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A Child Is Waiting
A Step-by-step guide to adoption Dear Friend,
Dave Thomas was not only the founder of Wendy’s and a national business icon,
but he also was adopted as a child. His personal experience drove him to leverage
his name and his company to achieve a simple vision: every child must have a
permanent home and loving family. In 1992, he created the Dave Thomas
Foundation for Adoption to assure that we make waiting children a national priority.
Today the Foundation continues Dave Thomas’ legacy by supporting programs
that aggressively move children from temporary and often transient foster care to
permanent adoptive homes. We also work to raise awareness about the 123,000
children who are waiting to be adopted, streamline the foster care adoption
process and make it affordable and accessible to all families wanting to adopt.
A national survey commissioned by the Foundation in 2007 reveals that 48 million
Americans have considered foster care adoption, yet too many have misperceptions
about the process and the children who are eligible for adoption. We know the
adoption process might appear to be complex or confusing. That’s why we created
this guide – to provide the information you need to know about the process, as well
as to clear up any misperceptions.
If you are thinking of adopting, please consider a child who has been waiting in
foster care. You will provide a precious gift – the love of a family. And your life will
be all the better for it.
As you read through this guide, please contact us with questions at 1-800-ASK-DTFA
(1-800-275-3832) or visit www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org. We look
forward to talking with you.
Rita L. Soronen
Executive Director
www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
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A Step-by-step guide to adoption
www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org.
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A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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Adoption Basics:
Adoption is the permanent, legal transfer of all parental rights from one person or couple
to another person or couple. Adoptive parents have the same rights and responsibilities
as parents whose children are born to them, and adopted children have all the emotional,
social, legal and kinship benefits of birth children.
There are several ways to adopt a child: through a public agency, private agency or
attorney. Resources are listed in the back of this guide.
their love.”
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Adoption Options:
Several options are available to adoptive parents: adopt a child from the U.S. foster care
system; adopt an infant in the United States; or adopt a child from another country.
Adopting a child from the U.S. foster care system Adopting a child from another country
Begin by contacting your state’s public agency or Thousands of children who live in foreign orphanages
other adoption program, like Wendy’s Wonderful need families. Nearly 21,000 were adopted by U.S.
Kids, a signature program of the Dave Thomas citizens in 2006. Rules governing international
Foundation for Adoption. This program places adoptions are rapidly changing, which means they
adoption recruiters in agencies across the nation can be very complicated. If you are interested in
whose sole purpose is to connect waiting children adopting a child from another country, it is important
with permanent, loving families. Refer to the agency to work with an experienced, ethical agency, group
listing in the back of the Guide, call 800-ASK-DTFA or individual.
or visit www.wendyswonderfulkids.org.
If you pursue an international adoption, the U.S.
It is important to realize that children waiting in the Immigration and Naturalization Service requires
foster care system are of varying ages (from infants you to complete a home study. In most cases, the
to early adulthood; the average age is 8), and some adoption agency or person helping you can assist
have brothers or sisters who need to stay together. in completing the homestudy and in finding a child
The majority are healthy children who need a who needs a family. For more information, visit
supportive, loving adult in their lives. Some children the U.S. Department of State’s website at
have medical challenges, but often their disabilities http://travel.state.gov or the Joint Council
or conditions are treatable. There are, however, some on International Children’s Services at
medical or emotional disabilities that are not easily 703-535-8045 or www.jcics.org.
corrected, but there are numerous ways and
resources to help these children.
Adopting a stepchild
Consult an adoption attorney or contact the court in
Adopting an infant in the United States
your county that handles adoption to learn about the
If you would like to adopt a baby, contact your requirements for stepparent adoption. You may wish
state’s public agency, a licensed private agency or to refer to the Stepparent Adoption Fact Sheet for
an attorney. Check the phone book under “Adoption Families on the Child Welfare Information Gateway
Organizations,” contact your local bar association, website, www.childwelfare.gov.
the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys at Selena (age 9): “I felt
202-832-2222 or www.adoptionattorneys.org or
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services like I was supposed to
at 800-394-3366 or www.childwelfare.gov. be in this family. Now
1
National Foster Care Adoption Attitudes Survey, November 2007.
