Sexual orientation in the adoption process

Jennifer Bliss, PsyD Adoption Expert, explains how same-sex couples make up a large percentage of adopting parents and how same-sex parents actually have a slightly lower waiting time
How Sexual Orientation Affects the Adoption Process
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Sexual orientation in the adoption process

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We see lots of same sex parents at our agency. In fact, 40 percent of our clients are same sex families. The idea that same sex families won't get picked or will be waiting forever. In actuality, same sex parents actually wait a smidgeon less, time wise than heterosexual couples. I definitely want to encourage people who might be holding back because they might think that's a disadvantage, not to worry about that. That's not going to be an issue. It's important to look at the laws in regards to same sex couples because there are a handful of states that don't allow same sex adoptions. Laws are changing. Florida recently opened up to same sex adoption, which is wonderful. And Independent Adoption Center does try to be involved in as many efforts as we can because it is important legislation in every state. But do look at the states where you live. We do have clients that have moved to adopt in a different state and may or may not have moved back to the state that they lived in before, but I hope it wouldn't stop anybody. If you want to become parents, there are ways and avenues to do it.

Jennifer Bliss, PsyD Adoption Expert, explains how same-sex couples make up a large percentage of adopting parents and how same-sex parents actually have a slightly lower waiting time

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Jennifer Bliss, PsyD

Founder of Bliss Adoption Services

Dr. Jennifer Bliss has dedicated her career to adoption education and support. She specializes in providing clinical services for all members of the adoption triad, including adoption education/consultation and pre/post adoption relationship support. Throughout her career, Dr. Bliss has been passionate about educating the public on best practices in adoption and the psychology of open adoption. She is also the author of a new book on open adoption, Another Choice: A compassionate Guide to Placing a Child For Adoption.
Dr. Bliss received her BA in Psychology and BS in Education from University of Southern California. She went on to earn her MSW from UCLA and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Ryokan College. Dr. Bliss has supervised adoption counselors across the country and has spoken on the psychology behind open adoption at universities and statewide conferences. She has also appeared as the open adoption expert on radio programs, podcasts, television shows and was the primary adoption consultant and featured counselor on WEtv's 4-part documentary series, "Adoption Diaries.”

 

www.BlissAdoptionServices.com

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Transcription: 
We see lots of same sex parents at our agency. In fact, 40 percent of our clients are same sex families. The idea that same sex families won't get picked or will be waiting forever. In actuality, same sex parents actually wait a smidgeon less, time wise than heterosexual couples. I definitely want to encourage people who might be holding back because they might think that's a disadvantage, not to worry about that. That's not going to be an issue. It's important to look at the laws in regards to same sex couples because there are a handful of states that don't allow same sex adoptions. Laws are changing. Florida recently opened up to same sex adoption, which is wonderful. And Independent Adoption Center does try to be involved in as many efforts as we can because it is important legislation in every state. But do look at the states where you live. We do have clients that have moved to adopt in a different state and may or may not have moved back to the state that they lived in before, but I hope it wouldn't stop anybody. If you want to become parents, there are ways and avenues to do it.