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Welcome to the thirty-sixth post in our series Adopting In the 50 States. Today, we’re in Pennsylvania, home state of my husband and our alma mater, CMU. Remember, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. Consult an attorney or other adoption professional with specific questions. If you have adopted in Pennsylvania and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Pennsylvania?
Any individual may adopt.
When May Consent Be Signed?
The putative father can sign any time. The birthmother can sign 72 hours after the birth of the child.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
In the case of the birthfather, consent can be revoked up to 30 days after the birth of the child or the execution of consent, whichever is later.
In the case of the birthmother, consent can be revoked up to 30 days after the execution of consent.
Does Pennsylvania Have a Putative Father Registry?
Yes.
Does Pennsylvania Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
Yes.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
Yes. The issue of advertisement is not discussed in Pennsylvania law.
Does Pennsylvania Allow the Use of Facilitators?
Yes.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
About 6 months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Medical and hospital expenses for the birthmother and child may be paid. Foster care expenses for the child may be paid.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Pennsylvania?
Yes.
Does Pennsylvania Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
No. Open adoption agreements are not discussed in Pennsylvania law.
Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
Kim lives in New Jersey and has adopted from Pennsylvania twice. In the first adoption, the ICPC took about three days. In the second adoption, it took four days.
Resources
- Adopting In Pennsylvania
- Child Adoption Laws, Pennsylvania
- Child Welfare Information Gateway, State Statutes
- Adamec, Christine. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Adoption. New York: Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2004.
- Adoptive Families Magazine 2008
Photo Credit: http://www.cftech.com/BrainBank/GEOGRAPHY/Pennsylvania.html
