Step 5 - Complete an application

For the purpose of this article, the term "waiting child" refers to children currently available for adoption through U.S. public welfare and foster care programs.

More of this Feature •  1. Educate yourself • 2. Examine your capabilities • 3. Adoption expenses • 4. Select an agency • 5. Complete an application • 6. The homestudy • 7. Take classes • 8. Locating a child • 9. Matching • 10. Prepare to welcome your child • 11. Placement • 12. Petition to adopt • 13. Finalization

Depending on the agency, application fees (if any) may be non-refundable; however, whether they are or not, you should inquire about orientation schedules and attend the sessions before you complete the application. Orientations include information about foster care, adoption practices and policies, and available children.

Questions to Ask

Orientation sessions are the place to ask any and all questions you have before moving ahead in the process. No question is too trivial!

• Be sure to ask what happens if you change your mind about the particular agency, or about adopting.
• Ask how long you can expect to wait before hearing from the agency, and let them know you are serious about adopting.
• Ask also how you should go about scheduling and preparing for a homestudy.

Once your application is completed, you will be assigned a caseworker who will talk with you in more detail about the type of child you wish to adopt, available children, and your views on adoption.

Best Resources

• Sample Application - This is from a private agency (that also places waiting children) and may be similar but not identical to the application required in your state or agency. (Word .doc format)

The application should not be confused with the homestudy or family assessment.

Next page > The homestudy

Sources for this article include:
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
North American Council on Adoptable Children
The Learning Center

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