67% of those considering adoption are concerned the Once a child has been legally made available for
Commissioned by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption biological parents will be able to take the child back. adoption, birth parents cannot claim a child or
and conducted by Harris Interactive. Available at
www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org petition for their return.
2
The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Administration
for Children & Families, AFCARS Report 13, FY 2005
Estimates (September 2006) Diversity of Parents Capable of Adoption
3
Urban Institute. (March 27, 2007) Adoption and Foster Care
by Lesbian and Gay Parents in the United States.
http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=411437 Myth : Reality :
Less than half of Americans believe a single parent One-third of children adopted from foster care
raising an adoptive child can definitely provide a in 2005 were adopted by single parents or
healthy and loving environment. unmarried couples.2
Only 37% think a person over the age or 55 23 percent of adopted children live with an
can definitely provide a healthy and loving adoptive parent 55 years or older.2
environment for a child.
Only one-third think same sex parents can An estimated 65,000 children (4 percent of
definitely provide a healthy environment. adopted children) are living with a lesbian
or gay adoptive parent.3
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10 Steps
to Adoption
A workbook for building your family
Step 1
Do the research and decide what type of adoption you want to pursue
Even before you begin to research adoption options, If you have most or all of these qualities,
do a little self-research. Ask yourself if any of the then ask yourself these questions:
following characteristics describe you. • Do I clearly understand why I want to adopt?
• A belief in adoption and the ability to commit • If I have a partner, do we work as a team?
• Patience and perseverance Are we both committed to adoption?
• A good sense of humor and talent for keeping • Does my lifestyle allow me the time necessary
life in perspective to meet the needs of children?
• A love of children and parenting • Have I discussed adoption with all family
members, including my children?
• The ability to accept without judging and to
love unconditionally • Do I have support systems to help me
after I adopt?
• Awareness that healing doesn’t always
come quickly
• Resourcefulness
Chris thinks his new adoptive dad is “cool” and eagerly makes presentations on teen panels to talk about his adoption experience.
However, he was not always so pro-adoption. Referred to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids in 2006, Chris was 14, shy and withdrawn. He and his
recruiter worked together to find the best possible family for Chris. Then the recruiter met Walter, a single man interested in adopting a
young child. He arranged a meeting for the two. Chris was very apprehensive, so the recruiter stayed with him during the first few visits
until he felt comfortable with Walter. After that they became inseparable. Walter also has become a spokesperson for adoption. He tells
prospective families he originally only considered a child under the age of 8, but now he is the proud parent of a 15-year old son. “I just
Step 1
Next
Steps
Learn about the process through these resources
• The National Adoption Center (NAC) provides information • Phone books typically list adoption agencies,
and referral services to families interested in adopting advocates, attorneys, support groups and more
children; resource packets on various adoption under “Adoption.”
topics; registration on a national database of children
• Public libraries have online access and a wealth
and families approved to adopt; and links to
of research sources.
Internet adoption sites. Call 800-862-3678,
s nac@adopt.org or visit www.adopt.org. Other resources include:
• The North American Council on Adoptable Children • Child Welfare League of America,
(NACAC) maintains a listing of adoptive parent 800-407-6273, www.cwla.org/pubs
support groups and other sources of information
• Perspectives Press, 317-872-3055,
about adoption. To request a list of local support
www.perspectivespress.com
groups and other resources, call 651-644-3036, send
email to info@nacac.org or visit www.nacac.org. • Adoptive Families Magazine, 646-366-0830,
www.adoptivefamilies.com
• The Collaboration to AdoptUSKids contains
valuable adoption information, as well as photos • National Child Welfare Resource Center
and descriptions of thousands of U.S. children for Adoption, 248-443-0306,
waiting to be adopted. Call 888-200-4005 or www.nrcadoption.org
visit www.adoptuskids.org.
• Children Awaiting Parents (CAP),
• Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access 888-835-8802, www.capbook.org
to information and resources to help protect children
and strengthen families, including foster care • Fostering Families Today, 888-924-6736,
adoption information. This is part of the U.S. www.fosteringfamiliestoday.com
Department of Health and Human Services. • www.adopting.org
Call 800-394-3366, email info@childwelfare.gov
or visit www.childwelfare.gov.
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Step 2
Investigate the expenses
Do you want to adopt a child from foster care, an infant in the United States or a child from another country?
