ADOPTION PROCESS
Your Adoption Journey Starts Here
Becoming eligible to adopt a baby includes several steps, including essential documentation, background checks, home studies, and legal proceedings. Though cumbersome, they have all been designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children while protecting everyone involved.
We’ve carefully organized these requirements into manageable steps, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Completing these steps now will ensure you’re fully prepared when the time comes to match with a birth mother.
We’re glad you’ve chosen to begin your adoption journey with us.
PLEASE CHECK ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. When you are ready to become an active family, you will need to follow each step.
To get started, review the eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify. Then, click on each heading below for detailed information on eligibility, the application process, supporting documents, and profile creation. Each section provides a closer look at what you must do to become an active adoptive family.
Eligibility Requirements
- Do you have sufficient income to care for your family and pay the adoption costs?
- If married, have you been married for at least two years?
- Can you clear a criminal and child abuse background screening?
Do you have a favorable, current adoptive home study? - Are you between the ages of 23 and 50? (birth mothers typically request adoptive parents in this age range)
- Complete an application
- Submit supporting documents
We will start the approval process once we receive all your documents. It takes 2-4 weeks to complete.
Once we’ve received all the required documents, we’re ready to start the approval process! This step typically takes 2-4 weeks, and sending a complete set of documents with your home study can help move things along faster.
- Phone Call – After reviewing your application and home study, we’ll reach out to connect with you, answering questions and addressing any questions or concerns.
- Education and Training – Every adoption journey is unique, so take advantage of our learning resources. In addition to the required books and classes, explore our recommended education and training options. Also, don’t hesitate to call and ask questions that concern you.
- Approval Letter – Once you’re approved, we’ll send a welcome letter, officially marking the start of your journey with us.
Once you are approved with us
After your approval, we’ll give you a username and password to access our “Available Situations” page, where you can stay updated on potential matches. Sometimes, we may ask you to reach out if a specific situation seems right for you. Typically, we will see situations that you might be a fit for, and we will call and ask if you are willing to be presented to a birth family for a specific opportunity. We know waiting can feel challenging—try to be patient as the right match comes along.
These are some of the things we consider when we consider a match.
- Birth mother preferences- This is very important- (Because of these preferences, families that have many children, are comprised of a single mom, or are older may wait longer)
- Characteristics about you that match with the birth mother’s situation.
- Your openness to a variety of situations. (For example- if you want a girl it takes longer.)
- What state you live in. There are different state regulations.
When you are matched with a birthmother the initial payment of fees (half the agency fee) is due.
Relinquishment and Placement
Relinquishment and placement depend on the laws in the baby’s birth state. Typically, however, most states allow relinquishment about 24 to 72 hours after delivery.
Often, birth mothers invite the adoptive family to be present at the hospital. This can be an incredibly emotional moment for everyone, and we encourage adoptive families to be understanding and respectful of the birth mother’s emotions at this time.
In accordance with state laws, we will provide the necessary witnesses, a notary republic, and all the required paperwork.
Final payment of all fees is due at placement.
Following the Placement
Following the Placement
- Supervisory Visits: There is a supervisory period of generally six months before you can finalize the adoption. During that time, a counselor can visit you on two or three occasions to support you and confirm the success of the placement. Additional visits may be scheduled as needed.
- Birthfather: Unless the known birthfather consents to the adoption, the adoption is considered a “Legal Risk Adoption.” It will become necessary to determine and terminate his rights per the laws of all states involved with the adoption.
- Insurance: Notify your health insurance company of your new addition.
Finalize the Adoption
This exciting time can take place after a successful supervisory period, generally 6 months. You are responsible for any legal fees associated with finalization. You are free to select independent counsel for all necessary adoption proceedings. In some areas, we can make recommendations.
Post Placement Communications
Introducing Our Hearts Connect. Those involved in open adoption and foster care need a secure way to stay in touch. Here is that safe way to connect. Our web app can be monitored at different levels to ensure communication is healthy and safe. This is a revolutionary way!