Utah Adoption Information for Adoptive Parents

We know that this may not be the way you envisioned building your family.

Adoption is a complex and emotional journey, often fraught with challenges and ethical considerations. As an adoptive parent or prospective adoptive parent in Utah, it's crucial to be aware of potential risks and unethical practices in the adoption process. This page aims to inform and empower you with knowledge about red flags to watch for, ensuring that your adoption journey is as ethical and transparent as possible.

This page was created through a collaboration of adoptive parents who have been in your shoes.

Common Red Flags

Financial Concerns

  • Agencies charging significantly lower fees for Black and Biracial children and significantly higher fees for Caucasian children

  • Pressure to make quick financial decisions, like deciding on a high-cost case and wiring large sums of money within 24-48 hours

  • Lack of transparency about fees and costs, no accounting or detailed fee itemization given

Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues

  • Attorney offering to represent the adoptive and birth parents simultaneously

  • Agencies pressuring expectant mothers to travel to Utah from their home state

  • Lack of licensing for adoption workers or agencies

  • Working with unregulated adoption consultants who rely on Utah agencies for the majority of their business

Coercion and Pressure

  • Agencies using religious affiliations to build unwarranted trust

  • Pressure on birth parents or adoptive parents to make quick decisions for serious matters

Lack of Transparency

  • Insufficient information provided about the birth mother's situation, concealing important medical and social information about the child

  • Unwillingness to disclose the agency’s true and accurate data on adoption outcomes

  • Excessive secrecy around the adoption process

The Importance of Ethical Adoption

Ethical adoption practices are crucial for the well-being of all parties involved, especially the child. As adoptive parents, it's your responsibility to:

  1. Educate yourself about adoption complexities

  2. Question practices that seem unethical

  3. Prioritize the best interests of the child and birth parents

  4. Be willing to speak out against unethical practices

  5. Understand the lifelong impact of adoption on all parties involved

Taking Action

If you suspect unethical practices in your adoption process:

  1. Document your concerns - take a diligent record of how and when things occur. We recommend taking screenshots, keeping a journal, and saving all written correspondence and contracts. Never delete messages, no matter how much you’d like to wash your hands of an icky situation.

  2. Seek independent legal advice. Talk to a reputable adoption attorney who understands the interstate adoption process.

  3. Report concerns to the appropriate authorities and consider filing a formal complaint.

Remember, by advocating for ethical adoption practices, you're not only protecting yourself but also ensuring the best possible outcome for the child and birth parents involved.

How well do you know your adoption professional? Get the latest news here.

Why it Matters How We Build Our Families

Hear from adoptive parents who have been there.

  • "One day you will have to answer your child’s questions about how they became a part of your family and you will be held accountable for the decisions you made or didn’t make. So, as you are making decisions, ask yourself if you’d be comfortable sharing this with your child as they grow up. Every decision we make on this journey has to be with the adoptee in mind. "

    Cecily, Adoptive Mom

  • "Utah law tends to overlook unethical adoption practices. Utah has a statute that best interest of the child paramount in any adoption. In my opinion however, Utah has decided that adoption at any cost is paramount. By working with the worst agencies in the worst state, adoptive parents run the risk of perpetuating grave harm to children and birth mothers."

    Ray, Adoptive Dad & Attorney

  • "Even in cases where adoption is determined to be the best option for all involved, it is still a major event that will never stop affecting them. Don't let your apathy towards ethics be a wound that your child has to heal from. They will already be processing so much of their identity as they grow older, so be someone they can trust."

    Kendrah, Prospective Adoptive Mom

  • "When I began questioning, at first it felt so big and necessary to speak out. How are we not talking about this? As Christians, HOW ARE WE NOT TALKING ABOUT THIS? As I dove deeper into reflecting, it exposed parts of my heart that I didn't even know were there. Parts that need addressing and it's my duty as our daughter's chosen mother to do so."

    Chelsea, Adoptive Mom

Adoption Provider Search from AdoptChange

Finding trustworthy adoption information online can be challenging if you're considering adoption, hoping to adopt, or seeking a referral for someone who needs help with adoption. This search tool helps simplify the process by allowing you to identify reputable licensed adoption providers and avoid unlicensed intermediaries. Simply enter the provider's name, organization name, or website domain into the search bar to get started.

Recent News Articles

Wondering if the adoption entity you’re working with has been in the news lately? Check here.

Resources to help you as you research