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FAQs

How old must I be to adopt?

Generally if you are over 21, we welcome your application.

Do you adopt to singles?

Yes, we have programs in place for singles.

Must I be of a particular faith?

PLAN does not have a requirement for a family to be of a particular faith.

What do the adoption costs cover?

The cost covers many services to you and to your prospective child.  Services to you may include preparation, education, application and adoption home study process, document preparation, coordination, and travel.  Indirect costs include program development and the myriad of processes necessary to keep the agency functioning well so that we best serve you. 

If your child is living in a foreign country, someone is caring for him/her.  A foster home or facility, food, clothing, and medical services are needed for your child.  All these vital services must be supported so that when your child is released or abandoned someone is there to care.  Survival does not just happen! 

Programs that provide support and counseling to birthparents are costly, and yet it is these very services that allow for adoption to be an option.  Networking is necessary in order to reach birthparents.  Then crucial counseling, medical and support services must be in place.

Adoption is an investment

in the life of a child!

Is travel required?

Most countries require that at least one parent travel to receive your child because officials want to meet the adoptive family.  The adoption is then completed while you are in the child’s country.  Traveling to the child’s country of origin is a good way to understand the culture and background of your child.

In domestic adoption most families travel to the state of origin for the placement of their child and return once the sending and receiving states have approved the Interstate Compact On The Placement of Children (ICPC) which usually takes about one week.

What are the legal rights of birthparents?

In Oregon, once the birthparents have signed relinquishments and the child is with the adoptive parents, the decision is considered irrevocable at placement.  Sometimes children placed from the Oregon Department of Human Services are placed on a legal risk basis while waiting final termination of parent rights.