international adoption

When the doorbell rings, Cale Fuoco runs to answer at his family home in Northern Seattle. The 7-year-old holds a small wooden board in his arms – a 2x4 with two eyes and a lopsided smile, which have been etched in marker on one side of the board.

“Meet my friend, named Plank” Cale says.

At the dinner table, Plank has a seat and place setting all to himself. After Cale retreats for a little math homework and some secret TV watching, Plank is abandoned at the table to Cale’s dads, Frank Fuoco and Benjamin Liu.

Adoption
When you become an adoptive parent, you will have the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent.

Advisement
As required by applicable state law, a birthmother is advised about legal and procedural issues prior to relinquishing her parental rights or consenting to an adoption.

Alleged Birthfather
A man identified by the birthmother as a possible birthfather must have his rights terminated before the baby is free for adoption.

Birthparent
The biological parent of a child.