Once you have decided what type of adoption to pursue, begin to examine costs involved.
The total cost of adoption varies depending upon a number of factors, such as the type of adoption, the agency
you use, the state where you live, attorney fees (if applicable) and whether travel is required. It is very important
to obtain fee information in writing before beginning the process. You should always request a written, detailed
explanation of the fees, including what they cover and what extras may be added later.
“While my adoption expenses were minimal, as a single mom it was reassuring to know any expenses I did have would be reimbursed by
my employer. The firm was wonderful about allowing me to take adoption leave for court dates, and then once our adoption was finalized,
allowing me to take the remaining leave offered as a way of celebrating this amazing event in my life with my son. As an adoptive family,
you sometimes struggle to be seen as a ‘valid’ family, equal in every way to a family created by birth. Not only did my employer treat my
little family as valid, but they also celebrated us by offering financial assistance and paid leave benefits.”
Robin E., Atlanta, GA
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Step 2
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Next
Steps
Begin to research options for covering the costs
Step 3
Select an adoption agency
Agencies are not all alike, so choose with care. Some agencies handle the entire
adoption process, holding your hand step by step, while others expect you to
take the initiative and learn about procedures and deadlines by yourself. Try to
get a sense of how much of the adoption process will depend upon your actions
and then decide which approach works best for you.
You must work with an agency in the state where you live, and you must decide
whether to work with a public or private agency. Contact your state adoption
unit (listed at the end of this guide) for agency options, and be sure to ask each
agency if it is licensed by your state to provide adoption services.
“Some days you don’t know if you are doing the right thing and then
something happens the next day that makes it all worthwhile. You see
her grades go up or she is making a new friend at school and the sense
of relief and love is overwhelming. I just want all the good things in
Step 3
Next
Steps
Find agencies in your area
• Contact your state’s adoption unit (listed in the back of this guide) for a list of licensed adoption agencies
– public or private or both.
• If you’re interested in adopting a child from foster care, check the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids agencies also
listed at the back of this guide.
• Look in the phone book under “Adoption” or “Social Services” for licensed, private adoption agencies.
Be sure to ask if the agency is licensed.
• Contact adoptive parent support groups or adoptive parents for referrals.
• Check the Child Welfare Information Gateway (a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services) at www.childwelfare.gov.
To find a public or private agency that is a good fit for you, your beliefs and your situation, compare “My life was pretty full but I had
information from several different agencies by asking:
no idea that this kind of happiness
• What kind of children does the agency place • If you learn of a child in another state, will the
(ages, backgrounds, etc.)? agency pursue the child? was out there until I adopted Jason
• How many children has the agency placed in • How much does a completed adoption cost – and Alan. All the reports said they
each of the past few years? in total and part by part? were learning-delayed. I looked in
• How will the agency conduct a search for me? • Can the agency help me locate sources of their eyes and I just didn’t think
financial aid, including subsidies?
• What criteria does the agency use to match that whatever problems they had in
children with families? • What if the adoption doesn’t work out?
the past would always be problems
• What type of adoptive parents does the • Can the agency provide references from parents
agency seek? who recently adopted? in the future. The moment they got
• How long, on average, must one wait for a child? • What post-adoption resources does the agency in school, they started to shine and
provide or connect to parents?
• What are the home study requirements? they have won numerous awards.”
Step 4
Begin working with an agency and complete an adoption application
Next
Once you have selected an agency, find out how they Steps
begin the adoption process. One common first step Attend an orientation session
is an orientation meeting or training session for prospective
adoptive parents. At the meeting you will likely:
If possible, attend an orientation session before filling
• Meet social workers and learn about policies out an application so you are confident in the agency’s
and practices abilities to meet your needs. Application fees are often
• Learn what types of children are available non-refundable, even if you decide to work through a
different agency or change your mind about adopting.
• Be asked to examine your feelings about adoption
and determine if adoption is the right choice for you Once you have chosen an agency and completed
the application process, ask your social worker how
• Gain insight into the challenges and rewards you should go about scheduling and preparing for
of adoptive parenting your homestudy.
