state licensed, non-profit, adoption agency, established in 1975, subsidiary under child &...
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Hawaii International
ChildThe Adoption Option
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
Hawaii International Child-HIC
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.
Referral Information
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 Provided
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 3rd party before adoption decision is finalized if the client feels there is biased views on the adoption process.
Services cont.
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
Adoption Types
Adoptive parents must to go through a very extensive and invasive background check that includes:
financial status, employment verification, W2’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….!
Adoptive Parents must:
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”
Birthparent
Positive:BirthparentTerminate parental
rightsMake an adoption planChild placed for
adoptionCourt terminationChild with special
needs
Negative: Real ParentGive upGive awayAn unwanted childChild taken awayHandicapped child
Positive Adoption Language
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.
Nursing Role:
Location: 1168 Waimanu Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808-589-2367Website: http://www.adoptionhawaii.orgEmail: [email protected]: Jennifer Kwok, LCSW –Director of
Social WorkLani Oprescu, Program Director
Contact Information
http://www.adoptionhawaii.org/J. Kwok. personal interview. 8 October 2013
Resources: