The answers I have to these questions are based on the most frequent responses from agencies that certify families for domestic foster care adoption. The final decision for your licensure will need to be made by the adoption agency that completes your home study. You can click here for a list of agencies in your area.
1. How much does it cost to adopt? When adopting from the foster care system, you should pay little to no fees. Any upfront fees involved are usually for the home study but not all agencies charge for this. (Most county's department of social services will provide a home study free of charge.) Depending on the child(ren) you adopt, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
2. I'm gay. Can I adopt? While most states allow single LGBT individuals to adopt, some may have restrictions on both parents jointly petitioning. You can click here for a list of states and their laws regarding LGBT adoption.
3. Do I need to be married to adopt? No. As long as you have a support network (friends, family), the fact that you are single should not play a role in your adoption journey. According to the Adoption Institute, in 1999, 31% of domestic foster care adoptions were by single women.
4. If I have a criminal record, can I still adopt? This depends on the charge. Some agencies see someone who has taken a negative, and made the experience into a positive, as an asset for an adopted child. Many of our youth have struggles and could benefit from a parent who has prevailed over hardship. With that said, if you have a felony, regardless of what it is, it is against the law to adopt from the foster care system. Also, if you have any charges pertaining to children, you will not be able to get certified to adopt.
5. I'm currently on disability. Can I adopt? As long as your disability does not prevent you from being a stable parent, it should not prevent you from adopting. While there are no income requirements to adopt from the foster care system, you will need to prove that you are financially stable and can care for a child.
6. Are there any age requirements to adopt? This is something that is usually decided by the state but agencies have the right to decide whether or not they want to certify a parent. Some states may require you to be 21 years old but it may be difficult to find an agency that will certify persons under the age of 25. As for older persons adopting, there is no age limit but you must have an alternate plan for the child(ren) should something happen to you. The majority of youth who wait to be adopted are over the age of 6. Older parents are needed to adopt older children and teenagers.
7. Can I meet the child before they are placed in my home? When you inquire on a child, you are not immediately matched with that youth. There is a long process that involves reading through child studies, meeting with therapists, caseworkers, foster parents, and visiting with the youth. Most states also require a child to be in the home for at least 3 months before one can petition the courts to adopt.
8. What if I live with a friend or family member - can I still adopt? Any persons over the age of 18, residing in the home, must have a criminal background check. They do not have to take the training or have a home study completed, unless they are your spouse or partner and are also adopting the child.
9. I currently live in a one bedroom but I can move if I am matched with a child. Will this be an issue? I have, on occasion, seen some agencies certify a family under the condition that if and when they were matched, they would be prepared to move into a home with enough room to accommodate the child(ren). Of course, once you move, your caseworker will need to do an update on your home study to show your new residence.
10. I am already a parent. Do I still need to go through the training classes? Yes. In order to be an adoptive parent, you will need to take the training classes (most states use PRIDE or MAPP training). These classes are not parenting classes but rather provide information on the special needs of our children in foster care. They are specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to assess your family's strengths and needs in order to determine if adoption is right for you.
Children Awaiting Parents is a nonprofit organization that works to promote domestic foster care adoption, specifically for older youth. If you have any questions along the way or need assistance in advocating, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
No comments:
Post a Comment