New York’s adoption policies are under review following backlash over a recent policy change. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) reversed a memo that limited financial support adoptive parents can provide to birth mothers. This reversal came after criticism from prospective parents and adoption advocates.
Current New York law allows adoptive parents to support pregnant mothers for up to three months, covering costs like maternity clothes and transportation to medical appointments. The OCFS paused the enforcement of the restrictive memo and is planning to meet with adoption stakeholders in early June to reassess the policies.
State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton has proposed legislation to extend the support period to six months before birth and 45 days after. This move aims to align New York’s policies with other states to facilitate more adoptions. Over 1,500 adoptions are finalized in New York each year, a process that remains costly and complex for families.
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