A Step-by-step guide to adoption

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A Child Is Waiting
A Step-by-step guide to adoption Dear Friend,

Dave Thomas was not only the founder of Wendy’s and a national business icon,
but he also was adopted as a child. His personal experience drove him to leverage
his name and his company to achieve a simple vision: every child must have a
permanent home and loving family. In 1992, he created the Dave Thomas
Foundation for Adoption to assure that we make waiting children a national priority.
Today the Foundation continues Dave Thomas’ legacy by supporting programs
that aggressively move children from temporary and often transient foster care to
permanent adoptive homes. We also work to raise awareness about the 123,000
children who are waiting to be adopted, streamline the foster care adoption
process and make it affordable and accessible to all families wanting to adopt.
A national survey commissioned by the Foundation in 2007 reveals that 48 million
Americans have considered foster care adoption, yet too many have misperceptions
about the process and the children who are eligible for adoption. We know the
adoption process might appear to be complex or confusing. That’s why we created
this guide – to provide the information you need to know about the process, as well
as to clear up any misperceptions.
If you are thinking of adopting, please consider a child who has been waiting in
foster care. You will provide a precious gift – the love of a family. And your life will
be all the better for it.
As you read through this guide, please contact us with questions at 1-800-ASK-DTFA
(1-800-275-3832) or visit www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org. We look
forward to talking with you.

All good wishes,

Rita L. Soronen
Executive Director
www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
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A Step-by-step guide to adoption

3 About the Dave Thomas Foundation

for Adoption

Every child deserves 4 Frequently Asked Questions

about Adoption
a loving family. 5 Adoption: Basics

If there is one thing every child deserves, 6 Adoption: Options

it is a permanent loving family. Children

7 Foster Care Adoption:
Myths vs. Reality
need the love, attention and guidance only
8 10 Steps to Adoption
a nurturing parent can give.
Step 1: Do the research and decide
9 what type of adoption you want
to pursue

11 Step 2: Investigate the expenses

13 Step 3: Select an adoption agency

15 Step 4: Begin working with an agency

16 Step 5: Start the homestudy process

and begin parenting classes

17 Step 6: Search for a child and find the

perfect match

19 Step 7: Prepare for your child’s arrival

20 Step 8: Bring your child home and

petition to adopt

22 Step 9: Finalize the adoption

24 Step 10: Take advantage of services

and resources available after adoption

25 State adoption resources

29 National adoption resources

30 Glossary of adoption terms

www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org
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A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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The Dave Thomas Foundation

for Adoption believes:
• Every child deserves a safe, loving
and permanent family.
• No child should linger in foster care or leave
the system at age 18 without a permanent family
About the Dave Thomas Foundation
of their own. for Adoption
• Every child is adoptable.
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a nonprofit 501(c)3
These children are not someone else’s
public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of
responsibility. They are our responsibility.
Dave Thomas the more than 150,000 children in North America’s foster care systems
waiting to be adopted. Created by Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, who
was adopted as a child, the Foundation leads programs such as Wendy’s
Wonderful Kids, which places adoption recruiters throughout the U.S. and
Canada to find permanent, loving families for children in the foster care
system, and Adoption-Friendly Workplace, which encourages employers
to offer adoption benefits to their employees.

The Foundation also works with adoption advocates and officials to

streamline the adoption process and make adoption more affordable
for families. As the only foundation dedicated exclusively to foster care
adoption, we are driven by Dave’s simple value: Do what’s best for the
child. To learn more about the Foundation’s work, please visit

www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption
Q: What types of adoption are available?
A: The main types of adoption are: adopt a child
from the U.S. foster care system; adopt an infant
in the United States; adopt a child from another in-person interviews, reference checks, background
country; or adopt a stepchild.
Q: What are the qualifications to adopt? For example,
do adoptive parents have to be the same race or have
the same ethnic background as the child they adopt?
Do they have to be married and be within an age
range? Do they have to have a certain income level?
A: If you adopt from foster care, the answer is no
to all of the above. Families are as diverse as the
children who are available for adoption. If you adopt
internationally or with an attorney or private agency,
parents are typically under 40, married for at least
three years and financially stable.
Q: What qualities are important for parents
who adopt?
A: Traits like flexibility, patience, good problem-solving
skills and a willingness to identify local community
resources are all critical. Children don’t need perfect
parents, just loving individuals willing to meet the
unique challenges of parenting and make a lifetime
commitment to caring for and nurturing them.
Q: What is the adoption process?
A: The adoption process can vary depending upon the
type of adoption, the agency through which you work,
the state in which you live and the state/country of
residence of the child. Once you choose an adoption workers try to help the birth family. If the birth
agency, the social worker will walk you through the
process. In all cases a homestudy and background
check will be needed. In addition, adoption preparation
classes are required for foster care adoption.
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Q: What is a homestudy?
A: A homestudy is an in-depth application and
interview process with a social worker that involves
Q: How do I find the right adoption agency for me?
checks and home visits. The study is not standardized A: To find an adoption agency that is a good fit for
and may vary from state to state and agency to you, compare information from several by asking
agency. The average homestudy usually takes these questions:
three to six months to complete.
• Is the agency licensed by the state?
Q: How much does adoption cost? • What kind of children does the agency place?
• How many children does the
A: The cost of adoption varies depending upon a
number of factors, such as the type of adoption, agency place each year?
the agency through which you work, the state where • How does the agency conduct searches for
you live, attorney fees and whether travel is required. waiting children?
Foster care adoption can cost $0-$2,500, while
independent or international adoption might cost • What criteria does the agency use to match
$7,000 to $40,000+. children with families?
• Can the agency provide references from parents
Q: How long does the adoption process take? who recently adopted?
A: There are many variables that determine how long
it will take to complete the adoption process, such as What do I do next?
whether adoption preparation classes are required, the
There are several carefully selected resources listed
length of time to complete the homestudy and the length
in this guide, as well as step-by-step instructions to
of time to identify a child for your family. On average,
help you through the adoption process.
the adoption process may take one to two years.
Read on.
Q: Who are the children in foster care?
A: Children in foster care were removed from their
families due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.
The child might live temporarily with extended family,
a foster family or in a group home while social
family’s problems can’t be resolved, the agency Adrianna (age 14):
that has custody of the child goes to court to legally
“I feel privileged to
terminate parental rights. At this point, social
workers try to find a safe and loving adoptive family have been adopted
for the child. Ages range from infant to early adult-
because I have a
hood, although the average age is eight. Virtually
every race, ethnic group and socio-economic category chance to be loved
is represented. Some children are waiting alone
and others are waiting with siblings. by someone.”
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Adoption Basics:
Adoption is the permanent, legal transfer of all parental rights from one person or couple
to another person or couple. Adoptive parents have the same rights and responsibilities
as parents whose children are born to them, and adopted children have all the emotional,
social, legal and kinship benefits of birth children.

