Adoption

Whether you are adopting through an agency or step-parent, the legal process of adopting, from application to finalization, can be a lengthy one. It may take six months or more from the time of application before a child is placed in your home. It will take at least three to twelve months after that before the adoption may be finalized in court.

Adoptions usually proceed through the following steps:

• Submitting an application
• Completing the home study process
• Attending agency-sponsored training (if through an agency)
• Working with a caseworker to find 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
• Contacting the agency for post-adoption services, as needed.