved. Arizona: One year and six months from the date that your home study was approved.

It is possible to obtain a home study only if you are married to a US citizen.

Yes, as long as you are up to date on all of your monthly payments. Although, you will be required to update us if there are any changes in your monthly payments, lease, and intentions for possible moves.

No. Although, we consider the number of people living in your home and the amount of living space. Caseworkers will evaluate eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

For all individuals over the age of 18 in your home, our agency is required to obtain the following: State and FBI criminal clearances. Child abuse clearances are as follows: Domestic: Required to disclose where individuals have lived over the past five years. International: Required to disclose where individuals have lived since the age of 18.

Arrest records from the police station where you were arrested. Court records generated from the incident. Explanation letter from you explaining the arrest.

No. If you and your ex-partner are separated, you must take the necessary steps to finalize a divorce before we can start the home study process.

There is no requirement. Although, you must have been in a relationship with your spouse for at least two consecutive years.

Your home study can be used for adoption situations all over the United States. Although, if you want to adopt a child from an international country, you must have another home study done that aligns with that country's specific requirements. Premier can only conduct homestudies for adoptive parent(s) living in Utah, Arizona, or Nevada.

Yes. During the home study visit, all children must be present. Interviews will be conducted with each member living in the home. Although, if a child is too young to answer for themselves, their parent(s) will be asked to answer questions about that child.

Yes, as long as your intent is communicated to your case worker and they approve the request in your home study.

An addendum is a word used to describe an addition that may need to be made to your original home study. Addendums are required whenever there is a change in your living situation, such as a new member moving into the home, a change in location, one of the prospective adoptive parent(s) changing jobs, etc. Keep in mind that addendum's are not the same price as your home study, or a home study renewal. The visit will be much shorter, and only a page or so will be added to your current home study.

There is no requirement.

Your adoption service provider. Once matched, your birth mother is afforded the option to read a redacted version of your home study if they so desire (no identifying information such as last names, locations, money amounts, employers and insurance providers, etc). If your birth mother gives birth in a state different from your own, you will need to go through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) in order to finalize your adoption and bring your baby home. Part of the paperwork that is reviewed and approved by them includes an unredacted version of your home study. If your home study is conducted in AZ, it must be approved by the family court in order for it to be approved. Professionals in the court office will review your unredacted home study in order for it to be approved. This does not apply to UT and NV.

Yes. As long as all additional members in the home are disclosed during the application process. Although, they must be present during the time of the home study visit, and they are subject to be interviewed. Any members living in the home over the age of 18 must also pass background checks and will require medical checkups.

No, if you and your partner wish to obtain a joint home study, you must be legally married. Although, if you don't want to get married and still proceed with the adoption process, one of you may apply as a single applicant. This means that only the main applicant's name can be on the final birth certificate. In turn, they will be the only partner that will have legal custody over the child.

You will need at least five. They are sent and submitted to us via online questionnaire A maximum of 2 family members is allowed, and they must not reside in the home. The individuals must have known the prospective adoptive parent(s) for at least two years. If married, the reference must have known the PAPs as a couple for a minimum of two years. Our agency provides your references with questions that can help guide their writing. More than five letters are acceptable.

No.

Reach out to Tomas at tomas@premieradoption.org to attain a copy of our fee schedule.

Domestic: Each partner is required to complete a minimum of 2 hours of adoption training. International: Requirements vary from country to country, but Hague requires at least 10 hours of adoption training for each applicant.

Yes. Prior to starting your inter-country adoption home study, you must first determine which country you wish to adopt a child from then identify a licensed adoption agency called a Primary Provider who can facilitate the adoption for you. Once that is in place, Premier will make an agreement with your Primary Provider prior to beginning your home study. Once that is in place, Premier is happy to begin your home study. Premier Adoption Agency is Hague Accredited by IAAME and licensed to perform intercountry home studies for families in the states of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Please reach out if you have questions about this process.

This depends on whether you finalized your adoption in your child's country of origin. If the adoption is finalized, Premier can assist you in preparing reports called "Post Adoptive Reports" or PARs in alignment with the agreement made with your child's country of origin when you adopted your child. Your adoption agency who facilitated the adoption, or Primary Provider, can give you the details as to the intervals and what must be contained in the reports. If your adoption was not finalized in your child's country of origin, the adoption must be finalized in your home state. Premier is happy to conduct your with "Post-Placement" reports and help you to finalize your adoption. Once your adoption is finalized, you must provide your adoption agency with copies of all of the court finalization documents and can assist you with obtaining US citizenship for your child.