There are several ways to adopt a child: through a public agency, private agency or
attorney. Resources are listed in the back of this guide.

Public adoption agency: Attorney:

This is the state or county government agency that
has legal custody of children in foster care and is
responsible for placing them in adoptive homes
from foster care.
Private adoption agency
This agency is licensed by the state to facilitate
domestic adoptions, international adoptions or both.
A private agency may be secular, religious, for profit
or nonprofit.
Lawyers specializing in adoption often have resources
for adoptable infants and young children. If you elect
to use a lawyer, make certain you feel confident in his
or her ethics and knowledge of adoption laws in your
state. A responsible adoption attorney will ensure the
birth parents have received counseling so they are
confident about their decision and make relinquish-
ments willingly. A good attorney will also ensure you
receive a complete health and medical history of both
the child and birth family. Two excellent sources to
consider are your local bar association and the
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys at
202-832-2222 or www.adoptionattorneys.org.

The first time Marcus

(age 6) saw his parents-

to-be, he said, “I looked

at their eyes and I saw

their love.”
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Adoption Options:
Several options are available to adoptive parents: adopt a child from the U.S. foster care
system; adopt an infant in the United States; or adopt a child from another country.
Adopting a child from the U.S. foster care system
Begin by contacting your state’s public agency or
other adoption program, like Wendy’s Wonderful
Kids, a signature program of the Dave Thomas
Foundation for Adoption. This program places
adoption recruiters in agencies across the nation
whose sole purpose is to connect waiting children
with permanent, loving families. Refer to the agency
listing in the back of the Guide, call 800-ASK-DTFA
or visit www.wendyswonderfulkids.org.
It is important to realize that children waiting in the
foster care system are of varying ages (from infants
to early adulthood; the average age is 8), and some
have brothers or sisters who need to stay together.
The majority are healthy children who need a
supportive, loving adult in their lives. Some children
have medical challenges, but often their disabilities
or conditions are treatable. There are, however, some
medical or emotional disabilities that are not easily
corrected, but there are numerous ways and
resources to help these children.
Adopting an infant in the United States
If you would like to adopt a baby, contact your
state’s public agency, a licensed private agency or
an attorney. Check the phone book under “Adoption
Organizations,” contact your local bar association,
the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys at
202-832-2222 or www.adoptionattorneys.org or
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
at 800-394-3366 or www.childwelfare.gov.
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Adopting a child from another country
Thousands of children who live in foreign orphanages
need families. Nearly 21,000 were adopted by U.S.
citizens in 2006. Rules governing international
adoptions are rapidly changing, which means they
can be very complicated. If you are interested in
adopting a child from another country, it is important
to work with an experienced, ethical agency, group
or individual.
If you pursue an international adoption, the U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service requires
you to complete a home study. In most cases, the
adoption agency or person helping you can assist
in completing the homestudy and in finding a child
who needs a family. For more information, visit
the U.S. Department of State’s website at
http://travel.state.gov or the Joint Council
on International Children’s Services at
703-535-8045 or www.jcics.org.
Adopting a stepchild
Consult an adoption attorney or contact the court in
your county that handles adoption to learn about the
requirements for stepparent adoption. You may wish
to refer to the Stepparent Adoption Fact Sheet for
Families on the Child Welfare Information Gateway
website, www.childwelfare.gov.
Selena (age 9): “I felt
like I was supposed to
be in this family. Now
I’m just a regular kid.”
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Foster Care Adoption: Myths vs. Reality
A national survey commissioned by the Foundation1
and conducted by Harris Interactive in 2007 reveals that
48 million Americans have considered adoption from
foster care – more so than any other form of adoption,
including private adoption of an infant or international
adoption. However, the survey also reveals the majority
has misperceptions about the adoption process and
about the children who are waiting.
The survey focused specifically on national attitudes
toward foster care adoption. The results indicate three
areas where the majority of misperceptions exist.
1
National Foster Care Adoption Attitudes Survey, November 2007.
Commissioned by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
and conducted by Harris Interactive. Available at
www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org
2
The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Administration
for Children & Families, AFCARS Report 13, FY 2005
Estimates (September 2006)
3
Urban Institute. (March 27, 2007) Adoption and Foster Care
by Lesbian and Gay Parents in the United States.
http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=411437
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Children In Foster Care
Myth :
45% of Americans think children in foster care have
entered the system because of juvenile delinquency.
The Foster Care Process
Myth :
46% of Americans mistakenly think foster care
adoption is expensive.
67% of those considering adoption are concerned the
biological parents will be able to take the child back.
Diversity of Parents Capable of Adoption
Myth :
Less than half of Americans believe a single parent
raising an adoptive child can definitely provide a
healthy and loving environment.
Only 37% think a person over the age or 55
can definitely provide a healthy and loving
environment for a child.
Only one-third think same sex parents can
definitely provide a healthy environment.
Reality :
Children enter the system through no fault of
their own, as victims of neglect, abandonment
and/or abuse. The majority of these children
live with foster families, not in group homes
or in institutions.
Reality :
Foster care adoption is not expensive, and there
is financial support available.
Once a child has been legally made available for
adoption, birth parents cannot claim a child or
petition for their return.
Reality :
One-third of children adopted from foster care
in 2005 were adopted by single parents or
unmarried couples.2
23 percent of adopted children live with an
adoptive parent 55 years or older.2
An estimated 65,000 children (4 percent of
adopted children) are living with a lesbian
or gay adoptive parent.3
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A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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10 Steps
to Adoption
A workbook for building your family

