Steps to becoming a foster parent

The first thing you should do is research adoption. The pros and cons, the different types, the time involved, and what kind of research will be done on you. You can do this on a search engine, your local library, or use your phone book to call some local adoption agencies to get the information they have.

Next, you need to do some serious soul searching as to why exactly you want to adopt. Are you ready? Are you longing for a child but can’t have one of your own? Are you ready to make some life changes to your current lifestyle?

What type of adoption do you want to carry out? Today you can even adopt an embryo. You have to decide if you want a baby or an older child. An older child may fit more easily into your current lifestyle and require less care, where an infant will never require more attention, some sleepless nights, and you may have more expenses.

Adoption can be expensive, so you should assess how much you can afford and research funding sources for these fees. Federal and state adoption subsidies may be available for the continuing care of children with special physical, mental, or emotional needs. There is an adoption tax credit that will offset most of these costs.

Select an adoption agency to help you with the process. Adoption agencies are required to follow regulations and adhere to licensing and procedural standards. There are other places to adopt a child, but you may find yourself bogged down with paperwork or worse, you may be scammed by an unscrupulous lawyer or couple.

Complete an adoption application and attend an orientation session. This will help you through the process and give you general guidance on what to expect.

Next, the home study process will begin and this can take anywhere from two months to a year. The steps in this are typically as follows: training interviews, home visits, health statements, income statements, background checks, autobiographical statements, and referrals from friends and family.

You will now start looking for your son. An adoption agency will have a process that they follow, but we encourage you to find out how they will conduct their search. It is in your best interest to stay in close contact so that the process moves forward.

Once you’ve found your perfect child, you need to update insurance policies, prepare your home, and let the rest of your family know. This makes the transition easier for you and your child. You will assume temporary legal custody during the control period after bringing the child home and this normally lasts about six months.

Finally, he will file a petition to adopt. After the judge signs the adoption order at a final hearing, usually six to twelve months after the child is placed in your home, you gain permanent legal custody of your child.

Now this all seems like it will take forever and yes it does take quite a while. The average time for this entire process is 18 months to two years. The benefit of all this patience is a child you can call your own and who needs you as much as you need him. The benefits of an adoption agency is that you know that the process will be done correctly and that you will not be a victim of fraud.