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hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 15 cousins, is allowed). "The benefits of adoption are worth being able to build on your family," Cara Robertson says. Her family - including her son - has been extremely supportive and also partic- ipates in live video meetings with her daughter's birth mother. Where to begin Although adoption regulations vary from state to state, New York- ers thinking about adopting a child born in the state or in the U.S. can consider private placement adop- tions - where the arrangements are made between the birth parents and the adoptive parents - and agency adoptions (for children placed via either the county Department of Social Services or a state-authorized adoption agency). Pre-placement certification is required in each type of adoption, which includes a check of the Statewide Central Register of Abuse and Maltreatment as well as a state and national criminal history check. According to the New York State Office of Children and Fami- ly services, a home study - a series of training sessions, meetings and interviews with the family looking to adopt - is next, during which specific characteristics, such as the capacity to give and receive affection, ability to be flexible, cope with problems and frustrations and the ability to provide for the child's physical and emotional needs are examined. The family's age, health, employment and child care experience are also (Continued on Page 16) "The benefits of adoption are worth being able to build on your family." ADOPTIVE MOM CARA ROBERTSON Visit us at www.wallkill.com 845-895-2051 Visit us at www.wallkill.com 845-895-2051 Locations in: Locations in: Wallkill - Milton - Highland Falls - Maybrook Wallkill - Milton - Highland Falls - Maybrook Community First. It may be an old fashioned concept but we like to think it's a smart option with new features such as: ‡7KHDELOLW\WRWUDQVIHUIXQGVEHWZHHQDFFRXQWV ‡'LUHFW'HSRVLWULJKWIURP\RXUSD\FKHFN NMLS# 404992 Bank Smarter... with a Holiday Club Savings Account Ready to start saving? RSHQVD+ROLGD\&OXE6DYLQJV$FFRXQWLQDQ\RIRXU branches after November 1st! Ready to start saving? RSHQVD+ROLGD\&OXE6DYLQJV$FFRXQWLQDQ\RIRXU branches after November 1st! Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan, It's a Wonderful Bank!