How Long Does It Take To Adopt A Baby?

Adopting a baby is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be without help. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know to start the adoption process.

You can adopt a child from an orphanage, foster care or through private agencies. Orphanages usually cost more money. Private agencies are usually cheaper, but it can be hard to find them. Foster parents often have to give their children up because they cannot take care of them properly. The best thing to do is to contact your local county's office of child services, or a private adoption agency.

Finding a Child

Most adoption agencies will have a waiting list. You can sign up on the agency's website to get on the list. You'll usually have to wait at least three months before you're called. Once you're called, the agency will send you an application and instructions on how to submit it. You'll have to fill out a questionnaire and submit a fee.

Waiting List

You can call the agency's office and ask if there are any children available now. They should tell you if there is room for you on the waiting list. If you're willing to wait, you'll be on the list for three months. After that, you'll be contacted again to see if there are any children available.

Sending In Your Application

The application asks you questions about yourself and the children you are interested in. If you're approved, the agency will send you the paperwork and instructions on how to make a deposit. The paperwork includes the information about the child, the application, a birth certificate and more. The agency will usually charge a $200 deposit.

Adoption Process

After submitting the paperwork and paying the deposit, the agency will send you an appointment letter. At the appointment, you'll meet with a social worker to talk about your application. You'll be asked questions, and if you pass, you'll receive a packet with a few forms. One of those forms will ask you to write a letter to the child explaining why you want to adopt him or her.

Approved

Once you've passed the social worker's tests, you'll be sent the paperwork. You'll also be given instructions on how to do the home study. You'll be asked to take a few classes, including an infant CPR class and an adult CPR class. You'll also be asked to show the home you're considering taking in the child. This will include going through the house and showing the home to the agency's social worker.

Home Study

If you pass the home study, the agency will send you a packet with a few forms. One of those forms will ask you to fill out a questionnaire about yourself. You'll also be asked to write a letter to the child explaining why you want to adopt him or her.

Adoption Hearing

When you and the agency complete the paperwork, you'll go to court to finalize the adoption. The agency will ask for the judge's approval of the adoption. The judge will then issue a court order that allows you to adopt the child.

Adoption Day

Adoption day is the day you'll pick up the child. Before you go to the hospital, you'll need to pay another $1000 fee. After the birth, you'll meet with the social worker, who will tell you where to pick up the child.