• Obtain application materials
Luke and Dan never dreamed they would find their adoptive son through a parenting class. One evening they watched a computer
presentation prepared by Sam, a teenaged boy who was also a fellow car buff. Sam’s recruiter from Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
had helped him prepare it based on Sam’s love of cars, especially fire engine red Dodge Chargers. After seeing the presentation,
Luke and Dan asked to meet Sam. For three months they spent every weekend getting to know each other. Luke and Dan adopted
Sam shortly before his 18th birthday. Their mutual love of cars, and for each other, continues.
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Step 5
Start the homestudy process and take adoption preparation and parenting classes
A homestudy is much more than a visit to see if your home is clean and tidy. Instead, it is a way for your social worker to get to know you;
to educate you about adoption and how it affects children and families; and prepare you to parent a child who brings experiences,
ideas and expectations that might be different than your own. Everyone must complete a homestudy. The process can take from
three to six months, depending on the agency, the social worker and the prospective parents’ cooperation.
Next
Steps
Find out costs and requirements for homestudies and parenting classes
Specific requirements for homestudies vary by state Next you’ll take adoption preparation and parenting
and agency, so be sure to ask for a list of the items classes. Many agencies either offer or require group
and information your agency needs, such as a birth classes for families considering adoption. Even if your
certificate, marriage license, personal references and agency doesn’t require a training course, all prospective
proof of a recent physical examination. During home parents should take advantage of opportunities to
study meetings, you will be asked questions about learn about adoption issues and parenting. These
your background, education, job history, marriage, classes also provide an open forum for prospective
leisure activities, religion and experiences with children. parents to discuss questions and concerns.
The important thing to remember is that the purpose It is important to get acquainted with issues that can
of the homestudy is to help the agency locate the arise after a child or sibling group is placed in your
best home for each child it places and make good family. Older adopted children not only bring unique
matches between prospective parents and children. needs to the table, but also a history of life experiences
that will affect interactions with you, new siblings,
At some point, you will need to pay for the home
schoolmates, etc.
study. The cost through a public agency may be quite
low or free; private agencies typically charge $500 to Once you have completed the classes and home
$2,000 for a completed homestudy. Be sure to ask for study, you are licensed or certified to adopt.
a copy of your homestudy once it’s completed.The
length of time a homestudy is valid is determined by
your agency and state of residence. Typically it is valid
for one year and can be updated yearly therafter.
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Step 6
Search for a child
Contact your state or county agency or a private adoption organization in your community.
Also consider the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids organization and recruiter in your city or state. The complete list
of these resources is in the back of this guide and online at www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org
Examples of organizations that provide visual information of waiting children (websites, photo listing books, etc.)
follow. You will discover many more through additional research.
• Adopt America Network, 800-246-1731, www.adoptamericanetwork.org
• AdoptUSKids, a project of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 888-200-4005,
www.adoptuskids.org
• Child Welfare Information Gateway, 800-394-3366, www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/foster/
• Children Awaiting Parents, Inc., 888-835-8802, www.capbook.org
• The Adoption Exchange, 800-451-5246, www.adoptex.org
The Child’s Point of View It is important to understand that all children who wait Just because children don’t discuss specifics doesn’t mean
for adoption have experienced a disruptive home life. they’ve fully accepted the prospect of adoption. Let them know
Due to matters beyond their control, and through no it is OK to talk about it. Create a welcoming environment so they
fault of their own, they were separated from their birth feel comfortable discussing thoughts and feelings with you.
parents and often separated from siblings and extended They may be wondering:
family. As a result, imagine the feelings of loss, grief and Will I have to change schools?
fear of rejection these children may experience. What if you don’t like to do the things I like to do?
Will you want me to call you mom and dad?
Though anxious about change, they are also eager to Will my birth mom and dad think I don’t love them anymore?
belong; but because of past experiences, they may Will I have to change my name?
have feelings of self-doubt and be hesitant to trust new Do I dare hope that you will be my forever family?
adults. They may be thinking:
Are you going to give me away some day? If you feel like you need additional help answering their questions,
What about my brother and sister? contact your social worker, take advantage of counselling offered
Will you not only adopt me, but also accept me? by the adoption agency, join an adoptive parent support group or
seek adoption-related articles, books and games.
