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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.