ADOPTION OVERVIEW

Adoptive parents and families provide permanent, safe and stable homes for children. Adoption is the permanent, legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from a child’s birth parents to the adoptive parents. Adoption is an option for children who have been in foster care and whose birth parents are unable to provide them with adequate social, emotional, and physical care. Adoption from foster care is often referred to as a “special needs adoption” and is the Children’s Divisions emphasis. Children are legally free for adoption only after the court has terminated the parental rights of the birth parents.

To be and adoptive parent you must:
Be at least 21 years of age
Complete child abuse/neglect checks and criminal records check
Have space for additional children
Be in good health- physically and mentally
Have adequate income
Be willing to participate in and complete a free training and assessment program
Be a team player
You can be a person:
With or without children
Who is single or married
Who owns or rents a home, apartment, condo, or other residence