Every adoption is as unique as the families and children involved.

Common to every adoption, though, are 10 steps that lead you

from thinking about adoption to welcoming a new child or
children into your life. The following steps are typical for most
domestic adoptions. Use this workbook as your guide.

Start your journey now.

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Step 1
Do the research and decide what type of adoption you want to pursue
Even before you begin to research adoption options,
do a little self-research. Ask yourself if any of the
following characteristics describe you.
• A belief in adoption and the ability to commit
• Patience and perseverance
• A good sense of humor and talent for keeping
life in perspective
• A love of children and parenting
• The ability to accept without judging and to
love unconditionally
• Awareness that healing doesn’t always
come quickly
If you have most or all of these qualities,
then ask yourself these questions:
• Do I clearly understand why I want to adopt?
• If I have a partner, do we work as a team?
Are we both committed to adoption?
• Does my lifestyle allow me the time necessary
to meet the needs of children?
• Have I discussed adoption with all family
members, including my children?
• Do I have support systems to help me
after I adopt?

• Resourcefulness

Chris thinks his new adoptive dad is “cool” and eagerly makes presentations on teen panels to talk about his adoption experience.

However, he was not always so pro-adoption. Referred to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids in 2006, Chris was 14, shy and withdrawn. He and his

recruiter worked together to find the best possible family for Chris. Then the recruiter met Walter, a single man interested in adopting a

young child. He arranged a meeting for the two. Chris was very apprehensive, so the recruiter stayed with him during the first few visits

until he felt comfortable with Walter. After that they became inseparable. Walter also has become a spokesperson for adoption. He tells

prospective families he originally only considered a child under the age of 8, but now he is the proud parent of a 15-year old son. “I just

hate that it took me 14 years to find Chris,” he said.

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Step 1
Next
Steps
Learn about the process through these resources

• The National Adoption Center (NAC) provides information
and referral services to families interested in adopting
children; resource packets on various adoption
topics; registration on a national database of children
and families approved to adopt; and links to
Internet adoption sites. Call 800-862-3678,
s nac@adopt.org or visit www.adopt.org.
• The North American Council on Adoptable Children
(NACAC) maintains a listing of adoptive parent
support groups and other sources of information
about adoption. To request a list of local support
groups and other resources, call 651-644-3036, send
email to info@nacac.org or visit www.nacac.org.
• The Collaboration to AdoptUSKids contains
valuable adoption information, as well as photos
and descriptions of thousands of U.S. children
waiting to be adopted. Call 888-200-4005 or
visit www.adoptuskids.org.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access
to information and resources to help protect children
and strengthen families, including foster care
adoption information. This is part of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
Call 800-394-3366, email info@childwelfare.gov
or visit www.childwelfare.gov.
• Phone books typically list adoption agencies,
advocates, attorneys, support groups and more
under “Adoption.”
• Public libraries have online access and a wealth
of research sources.
Other resources include:
• Child Welfare League of America,
800-407-6273, www.cwla.org/pubs
• Perspectives Press, 317-872-3055,
www.perspectivespress.com
• Adoptive Families Magazine, 646-366-0830,
www.adoptivefamilies.com
• National Child Welfare Resource Center
for Adoption, 248-443-0306,
www.nrcadoption.org
• Children Awaiting Parents (CAP),
888-835-8802, www.capbook.org
• Fostering Families Today, 888-924-6736,
www.fosteringfamiliestoday.com
• www.adopting.org
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Step 2
Investigate the expenses
Do you want to adopt a child from foster care, an infant in the United States or a child from another country?
Once you have decided what type of adoption to pursue, begin to examine costs involved.

The total cost of adoption varies depending upon a number of factors, such as the type of adoption, the agency
you use, the state where you live, attorney fees (if applicable) and whether travel is required. It is very important
to obtain fee information in writing before beginning the process. You should always request a written, detailed
explanation of the fees, including what they cover and what extras may be added later.

