Adoptive parents who work with a reputable adoption agency are carefully screened. They are interviewed in order to ensure they have a stable, secure marriage ­­ one that will welcome an adopted child. Also, their personal sincerity and desire to take on the role of parents is reviewed. The adoptive parents may receive hours of preparation for being parents, including discussions on how they will raise the child they adopt. They also learn how to discuss the adoption issue with their child and the responsible decision the birth parents made in placing them up for adoption. Adoptive parents are fingerprinted to ensure they have no criminal records and no history of child abuse or neglect. Adoptive parent screening should always be done before the child has been placed in their home. Birth parents may have the right to screen the adoptive parent candidates themselves. They can meet them in person or ask the interviewer to ask questions about special or personal concerns they may have. As birth parents considering adoption, be certain the adoption service you choose is able to provide you with all of the information you request and want about the adoptive parent candidates. This will allow you to make a decision you can be completely comfortable with. For more information on adoptive parent screening, consult an adoption agency, adoption attorney, or family counselor.