How to adopt

Planning Your Adoption

If this is your first adoption, there is much to learn, much to think about, decisions to make, and plans to layout. There are some basic steps to adopting. Here we provide the basic ones

Learn about Adoption

Being here is a good first step. Read through all of the information on adoption available in this section and in the All About Adoption sections. Check out our online Course "Foster Family to Forever Family". You can also look for books and magazines about adoption at bookstores, libraries and on other internet sites. Attend an adoptive parents' support group or adoption conferences. Visit adoption agencies' websites, obtain further information of brochures or attend orientation sessions. Learn about the types of adoption, including how to adopt a U.S wating through agencies in your state.

Select an Agency

You must work with an agency licensed in the state where you reside. Contact several agencies to ask about the type of children they place, their fee structure, how they assess and prepare families, and how long it will take. Get references: speak with other parents who have used the agency you are investigating. Check whether the agency is licensed by your state to provide adoption services. You do not need an attorney at this point, but you may want to ask which legal services will be provided by your agency and which services you may be responsible for on your own.

Complete a Homestudy

A homestudy is a series of meetings between you and an agency social worker. Think of it as an ongoing conversation which is part of the approval process for adoption and also serves to prepare you for parenting. The social worker who prepares your homestudy will need certain documents such as birth certificates, marriage license, child abuse clearances and personal references before finalizing his or her report. At least one meeting will be at your home. All individuals who live in your home will need to be in attendance. The social worker is not there to do a “white glove” test of your home, but is there to ensure that you and your family are prepared to have a child or youth in your home and you are ready to parent. Your social worker can also answer questions for you and point you in the direction of further resources to support you as you move along on your journey.

Search for a Child

Begin the search for a child, teenager or sibling group when your homestudy is complete and approved. Your agency will have children in its care or your worker will search by networking with other child placing agencies.

Exchange Information with Child's Agency

Each time you locate a child who seems like the right match to all parties involved, your worker and the child's worker exchange information. Your homestudy is sent. If the child's worker is interested in your family, you may then receive the child’s profile.

Learn that You Have Been Selected for a Child

You and several other families may be considered at the same time. The child's worker makes the final decision on which family can best meet the child's needs.

Meet and visit with the child

The first meeting with the child is followed by several visits over a few weeks or months.

Receive a Placement

The placement date is when the child comes to live in your home. Your agency will visit and work with you for several months in post placement supervision.

Finalize Your Adoption

Your child or teenager becomes a legal part of your family when you attend a court session where a judge finalizes your adoption. You will receive an amended birth certificate that names you as parents and a certificate of adoption.

Live as an adoptive family

Adoption doesn't end after finalization. You will continue to learn about adoptive parenting. Talk with your child and others about adoption, find support and services for your child's needs, and connect with other adoptive parents. And, when you are ready, consider adopting again.