TYPICAL RANGE OF ADOPTION COSTS

Foster care adoption through a public agency: $0 - $2,500
Private agency adoption: $5,000 - $40,000+
Independent adoption with an attorney: $8,000 - $40,000+
International adoption: $7,000 - $30,000
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway, which is a service
of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s_cost/s_cost.cfm

“While my adoption expenses were minimal, as a single mom it was reassuring to know any expenses I did have would be reimbursed by

my employer. The firm was wonderful about allowing me to take adoption leave for court dates, and then once our adoption was finalized,

allowing me to take the remaining leave offered as a way of celebrating this amazing event in my life with my son. As an adoptive family,

you sometimes struggle to be seen as a ‘valid’ family, equal in every way to a family created by birth. Not only did my employer treat my

little family as valid, but they also celebrated us by offering financial assistance and paid leave benefits.”
Robin E., Atlanta, GA
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Step 2
Next
Steps
Begin to research options for covering the costs
Adoption subsidies
If you adopt a child from foster care, he or she may
be eligible for a federal or state adoption subsidy,
also known as adoption assistance. Adoption
assistance payments are designed to help offset the
short- and long-term costs associated with adopted
children who need special services. Benefits available
through subsidy programs vary state by state, but
commonly include:
• Monthly cash payments
• Medical assistance
• Social services
• One-time only reimbursement of
non-recurring adoption expenses
Before adopting a child from foster care, ask your
social worker about the availability of federal and
state subsidies. It is important to negotiate your
subsidy agreement before the adoption is finalized,
even if there is no current need for financial assistance,
because a subsidy agreement typically cannot be
negotiated after the adoption is final. To request
more information about federal and state subsidy
programs, call the Adoption Subsidy Resource Center
provided by the North American Council on Adoptable
Children (NACAC) at 800-470-6665 or send email to
adoption.assistance@nacac.org.
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Loans and grants
Loans are available from a variety of sources.
One source is the National Adoption Foundation:
info@nafadopt.org or www.nafadopt.org.
Travel assistance may also be available. Some
airlines offer discounts for adoption-related travel.
Additional financial assistance may be obtained
through the Gift of Adoption Fund: 877-905-2367
or www.giftofadoption.org and Show Hope:
615-550-5600 or www.showhope.org.
There are potentially many other sources available
and we encourage you to investigate local, national
and internet resources.
Employer benefits
Many employers offer adoption benefits, such as
financial reimbursement, paid leave or other time off
for their employees who adopt. The average adoption-
friendly employer offers up to $5,000 in financial
assistance and five weeks of paid leave per adoption.
The Adoption-Friendly Workplace, one of the Foundation’s
signature programs, offers free resources to convince
your employer to add adoption benefits; free tools for
employers; and a list of companies already offering
adoption benefits. Call 877-777-4222 or visit
www.AdoptionFriendlyWorkplace.org.
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Tax credits and exclusions
In 2010, the maximum federal tax credit for qualifying
adoption expenses is $13,170. Families who adopt
children with special needs do not have to itemize their
expenses. They receive a flat tax credit, equal to the
maximum tax credit.
To learn more about tax benefits, call 800-829-3676
to request the IRS publication called “Instructions for
Form 8839” or visit www.irs.gov. For tax advice specific
to your situation, consult your tax advisor.
Military reimbursements
The military reimburses active-duty personnel up
to $2,000 per child for qualifying adoption costs.
The maximum amount available in a given year is
$5,000, even if both parents are in the military.
Reimbursement is made after the adoption is finalized.
A child with disabilities may also be eligible for up to
$1,000 per month in assistance under the military’s
Program for Persons with Disabilities. In addition,
the military’s Exceptional Family Member Program is
designed to ensure families of children with special
needs are assigned to duty stations where the child’s
needs will be met.
For more information, call the Child Welfare
Information Gateway – a service of the Children’s
Bureau, Administration for Children and Families,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at
800-394-3366 (http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_
milita.cfm) or the National Military Family Assistance
Association at 800-260-0218 (www.nmfa.org).
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Step 3
Select an adoption agency
Agencies are not all alike, so choose with care. Some agencies handle the entire
adoption process, holding your hand step by step, while others expect you to
take the initiative and learn about procedures and deadlines by yourself. Try to
get a sense of how much of the adoption process will depend upon your actions
and then decide which approach works best for you.

You must work with an agency in the state where you live, and you must decide
whether to work with a public or private agency. Contact your state adoption
unit (listed at the end of this guide) for agency options, and be sure to ask each
agency if it is licensed by your state to provide adoption services.

“Some days you don’t know if you are doing the right thing and then

something happens the next day that makes it all worthwhile. You see

her grades go up or she is making a new friend at school and the sense

of relief and love is overwhelming. I just want all the good things in

life to belong to her. She’s such a great daughter.”

Robert M., Kansas City, MO
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Step 3
Next
Steps
Find agencies in your area

• Contact your state’s adoption unit (listed in the back of this guide) for a list of licensed adoption agencies
– public or private or both.
• If you’re interested in adopting a child from foster care, check the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids agencies also
listed at the back of this guide.
• Look in the phone book under “Adoption” or “Social Services” for licensed, private adoption agencies.
Be sure to ask if the agency is licensed.
• Contact adoptive parent support groups or adoptive parents for referrals.
• Check the Child Welfare Information Gateway (a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services) at www.childwelfare.gov.

