Answers to Questions Frequently Asked by Adoptive Parents…

How long is the waiting period to adopt?

The typical waiting period for our adoptive parents is 6 to 12 months after the home study is completed.

How large is the prospective parent pool?

It ranges in size from 3 to 15 families.

How many children does IPAS place each year?

We place an average of 13 infants per year. 

How do birthmothers find IPAS?

Most birthmothers are referred to us by other professionals or agencies. Many birthmothers find us in through our website or in the yellow pages

Is open adoption co-parenting?

No. The adoptive parents are the legal and emotional parents. Openness does not detract from the permanency of parenting. Rather, it establishes an atmosphere of candor in which the ongoing needs of all parties are honored.

Who are our birthparents?

Birthparents who plan adoptions through IPAS vary in age and background, but most have long-term plans for their lives and all care deeply about the welfare of their children. A tremendous amount of love and foresight goes into their decisions.

What is an open adoption?

Birthparents choose the adoptive family that they want to raise their child. Together the adoptive family and the birthparents create a plan for ongoing visits and the exchange of photos, letters, etc.

Adoptive parents can call IPAS for help and guidance, or to oversee the open adoption in the future if circumstances change or problems arise.

How is the adoptive family chosen?

Birthparents select a family by looking at waiting family albums.

How much does adoption cost?

Our fees continue to be among the least expensive of agencies who work with voluntary adoptions.  We offer a sliding scale based on annual income.  For more information you can click on the heading Adoption Fees.

What’s the next step?

Free informational meetings are held on the second Tuesday evening of every month at 6:00 PM at our office in Fresno.  We can also arrange a one on one meeting in our office or by telephone.  Feel free to contact our office to have an informational packet sent to you.