Hawaii International Child The Adoption Option Hawaii International

Hawaii International Child The Adoption Option

Hawaii International Child-HIC �State licensed, non-profit, adoption agency, established in 1975, subsidiary under Child & Family Service �Mission: support vulnerable children globally by advocating for and assisting with permanency and adoption into loving families. �Philosophy: hold the wellbeing of the child above all else, believe in keeping Hawaii’s children in the state of Hawaii whenever possible

Referral Information � Who: HIC accepts Women and men of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, and religious affiliations while encouraging participation by fathers in the planning, if they are known and willing. � Why: Women faced with an unexpected pregnancy may be searching for options for themselves and for the baby. � What: HIC provides understanding, supportive, unbiased services to every person looking for answers. � When: Any stage of pregnancy. � Where: Mostly at HIC’s Honolulu office but can make arrangements to meet birth parents closer to home.

Services Provided �Pregnancy resources: information on giving birth, medical insurance, and counseling services �Support: Birth mother and father support; also on evenings and weekends �Long term ‘Ohana: Birth parents and adoptive families can stay in touch with HIC – become part of ‘Ohana �Comprehensive birth and placement planning: help in designing a pregnancy and birth plan suited individually. HIC will be your hospital coordinator, help with insurance needs, and legal issues.

Services cont. �HIC provides option counseling: discusses the emotional, psychological, and physical rolls of being a parent in order to allow the client to make the most informed decision. �More in depth psychological counseling is recommended from a 3 rd party before adoption decision is finalized if the client feels there is biased views on the adoption process.

Adoption Types �HIC works hard to best match the birth parents wishes with the wishes of the adoptive parents �Supports all types of adoption (closed, open…) �Local, within the United States or throughout the world

Adoptive Parents must: �Adoptive parents must to go through a very extensive and invasive background check that includes: financial status, employment verification, W 2’s, medical clearance, references of friends for past 5 years, marriage certificates, criminal clearance, child abuse clearance from every state/country lived in during past 5 years, social worker inspections of home and work, every 18+ y/o in home fingerprinted for criminal record check, must attend parent adoption training classes…. !

Birthparent �Collection of a basic medical Hx: showing diseases or other medical conditions �An in depth interview is conducted on the birthparents interests, hobbies and any other information they are willing to share and pass on �This information can help the adoptive parents tell the child the story of his/her birthparents -“Child’s Story”

Positive Adoption Language Positive: Birthparent Terminate parental rights Make an adoption plan Child placed for adoption Court termination Child with special needs Negative: Real Parent Give up Give away An unwanted child Child taken away Handicapped child

Nursing Role: �Making the decision to make an adoption plan can be a very difficult time for our patients �Knowing what resources are available for our patients can greatly reduce the fear, anxiety, and shame that may come with terminating parental rights �HIC can provide a start to finish fully comprehensive plan of care for these patients �Proper communication with our patients can open the door to their wishes or concerns regarding childbirth and the possibility of adoption (terminating parental rights.

Contact Information �Location: 1168 Waimanu Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 �Phone: 808 -589 -2367 �Website: http: //www. adoptionhawaii. org �Email: adopt@adoptionhawaii. org �Contact: Jennifer Kwok, LCSW –Director of Social Work �Lani Oprescu, Program Director

Resources: �http: //www. adoptionhawaii. org/ �J. Kwok. personal interview. 8 October 2013