To find a public or private agency that is a good fit for you, your beliefs and your situation, compare “My life was pretty full but I had
information from several different agencies by asking:
no idea that this kind of happiness
• What kind of children does the agency place • If you learn of a child in another state, will the
(ages, backgrounds, etc.)? agency pursue the child? was out there until I adopted Jason

• How many children has the agency placed in
each of the past few years?
• How will the agency conduct a search for me?
• What criteria does the agency use to match
children with families?
• What type of adoptive parents does the
agency seek?
• How much does a completed adoption cost – and Alan. All the reports said they
in total and part by part? were learning-delayed. I looked in
• Can the agency help me locate sources of their eyes and I just didn’t think
financial aid, including subsidies?
that whatever problems they had in
• What if the adoption doesn’t work out?
the past would always be problems
• Can the agency provide references from parents
who recently adopted? in the future. The moment they got

• How long, on average, must one wait for a child? • What post-adoption resources does the agency in school, they started to shine and
provide or connect to parents?
• What are the home study requirements? they have won numerous awards.”

Cindy W., Memphis, TN

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Step 4
Begin working with an agency and complete an adoption application
Once you have selected an agency, find out how they
begin the adoption process. One common first step
is an orientation meeting or training session for prospective
adoptive parents. At the meeting you will likely:
• Meet social workers and learn about policies
and practices
• Learn what types of children are available
• Be asked to examine your feelings about adoption
and determine if adoption is the right choice for you
• Gain insight into the challenges and rewards
of adoptive parenting
• Obtain application materials
Next
Steps
Attend an orientation session
If possible, attend an orientation session before filling
out an application so you are confident in the agency’s
abilities to meet your needs. Application fees are often
non-refundable, even if you decide to work through a
different agency or change your mind about adopting.
Once you have chosen an agency and completed
the application process, ask your social worker how
you should go about scheduling and preparing for
your homestudy.

Luke and Dan never dreamed they would find their adoptive son through a parenting class. One evening they watched a computer

presentation prepared by Sam, a teenaged boy who was also a fellow car buff. Sam’s recruiter from Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

had helped him prepare it based on Sam’s love of cars, especially fire engine red Dodge Chargers. After seeing the presentation,

Luke and Dan asked to meet Sam. For three months they spent every weekend getting to know each other. Luke and Dan adopted

Sam shortly before his 18th birthday. Their mutual love of cars, and for each other, continues.
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Step 5
Start the homestudy process and take adoption preparation and parenting classes
A homestudy is much more than a visit to see if your home is clean and tidy. Instead, it is a way for your social worker to get to know you;
to educate you about adoption and how it affects children and families; and prepare you to parent a child who brings experiences,
ideas and expectations that might be different than your own. Everyone must complete a homestudy. The process can take from
three to six months, depending on the agency, the social worker and the prospective parents’ cooperation.

Next
Steps
Find out costs and requirements for homestudies and parenting classes

Specific requirements for homestudies vary by state
and agency, so be sure to ask for a list of the items
and information your agency needs, such as a birth
certificate, marriage license, personal references and
proof of a recent physical examination. During home
study meetings, you will be asked questions about
your background, education, job history, marriage,
leisure activities, religion and experiences with children.
The important thing to remember is that the purpose
of the homestudy is to help the agency locate the
best home for each child it places and make good
matches between prospective parents and children.
At some point, you will need to pay for the home
study. The cost through a public agency may be quite
low or free; private agencies typically charge $500 to
$2,000 for a completed homestudy. Be sure to ask for
a copy of your homestudy once it’s completed.The
length of time a homestudy is valid is determined by
your agency and state of residence. Typically it is valid
for one year and can be updated yearly therafter.
Next you’ll take adoption preparation and parenting
classes. Many agencies either offer or require group
classes for families considering adoption. Even if your
agency doesn’t require a training course, all prospective
parents should take advantage of opportunities to
learn about adoption issues and parenting. These
classes also provide an open forum for prospective
parents to discuss questions and concerns.
It is important to get acquainted with issues that can
arise after a child or sibling group is placed in your
family. Older adopted children not only bring unique
needs to the table, but also a history of life experiences
that will affect interactions with you, new siblings,
schoolmates, etc.
Once you have completed the classes and home
study, you are licensed or certified to adopt.
17
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents

Step 6
Search for a child
Contact your state or county agency or a private adoption organization in your community.
Also consider the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids organization and recruiter in your city or state. The complete list
of these resources is in the back of this guide and online at www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org
Examples of organizations that provide visual information of waiting children (websites, photo listing books, etc.)
follow. You will discover many more through additional research.
• Adopt America Network, 800-246-1731, www.adoptamericanetwork.org
• AdoptUSKids, a project of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 888-200-4005,
www.adoptuskids.org
• Child Welfare Information Gateway, 800-394-3366, www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/foster/
• Children Awaiting Parents, Inc., 888-835-8802, www.capbook.org
• The Adoption Exchange, 800-451-5246, www.adoptex.org

The Child’s Point of View
It is important to understand that all children who wait
for adoption have experienced a disruptive home life.
Due to matters beyond their control, and through no
fault of their own, they were separated from their birth
parents and often separated from siblings and extended
family. As a result, imagine the feelings of loss, grief and
fear of rejection these children may experience.
Though anxious about change, they are also eager to
belong; but because of past experiences, they may
have feelings of self-doubt and be hesitant to trust new
adults. They may be thinking:
Are you going to give me away some day?
What about my brother and sister?
Will you not only adopt me, but also accept me?
Just because children don’t discuss specifics doesn’t mean
they’ve fully accepted the prospect of adoption. Let them know
it is OK to talk about it. Create a welcoming environment so they
feel comfortable discussing thoughts and feelings with you.
They may be wondering:
Will I have to change schools?
What if you don’t like to do the things I like to do?
Will you want me to call you mom and dad?
Will my birth mom and dad think I don’t love them anymore?
Will I have to change my name?
Do I dare hope that you will be my forever family?
If you feel like you need additional help answering their questions,
contact your social worker, take advantage of counselling offered
by the adoption agency, join an adoptive parent support group or
seek adoption-related articles, books and games.
18
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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Step 6
Next
Steps
Get to know your child