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Step 6
Next
Steps
Get to know your child
When you have been identified as a potential family Take advantage of each opportunity to visit with
for a child, learn as much as you can about him or her. your child and get to know him or her. These pre-
Talk to the child’s foster parents and social worker placement visits help you determine how the child
so you can help ease the child’s transition into your will fit into your family life. The child’s social worker
family. What are the child’s favorite foods and games? should be willing to provide whatever information is
What’s the best way to comfort the child? What is his available that will help you reach your decision.
or her background? What were the birth parents like?
If the child has certain medical conditions or
What is the family’s and child’s medical history?
challenges, now is the time to decide if your family
Your agency social worker will determine if the is prepared and committed to addressing issues
child is appropriate for your family and if you match that may arise from these special needs.
the child’s needs. Once you have been certified or
And keep in mind, this child may be fearful for his/her
licensed (completed the adoption preparation classes
future and wondering if you will become his family.
and homestudy), you will be introduced to the child
He/she wants to know all about you, but may be
and begin a progression of visits.
afraid to ask.
“Our first Christmas together is one I will never forget. We had learned a
couple of months before that even though he was in elementary school he had
never seen Santa Claus. So this was not just his first Christmas, this was his
first everything. Of course, he got up early, and when he saw the things Santa
had left, his eyes were as big as apples. When he’s 30 years old, I will look at
him and still see him walk into the living room for his very first Christmas.”
Step 7
Prepare for your child’s arrival It’s time to get all documents in order to ensure a smooth
transition for both your child and your family.
Next
Steps
Follow this list of necessary preparations
• Alert your health insurance company of • Prepare to get a new Social Security Number • Make your house child-friendly. Modify, reposition
your child’s pending arrival and find out what and birth certificate. Your child will need ones or remove household objects that could be
documents the company requires for authentication, that recognize the new last name and family dangerous to your new child. Prepare his or her
such as the petition to adopt. Your child will be situation. If your child already has a Social room to show the area belongs to him or her.
covered under your health insurance from the Security Number, you may be able to keep the
• Inform your other children of specific changes
date he or she is placed with your family, but be number and change his or her name using a
that will occur. Tell them how their roles may
sure to check for an exclusion in your policy new birth certificate. Your child must have a
change when their new sibling arrives and
relating to pre-existing conditions. If your child Social Security number for you to claim him or
prepare to help them through the transition.
has special needs and is eligible for an adoption her as a dependent.
subsidy, he or she may be covered through • Negotiate an adoption assistance agreement.
• Line up services for your child and yourself.
Medicaid. You should also change beneficiary Parents who adopt eligible children with special
If you adopt a younger child, you may need to
designations on life insurance policies and needs from a public or private agency can
find day care (some states provide it). For an
update wills as needed. receive federal or state benefits for their child.
older child, you may need to enroll him or her
Ask your agency about obtaining a subsidy and
• Obtain a copy of your child’s original birth in school; arrange for therapy, counseling,
what steps you must take. You must negotiate
certificate. Depending on the state/country and or tutoring; or identify respite care options.
the subsidy before the adoption is finalized.
type of adoption, it may be difficult to get this You might also want to join an adoptive parents’
document once the adoption is finalized. support group. The most important thing to
Without it, many children have trouble getting remember is to ask for what you need.
passports and other important documents. Be an advocate for yourself and your child.
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Step 8
Bring your child home and file a petition to adopt
Children who are placed for adoption through public agencies may move in with an adoptive
family as soon as the parents complete required pre-placement visits and are approved to
adopt, provided the timing is not disruptive to the child’s schooling or other activities.
When a new child is placed in your home, you will assume temporary legal custody. While
your family undergoes the inevitable adjustment period, your agency will monitor how
the placement is going. The monitoring period is normally about six months but can be as
short as a few weeks or as long as a year. During this time, the social worker may call or
visit to discuss how you and your new child are adjusting and to answer questions. If all
goes well, the agency will recommend to the court that the adoption be approved.
Soon after Trevor was placed in a pre-adoptive home, his social worker realized the match did not work. She began to recruit a new family
for him while abiding by his request to stay in the same community. She located Sara and Mark in a neighboring town. Visits went well
Shortly after the move, Trevor’s social worker told Sara and Mark that his birth mother was in the last stages of her battle with AIDS. They discussed
this with Trevor and offered to take him to visit her in the hospital. She was relieved to see him and she gave him her blessing to become a member
of a new family. She hugged him, apologized for not being able to care for him and expressed gratitude to Sara for helping to raise him.
