How to Adopt a Child From Foster Care

Individuals, couples and families may decide to adopt a child from the foster care system for any number of reasons. In some cases, the motivation is an empathy for all the kids in this country lacking a home, and the willingness to do something about it. In other situations it comes from a desire to have children even if giving birth is impossible. Other reasons are more varied or complex, but it always boils down to giving a child the chance to grow up with a family. It makes the world a better place in a small but significant way, while insuring one child will grow up with fewer limitations than he or she would have had otherwise. The decision never comes without careful consideration, and could be either incredibly simple or drawn out and painstaking. But regardless of how the process goes for you, if you?re ready to adopt you must prepare for a difficult and extensive process. Here is a quick snapshot to help you understand how to adopt a child from foster care.

It all starts by submitting your application. The requirements for the process vary by state, but you will always need to provide certain elements. Start by pulling together as many letters of reference as you can, from people that know you personally who can praise your character and employers that can speak to your dependability. You will also need an income verification, so get your credit report and make sure all is in order. Also be prepared to present identification and to undergo a criminal record check. With all of this in order, you?ll start by taking care of some pre-service training. This will consist of as many as ten sessions, where your ability will be reviewed and you will also get a clearer picture of the process. You?ll learn about working alongside the adoption agency, will receive answers to any questions you have and connect with other adoptive parents and staff in the foster system.

After the training you will fill out the full application. You?ll have a caseworker assigned to work with you through the process, and it will behoove you to create a strong relationship with this person. They?ll be helping you through, and will also have a major say in the final decision. During the application process you will also have a home inspection conducted. The caseworker will oversee this element of the application, giving the state an opportunity to make sure that your home meets a minimum standard of safety and cleanliness to be considered for a permanent adoption situation.

On top of an analysis of the home, the caseworker will also be studying you. He or she will look at the background of your family, your educational and relationship history, the routines of your day-to-day life and the details of your neighborhood. You?ll be asked pointed questions about your experience as a parent, your reasons for wanting to adopt a child and your overall preparedness to take this on. At the end of this study the caseworker will either recommend you or not. The process can take as long as six months and will be incredibly vigorous. Don?t take any of it personally, and keep in mind that the agency really does want things to work out, even if it doesn?t always feel that way.

Once that report is filed you will be considered approved and can begin to look at options for children. Some people choose to simultaneously seek approval as foster parents and adoptive parents, which gives them the flexibility to start with fostering a child. After all, it is a lifetime commitment you are making, and fostering in Essex or wherever you live could be a great way to make sure you are up to this particular challenge. It also gives you a chance to see how a child integrates with your existing family, to make sure that the situation works for all involved. In most cases once you foster you will want to adopt. But regardless you shouldn?t go down this road unless you are certain you can commit to it.

Source: http://www.everydayhowto.net/parenting/how-to-adopt-a-child-from-foster-care/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-adopt-a-child-from-foster-care

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