When you have been identified as a potential family
for a child, learn as much as you can about him or her.
Talk to the child’s foster parents and social worker
so you can help ease the child’s transition into your
family. What are the child’s favorite foods and games?
What’s the best way to comfort the child? What is his
or her background? What were the birth parents like?
What is the family’s and child’s medical history?
Your agency social worker will determine if the
child is appropriate for your family and if you match
the child’s needs. Once you have been certified or
licensed (completed the adoption preparation classes
and homestudy), you will be introduced to the child
and begin a progression of visits.
Take advantage of each opportunity to visit with
your child and get to know him or her. These pre-
placement visits help you determine how the child
will fit into your family life. The child’s social worker
should be willing to provide whatever information is
available that will help you reach your decision.
If the child has certain medical conditions or
challenges, now is the time to decide if your family
is prepared and committed to addressing issues
that may arise from these special needs.
And keep in mind, this child may be fearful for his/her
future and wondering if you will become his family.
He/she wants to know all about you, but may be
afraid to ask.

“Our first Christmas together is one I will never forget. We had learned a

couple of months before that even though he was in elementary school he had

never seen Santa Claus. So this was not just his first Christmas, this was his

first everything. Of course, he got up early, and when he saw the things Santa

had left, his eyes were as big as apples. When he’s 30 years old, I will look at

him and still see him walk into the living room for his very first Christmas.”

Judy B., Columbus, OH

19
Step 7
Prepare for your child’s arrival
Next
Steps
Follow this list of necessary preparations
• Alert your health insurance company of
your child’s pending arrival and find out what
documents the company requires for authentication,
such as the petition to adopt. Your child will be
covered under your health insurance from the
date he or she is placed with your family, but be
sure to check for an exclusion in your policy
relating to pre-existing conditions. If your child
has special needs and is eligible for an adoption
subsidy, he or she may be covered through
Medicaid. You should also change beneficiary
designations on life insurance policies and
update wills as needed.
• Obtain a copy of your child’s original birth
certificate. Depending on the state/country and
type of adoption, it may be difficult to get this
document once the adoption is finalized.
Without it, many children have trouble getting
passports and other important documents.
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents
It’s time to get all documents in order to ensure a smooth
transition for both your child and your family.
• Prepare to get a new Social Security Number • Make your house child-friendly. Modify, reposition
and birth certificate. Your child will need ones or remove household objects that could be
that recognize the new last name and family dangerous to your new child. Prepare his or her
situation. If your child already has a Social room to show the area belongs to him or her.
Security Number, you may be able to keep the
• Inform your other children of specific changes
number and change his or her name using a
that will occur. Tell them how their roles may
new birth certificate. Your child must have a
change when their new sibling arrives and
Social Security number for you to claim him or
prepare to help them through the transition.
her as a dependent.
• Negotiate an adoption assistance agreement.
• Line up services for your child and yourself.
Parents who adopt eligible children with special
If you adopt a younger child, you may need to
needs from a public or private agency can
find day care (some states provide it). For an
receive federal or state benefits for their child.
older child, you may need to enroll him or her
Ask your agency about obtaining a subsidy and
in school; arrange for therapy, counseling,
what steps you must take. You must negotiate
or tutoring; or identify respite care options.
the subsidy before the adoption is finalized.
You might also want to join an adoptive parents’
support group. The most important thing to
remember is to ask for what you need.
Be an advocate for yourself and your child.
20
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents

Step 8
Bring your child home and file a petition to adopt
Children who are placed for adoption through public agencies may move in with an adoptive
family as soon as the parents complete required pre-placement visits and are approved to
adopt, provided the timing is not disruptive to the child’s schooling or other activities.

When a new child is placed in your home, you will assume temporary legal custody. While
your family undergoes the inevitable adjustment period, your agency will monitor how
the placement is going. The monitoring period is normally about six months but can be as
short as a few weeks or as long as a year. During this time, the social worker may call or
visit to discuss how you and your new child are adjusting and to answer questions. If all
goes well, the agency will recommend to the court that the adoption be approved.

Soon after Trevor was placed in a pre-adoptive home, his social worker realized the match did not work. She began to recruit a new family

for him while abiding by his request to stay in the same community. She located Sara and Mark in a neighboring town. Visits went well

and Trevor moved in with them.

Shortly after the move, Trevor’s social worker told Sara and Mark that his birth mother was in the last stages of her battle with AIDS. They discussed

this with Trevor and offered to take him to visit her in the hospital. She was relieved to see him and she gave him her blessing to become a member

of a new family. She hugged him, apologized for not being able to care for him and expressed gratitude to Sara for helping to raise him.
 21
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents

Step 8
Next
Steps
File an adoption petition

It’s time to file an adoption petition, which is the document filed in court that initiates the legal aspect of
adoption. Check to see if you need an attorney to help you with this process. Through this document, adoptive
parents formally request permission to adopt a specific child. To file a petition, you and your agency social
worker (or attorney) will need to present the following (guidelines vary by state or jurisdiction):

• The child’s birth certificate or birth day and • A statement from the child’s caseworker
place of birth or agency of the legal reason why the birth
parents’ rights were terminated – due to
• A written statement confirming your desire and
either a voluntary surrender or an involuntary
suitability to adopt, as well as your ability to
court action
provide financially for the child
• Written disclosure of any relationship that
• A written declaration from the child’s caseworker
you share with the child (other than as an
or agency that the adoption is in the child’s
adoptive parent), such as being the child’s aunt,
best interest
grandparent, stepparent, coach or teacher
• The date on which you received custody
of the child, and from whom you were
awarded custody

“There are so many children whose lives are broken when

they are born, so we looked into adoption. All of our girls

have been the biggest joy in our life. In a grander way than

we imagined possible. Our greatest hope is that they will

grow up knowing they are loved and have opportunities.”

