The adoption process varies among states, but some similar general guidelines exist. To closely examine these processes, we concentrate on the state of New York. For example, The Office of Children and Family Services in the state of New York describes the legal process of adoption, from application to finalization, as lengthy. It can last up to six months or more, depending on the time you apply and before a child is placed into your home.
Additionally, it will take at least three to twelve months before the adoption may be finalized in court. The basic tasks in the adoption process in New York state include:
- Choosing an adoption agency;
- Applying;
- Completing the home study process;
- Attending agency-sponsored training;
- Working with a caseworker to seek out an appropriate match;
- Visiting with the child;
- Working with a caseworker to apply for a subsidy, if eligible;
- Bringing your child home;
- Completing at least three months of supervision, if necessary;
- Completing the adoption in court and;
- Contacting the agency for post-adoption services as needed.
In New York, there are more than 130 adoption agencies. New York’s 58 social services districts have an adoption unit, and more than 70 authorized voluntary agencies collaborate with adopting families statewide. Public and private agencies do not charge a fee for adoption services provided on behalf of children who are in the legal guardianship of the local social services commissioner.
However, fees generally are based on the adoptive family’s income for the adoption of children in the legal guardianship of authorized voluntary agencies. Few agencies charge fees when families adopt children with special needs.
Choosing an adoption agency is a crucial step. Communicating with different agencies and adoptive parents or parent support groups to learn how the agencies function with prospective adoptive parents is necessary for your benefit. It is difficult to change agencies once the adoption process has started. A list of these agencies is available on every state website. While attending agency-sponsored training, adoption agencies generally expect applicants to participate in adoptive parent training. This training consists of multiple sessions designed to:
- Assist families in understanding adoption;
- Examine the strengths they bring to adoption;
- Decide whether they are prepared to adopt;
- Provide skills and knowledge needed when adopting;
- Support families to understand the needs of foster children, as well as the kind of child they would best parent and;
- Working with your caseworker to find the appropriate child.
Once a home study has been approved, the family and the agency work together to place a child. There are no special formulas for this process. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the agency and family team up to decide what placement would promote the child’s best interest.
Furthermore, with the child photo listing available on this website, New York State publishes a printed version of The Adoption Album. Each page includes a photograph and a brief biography of a child needing a family. The Adoption Album is updated regularly to add any children newly freed for adoption. Remember that copies of The Adoption Album are available at public and private adoption agencies, most libraries, and other locations across the state and throughout the country.
Sometimes an agency can directly link a prospective adoptive family with the child they have a desire to adopt. But, an agency must often contact other agencies to inquire about a child. Generally, families can be identified for children through the Family Adoption Registry. The Family Adoption Registry is part of The Adoption Album database and is an opportunity for prospective parents to register their interest in adopting New York State’s waiting children. It is recommended to look at the local state for any adoption regulations and understand the basic process for adoption.
When a family inquires about a child, the adoption agency submits a summary with additional information beyond that provided in the child’s photo listing. Usually, this is exchanged for a copy of the home study. The family and the child’s agency then review the material. If both parties remain interested, the agency includes the family in its final selection process.
When choosing a family for a child, agencies try to select a family that will maintain the child’s connections. Maintaining connections provides continuity in the child’s life and respects the link between the child and their family, siblings, foster family, heritage, and culture. The fundamental standard across all states for all adoptive placements is the child’s best interest, which is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently, the child’s agency assigns a large pool of prospective adoptive families to make a placement. In considering which child you might wish to adopt, you will inquire about many different children at once. Families who limit themselves to one child early in the process may be disappointed. Considering the number of children, you are more likely to connect with a child.
