What is Adoption?


What is adoption?
  • A permanent, legal transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities from one family to another.
  • Adoptive parents have the same rights and responsibilities as parents whose children were born to them.
  • It is the first step in a lifelong commitment to sharing your life with a child.

Who are these children?
  • Children who could not be returned to their families due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other hardship.
  • Children can come from all races and backgrounds; may be babies, children or teens; and could be part of a sibling group that needs to be kept together.
  • Some may have physical, developmental, emotional, and/or behavioral issues that need special attention.
  • Many have experienced extreme trauma and deprivation.

What are the requirements to adopt?
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Sufficient income to meet your own basic needs.
  • Good physical, emotional and mental health.
  • Single or part of a couple, homosexual or heterosexual, who have maintained a stable relationship for at least one year.
  • There are no educational or religious requirements and home ownership is not necessary.

Is financial assistance available?
  • Subsidies are available for families adopting children with special needs because of age, race, and disabilities; medical or emotional conditions; or they are part of a sibling group.

What is the next step to begin the adoption approval process?
  • 36 hours of Pre-Service training, consisting of 12, three-hour sessions
  • During this training, you'll receive information on the rest of the process, including the home study, background checks, and more.

Steps to Adoption

  
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