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Step 8
Next
Steps
File an adoption petition
It’s time to file an adoption petition, which is the document filed in court that initiates the legal aspect of
adoption. Check to see if you need an attorney to help you with this process. Through this document, adoptive
parents formally request permission to adopt a specific child. To file a petition, you and your agency social
worker (or attorney) will need to present the following (guidelines vary by state or jurisdiction):
• The child’s birth certificate or birth day and • A statement from the child’s caseworker
place of birth or agency of the legal reason why the birth
parents’ rights were terminated – due to
• A written statement confirming your desire and
either a voluntary surrender or an involuntary
suitability to adopt, as well as your ability to
court action
provide financially for the child
• Written disclosure of any relationship that
• A written declaration from the child’s caseworker
you share with the child (other than as an
or agency that the adoption is in the child’s
adoptive parent), such as being the child’s aunt,
best interest
grandparent, stepparent, coach or teacher
• The date on which you received custody
of the child, and from whom you were
awarded custody
have been the biggest joy in our life. In a grander way than
Step 9
Finalize the adoption
Finalization hearings legally complete the adoption process and take place within six to twelve months after a child
is placed in your home. Some states do not require you to be present. If you do need to attend the hearing, your
social worker will notify you of the date and time. Make sure you have completed the necessary paperwork. If you
are missing required documents, the finalization could be delayed.
The finalization hearing, if required in your state or jurisdiction, is a judicial proceeding lasting 10-30 minutes in the
judge’s chambers. This is when adoptive parents are given permanent legal custody of their adopted child.
Carla, age 13, was removed from her home at age 5 due to neglect. Until she was nearly 13, she lived in six different foster care homes, one
of which was placed under investigation for physical abuse. Four weeks after she was placed on the caseload of a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
When she arrived home from school one day, she noticed a number of unfamiliar cars in the driveway of her soon-to-be adoptive parents’
home. She slowly entered the house –very fearful of what she might encounter. As she opened the door, a large group of extended family,
some of whom she had not yet met, greeted her with balloons, presents and a loud “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
Carla ran to her room and sobbed. Her soon-to-be mother sat with her and asked what was wrong. Carla said, “Whenever I came home
before to strange cars in the driveway, they put everything I had in a plastic trash bag, took me away and put me in a new house with
strangers. I thought that was happening today. But then when I saw the balloons and birthday cake, I knew this was different. I have
Her mother looked at her and simply said, “You are home. You are safe. And we will always celebrate you!”
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Step 9
Next
Steps
Celebrate your new family
If there is a finalization hearing, the following people As soon as the judge signs the adoption order,
generally attend: the adoptive parents, the child who you gain permanent, legal custody of your child.
is being adopted, the adoptive family’s lawyer, and Finalization is the last formal step in the adoption
the social worker who placed the child. process and the official beginning of your new family.
To verify the adoption should occur, the court will Celebrate!
establish the child has been placed in a safe, loving
home. Be prepared to provide all the identifying
information included in your adoption petition and
to answer questions like
• Why do you want to adopt?
• How will you care for your new child?
• How will your family adjust to a new child?
• Is there anything the court should know
before finalizing the adoption?
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Step 10
Take advantage of services and resources available after adoption
Children who are adopted from foster care often have had a difficult start in life. As a result, they may need help with behavioral,
emotional or developmental issues. Adoptive parents can access post-adoption resources to help their child thrive, such as family
and child counseling, parent support groups, specialized educational support, respite child care and grief and loss counseling.
Ask your adoption agency if they provide financial assistance for post-adoption needs.