Cecelia B., Los Angeles, CA

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A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents

Step 9
Finalize the adoption
Finalization hearings legally complete the adoption process and take place within six to twelve months after a child
is placed in your home. Some states do not require you to be present. If you do need to attend the hearing, your
social worker will notify you of the date and time. Make sure you have completed the necessary paperwork. If you
are missing required documents, the finalization could be delayed.

The finalization hearing, if required in your state or jurisdiction, is a judicial proceeding lasting 10-30 minutes in the
judge’s chambers. This is when adoptive parents are given permanent legal custody of their adopted child.

Carla, age 13, was removed from her home at age 5 due to neglect. Until she was nearly 13, she lived in six different foster care homes, one

of which was placed under investigation for physical abuse. Four weeks after she was placed on the caseload of a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

recruiter, she was matched with a family and moved in.

When she arrived home from school one day, she noticed a number of unfamiliar cars in the driveway of her soon-to-be adoptive parents’

home. She slowly entered the house –very fearful of what she might encounter. As she opened the door, a large group of extended family,

some of whom she had not yet met, greeted her with balloons, presents and a loud “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Carla ran to her room and sobbed. Her soon-to-be mother sat with her and asked what was wrong. Carla said, “Whenever I came home

before to strange cars in the driveway, they put everything I had in a plastic trash bag, took me away and put me in a new house with

strangers. I thought that was happening today. But then when I saw the balloons and birthday cake, I knew this was different. I have

never had a birthday party or a birthday cake before today.”

Her mother looked at her and simply said, “You are home. You are safe. And we will always celebrate you!”
23
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents

Step 9
Next
Steps
Celebrate your new family

If there is a finalization hearing, the following people As soon as the judge signs the adoption order,
generally attend: the adoptive parents, the child who you gain permanent, legal custody of your child.
is being adopted, the adoptive family’s lawyer, and Finalization is the last formal step in the adoption
the social worker who placed the child. process and the official beginning of your new family.
To verify the adoption should occur, the court will Celebrate!
establish the child has been placed in a safe, loving
home. Be prepared to provide all the identifying
information included in your adoption petition and
to answer questions like
• Why do you want to adopt?
• How will you care for your new child?
• How will your family adjust to a new child?
• Is there anything the court should know
before finalizing the adoption?
24
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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Step 10
Take advantage of services and resources available after adoption
Children who are adopted from foster care often have had a difficult start in life. As a result, they may need help with behavioral,
emotional or developmental issues. Adoptive parents can access post-adoption resources to help their child thrive, such as family
and child counseling, parent support groups, specialized educational support, respite child care and grief and loss counseling.
Ask your adoption agency if they provide financial assistance for post-adoption needs.

