Has anyone adopted a child?

Question

Was the process difficult? What do they look for in you as being viable before they allow you to adopt? Did it take long? Any information would be great! thank you.

Answer 1

I am a "Waiting Parent" currently. Meaning, My homestudy was completed in April of 2006 and approved, and my husband and I have been waiting since then for our placement. Here are some of the particulars with the Homestudy..

FBI fingerprinting and backround check
Full physical
HHS visit to your home/inspection
Fire inspection
A 5 page autobiography you write
References / letters from 3-4 friends about you
Driving record
Criminal record
Attend prelim meetings/seminars (if going with agency)
Social worker visits (3)
and there are many more items..

The homestudy checklist actually takes up to 3 months for approval, but that is nothing compared to the "wait".....You have to prepare yourself. You must educate yourself, read, read, read, attend seminars in your area. Talk to people...Then, once you make the decision to become " a Parent", enjoy the ride, but keep in mind, you have an emotional rollercoaster ahead of you, Trust in the Process, and remain as patient as you can, good luck.
Oh, and By the Way, you do not have to be the wealthiest to adopt either, most agencies base the rate on your pay in a scale process. Example, if you make 50K per year, your fee may be 5 grand, however, those who make in excess of 100K, may be expected to pay up to 15K, or more. Good luck

Answer 2

1) Usually a class or two is required (a few ask for even more)
2) Your background check has no crimes against children
3) Financially secure to support a family

The time is slow for some agencies, faster for others. We looked around and went to several agencies' orientation meetings to get an idea of what they wanted. But in time, you'll find the one that's right for you.

Also keep in mind that waiting time is longer for babies, and a much, much shorter wait for older children (that is, older than five years old or so). So if you don't mind an older child, which is very rewarding, the time will be very much quicker, and there's such a need for people to adopt older children.

Answer 3

There are many different ways to adopt. International adoption, private adoption (domestic), and county adoption (also domestic). I'm assuming you are in the United States, by the way. My son was adopted through Los Angeles County, in California. There is a lot of paperwork required, including three years of income tax forms, plus fingerprinting, MAPP classes, and foster care licensing and inspection (which requires CPR and First Aid classes). Our son was 2-1/2 when we brought him home. With private adoption you can almost always get an infant but we weren't happy with the agency we chose and decided to go through the county instead. From the date we made our first inquiry to the date we were first contacted about our son was 19 months. It was another month and a half before we brought him home with us. Our MAPP class had several heterosexual couples, three single women, and two gay couples (male). The county is not allowed to discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, religion, etc. I wouldn't be so sure about that with private adoption agencies...particularly religious-based ones.

Good luck and aloha :)

Answer 4

I'm in the process of adopting two children. I fostered them for about 18 months first and as soon as the parental rights were taken away, it took just a couple months to start the process. We go to court in a couple months and as long as all the paperwork is in order, it should only be done within the year.

It all depends on the way you are going about it.

Answer 5

my mom adopted two babies and for her she was a foster parent first then once she decided to adopt it took her about a year

Answer 6

obviously sumone has adopted a child