Steps of Adoption
Helping with your adoption journey
These 8 steps will help you begin your adoption journey
with ease and plenty of information!
Decide what type of adoption is best for you. (see bottom of page for types of adoption)
International Adoption (not done within this agency)
Domestic Adoption (done through our agency)
Do your research.
Once you have decided what type of adoption is best for you, decided if you would like to adopt with an agency or adopt independently. What is the difference? Email us sarahanneadoptions@gmail.com and we can give you more details.
Choose an adoption professional for your adoption process.
Complete a Home Study.
There are state and country guidelines that will determine how many hours of training you will need. This will include pre-adoption education. This study is meant for the adoptive parents to define why they want to adopt and details about what age of child they want.
Wait for a referral.
During this time, it is important that the adoptive parents create a profile. Some information that should be included is who you are, the type of adoption you want, and the reasoning behind wanting to adopt. Many resources will also strongly suggest to add pictures into your profile.
Get to know the child before placement.
This step is important for not only you but also for the child. Take your time learning about the child and seeing if they are a match for you. If this adoption is an open adoption make sure that you connect with the parents multiple times.
Wait.
This step is the hardest. During this time let family and friends know that you have decided to adopt. It is important to have loved ones to support you. This will also help everyone adjust to the idea before you finalize the adoption.
Finalization.
During the finalization there is a hearing. Whomever you are working with during this adoption will reach out to you with information about your hearing and friends and family are welcome. Legally, the adoption is complete once your finalization hearing is completed.
Types of Adoption
Private Domestic
Infant Adoption
This type of adoption is when parents adopt a newborn
baby through either an agency,
private/independent adoption, or through foster care.
International Adoption
This adoption process is when a child is adopted outside
of the United States.
Foster Care Adoption
This type of adoption involves adopting a child who’s custody
belongs to either the state or a foster care agency.
Step-Parent Adoption
This type of adoption is when a step-child is adopted.
Kinship / Relative
This adoption process involves adopting a relative.
- Private Domestic Infant
- International
- Foster Care
- Step-Parent
- Kinship / Relative
Private Domestic
Infant Adoption
This type of adoption is when parents adopt a newborn
baby through either an agency,
private/independent adoption, or through foster care.
International Adoption
This adoption process is when a child is adopted outside
of the United States.
Foster Care Adoption
This type of adoption involves adopting a child who's custody
belongs to either the state or a foster care agency.
Step-Parent Adoption
This type of adoption is when a step-child is adopted.
Kinship / Relative
This adoption process involves adopting a relative.