Next
Steps
Look into post-adoption resources
Hague Convention: The Hague Convention on Intercountry Matching: The process of combining the best interest of the child
Adoption, inaugurated in 1993, is an international treaty setting the with qualified adoptive parents. The best interest of the child is
framework for the adoption of children between countries. The aim determined by the birthparent or legal guardian of the child.
is to protect the best interests of adopted children and prevent
abuses such as trafficking in children. The Convention standardizes Multi-Ethnic Placement Act/Interethnic Placement Act Public adoption agency/Public Child Welfare Agency:
procedures between the adoption authority in the child’s country of (MEPA/IEPA): Sometimes called “Removal of Barriers to This is the state or county government agency that has legal
origin and the corresponding authority in the receiving country. Interethnic Placement,” this is a federal law enacted in 1994 custody of children in foster care and is responsible for placing
Each country which has ratified the Convention designates a central (MEPA) and amended in 1996 (IEPA).These two laws together them in adoptive homes following foster care.
authority to regulate requests for intercountry adoption and known as MEPA/IEPA remove race, ethnicity and country of origin
accredit adoption agencies. from effective consideration when child welfare workers are making Special needs children: This includes several categories:
placement decisions for children in the public child welfare system. disabilities, race, age, sibling status and at-risk. When a child is
Homestudy: Also called a Family Profile, this is an in-depth review determined to be a member of a special needs group, he or she
that prospective adoptive parents must go through to be able to Open adoption: An adoption plan in which identifying information may qualify for adoption assistance payments (subsidies).
legally adopt. A homestudy typically includes evaluations of the about birth and adoptive families is openly shared. There may be The amount is dependent on the type and severity of the need.
adoptive parents’ relationship, inspections of their residence, ongoing contact after placement occurs.
parenting ideals, medical history, employment verification, financial Termination of parental rights (TPR): The legal process that
status and criminal background checks. Home studies can become Parental rights: All legal rights and corresponding legal involuntarily severs a parent’s rights to a child.
“outdated.” There is a time period, usually one year, before a obligations that come with being the legal parent of a child.
Title IV-E Funding: Federal foster care funds, authorized under
homestudy needs to be updated.
Permanency planning: A goal-directed process designed to Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, are paid to states on an
International adoption: The adoption of a child who is a prepare children and families for a permanent living arrangement. uncapped, “entitlement” basis, meaning any qualifying expenditure
citizen of one country by adoptive parents who are citizens of This includes adoption, legal guardianship, or permanent by a state will be partially reimbursed, or matched without limit.
a different country. placement with a relative or non-relative. It also includes Definitions of which expenses qualify for reimbursement are laid
independent living or adult residential care. out in regulations and policy interpretations.
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC):
The legal agreement between the states concerning a child living Placement: The point in time when the child goes to live with his/ Waiting children: Children in the public child welfare system
in one state being adopted by parents living in another state. her legal adoptive parents. who cannot return to their birth homes and need permanent,
In addition to prospective adoptive parents obtaining a homestudy loving families to help them grow up safe and secure.
and following their state’s adoption laws, they must comply with
Post-legal adoption services: Services provided subsequent to
legal finalization of the adoption. There are primarily four types of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids: A signature program of the Dave
the adoption laws of the child’s state of residence. Families who
post-legal service providers: social service agencies, private Thomas Foundation for Adoption, in partnership with Wendy’s
are involved in an adoption across state lines generally work with
therapists, mental health clinics and self-help groups. and local adoption organizations. Wendy’s Wonderful Kids places
both an adoption worker in their home state to complete a
adoption recruiters in agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada
homestudy and preservice training and another adoption worker
Post-placement supervision: Upon placement, a social worker whose sole purpose is to connect waiting children in foster care
in the child’s state to walk them through the steps needed to
will be assigned to complete post-placement supervision of the with permanent, loving families. To learn more,
satisfy the ICPC requirements.
adoptive family. The social worker will visit the home several times visit www.WendysWonderfulKids.org.
during a set period of time (according to state requirements) to
Legally free for adoption: A child is legally free when the
determine if adoption of the child is in the “best interests of the child.”
parental rights of both birth parents have been terminated and the
time period for the birth parents to appeal the decision is over.
Private adoption agency: This agency is licensed by the state to
facilitate domestic adoptions, international adoptions or both. A
Life book: A pictorial and written representation of the child’s life
private agency may be secular, religious, for profit or non-profit.
designed to help the child make sense of his unique background
and history. The life book usually includes birthparents, other
relatives, birthplace and date and can be put together by social
workers or foster and/or adoptive parents working with the child.
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Jane Howard
JOURNALIST AND WRITER
800-ASK-DTFA (800-275-3832)
www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org
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