Who are the Children?

Children awaiting adoption range in age from young children to teenagers, and are from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Many of them have been abused or neglected and may suffer from emotional, behavioral, physical or developmental problems. The majority of children in care are teenagers and siblings, the hardest groups to find homes for.

Who is Eligible to Become an Adoptive Parent?

Adoptive parents care for and address the physical, emotional, educational, developmental and spiritual needs of a child in a loving, family setting. They are instrumental in shaping the child's future.

Loving people from all walks of life can become adoptive parents. Single people or couples, at least 21 years old, are eligible.

Steps to Becoming an Adoptive Parent

1. Attend an orientation meeting and complete a basic screening questionnaire.
2. Participate in a 30-hour training program called the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP).
3. Complete a personal history interview conducted in your home by a case manager. The case manager will visit your home at least twice-during and after the training period.
4. Complete required background screenings for criminal history or reports of child abuse.
5. Participate in home inspections. A medical exam or doctor's statement may be required for applicants under a physician's care, or with a physical or mental health disorder.
6. Complete character references, including personal and employment references. School references are required if you have school-age children at home.

Your case manager will collect the information from the home consultations and compile a home-study packet for approval. Once approved, you are ready to welcome a child into your home.

Finalizing an Adoption

Prospective adoptive families will be invited to special events to meet children available for adoption. Your case manager will coordinate pre-placement activities following the potential adoptive match, where information about the child can be obtained. Once the child is placed, your case manager will assess the child's adjustment during monthly visits and assist with the coordination of services. When you and the child are ready to finalize the adoption, an attorney will schedule a formal hearing before a judge.