Next
Steps
Look into post-adoption resources

Locate resources Recommended post-adoption resources

• Ask your adoption agency for recommendations U.S. Department Health & Human Services Child
Welfare Information Gateway
• Search national and regional post-adoption
www.childwelfare.gov/adoption
provider listings on the internet
800-394-3366
• Ask adoptive parents or local adoption support
North American Council on Adoptable Children
groups for referrals
www.nacac.org
• Find out if your employer provides resources 651-644-3036
Choose a provider Center for Adoption Support and Education
www.adoptionsupport.org
It is important for families to choose professionals
301-476-8525
who understand the needs of adopted children and
their families. Ask if they have experience with foster ARCH National Respite Network
and adoptive families, if they have received adoption- www.archrespite.org
related training and if they can provide one or two 919-490-5577
families willing to give a reference.
25
State Adoption Resources
The Wendy’s Wonderful Kids agencies listed are grantees of the Foundation. The state agencies listed are the departments that oversee
foster care adoption services. In some cases, the state agency is also a grantee of the Foundation. Contact any of the following for more
information about foster care adoption in your state.
ALABAMA
Alabama Department of
Human Resources
(334) 353-1195 or
(866) 4AL-KIDS
(866-425-5437)
www.dhr.state.al.us
ALASKA
Alaska Dept. of Health &
Social Services
(907) 465-2218
www.hss.state.ak.us
Alaska Office of
Children’s Services
(907) 465-3209
www.hss.state.ak.us/OCS
ARIZONA
Aid to Adoption of Special
Kids (AASK)
(602) 254-2275
www.aask-az.org
Catholic Community Services
of Southern Arizona, Inc.
(520) 623-0344
www.ccs-soaz.org
Arizona Department of
Economic Security
(877) 543-7633
www.azkidsneedu.gov
Click here for a list of National Adoption Resources
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents
ARKANSAS CONNECTICUT FLORIDA GEORGIA IDAHO
Arkansas Department of Klingberg Family Centers Family Support Services Lutheran Services of Georgia Special Needs Adoptive Parent
Health & Human Services (860) 224-9113 of North Florida, Inc. (404) 875-0261 Servs. Inc. (SNAPS)
(501) 682-8462 or www.klingberg.org (904) 421-5800 (800) 875-5645 (208) 345-6646
(888) 736-2820 www.fssjax.org www.lsg.org www.snapsinc.org
www.arkansas.gov/dhhs Connecticut Department of
Children and Families CHARLEE of Dade County Bethany Christian Services Idaho Department of
(888) KID-HERO or (305) 779-9600 (706) 576-5766 Health and Welfare
CALIFORNIA (888) 543-4376 www.charleeprogram.org www.bethany.org/columbus_ga (800) 926-2588
Family Builders By Adoption www.ct.gov/dcf www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
(510) 272-0204 Family Services of Metro Bethany Christian Services
www.familybuilders.org Orlando, Inc. (770) 455-7111
DELAWARE (407) 398-7975 www.bethany.org/atlanta ILLINOIS
Kinship Center Adoption Center of www.fsmetroorlando.org ChildServ
(831) 455-9965 Delaware Valley Georgia Department of (773) 693-0300
www.kinshipcenter.org (215) 735-9988 Children’s Home Society of FL Human Services www.childserv.org
www.adopt.org (North Central Division) (877) 210-5437 or
Sierra Forever Families (850) 921-0772 (404) 657-3550 Illinois Department of
(916) 368-5114 Delaware Department of www.chsfl.org http://dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov Children and Family Services
www.sierraff.org Services for Children, Youth, (312) 346-1516 or
and Their Families Hillsborough Kids, Inc. (800) 572-2390
California Department of (302) 633-2655 or (813) 225-1105 HAWAII www.adoptinfo-il.org
Social Services (800) 464-4357 www.hillsboroughkids.org Catholic Charities Hawaii
(916) 651-8088 http://kids.delaware.gov (808) 536-1794
www.childsworld.ca.gov Florida Department of Children www.CatholicCharitiesHawaii.org INDIANA
and Families Children’s Bureau, Inc.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (904) 353-0679 Hawaii Department of (317) 264-2700
COLORADO District of Columbia Child and (800) 96-ADOPT (800-962-3678) Human Services www.childrensbureau.org
Adoption Exchange - Family Services Agency www.dcf.state.fl.us/adoption (808) 832-5445
Colorado (202) 442-6000 www.hawaii.gov/dhs The Villages of Indiana, Inc.
(303) 755-4756 www.dcpsc.org or (812) 332-1245
www.adoptex.org www.cfsa.dc.gov www.villages.org
Colorado Department of Dark Blue indicates a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids agency. Indiana Department of
Human Services Light Blue indicates a state agency. Child Services
(303) 866-3228 Contact Indiana Foster Care &
www.changealifeforever.org Where only a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids agency is Adoption Association
listed, the state agency is the grantee. (888) 25-ADOPT (888-252-3678)
www.in.gov/dcs/adoption
Click on the web address to connect with
your state or national adoption resource.
26
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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State Adoption Resources

IOWA LOUISIANA MASSACHUSETTS M I N N E S OTA MISSOURI NEBRASKA
Four Oaks Family and Volunteers of America of Massachusetts Adoption HOPE Adoption & Family Cornerstones of Care Lutheran Family Services
Children’s Services Greater New Orleans Resource Exchange, Inc. Services International, Inc. (816) 508-3516 of Nebraska
(319) 364-0259 (504) 836-8702 (617) 542-3678 (651) 439-2446 www.cornerstonesofcare.org (402) 342-7038
www.fouroaks.org www.voagno.org www.mareinc.org www.hopeadoptionservices.org www.lfsneb.org
Foster Care Coalition of Greater
Iowa Department of Louisiana Department of Massachusetts Department Professional Association of St. Louis, Inc. Nebraska Health and
Human Services Social Services of Social Services Treatment Homes (PATH) (314) 367-8373 Human Services
Contact Iowa Kids Net (225) 342-4007 (800) KIDS-508 (877) 280-0304 Minneapolis www.foster-adopt.org (402) 471-9331
(515) 289-4649 or www.dss.state.la.us (800-543-7508) (320) 529-0862 St. Cloud (800) 7-PARENT
(800) 243-0756 Contact Louisiana Adoption www.mass.gov www.PathMN.org Missouri Department of Social (800-772-7368)
www.iowakidsnet.com Resource Exchange (LARE) (800) Services www.hhs.state.ne.us/adoption
259-3428 Minnesota Department (573) 522-8024
MICHIGAN of Human Services Info Line (800) 554-2222
KANSAS Spaulding for Children Call your county social service www.dss.mo.gov NEVADA
United Methodist Youthville, Inc. MAINE (248) 443-7080 agency or the Minnesota Adoption Clark County Department of
(800) 593-1950 or International Adoption www.spaulding.org Resource Exchange Family Services
(316) 529-9100 Services Centre (866) 303-MARN M O N TA N A (702) 455-4014
www.youthville.org (207) 582-8842 Family Service and (866-303-6276) St. John's Lutheran Ministries www.accessclarkcounty.com
www.adoptioninternational.org Children’s Aid www.dhs.state.mn.us or www. (406) 245-9949
Kansas Dept. of Social and (517) 787-7920 mnadopt.org www.cssmt.org Nevada Division of Child
Rehabilitation Services Maine Department of Health www.strong-families.org & Family Services
www.srskansas.org & Human Services Catholic Social Services of (775) 684-4400 or
Contact Kansas Children’s (207) 287-3707 St. Vincent Catholic Charities MISSISSIPPI Montana, Inc. (888) 423-2659
Service League www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs (517) 323-4734 Harden House Adoption (406) 442-4130 www.dcfs.state.nv.us/DCFS_
(316) 942-4261 or www.stvcc.org Services www.catholicsocialservicesof- Adoption
(877) 530-5275 (601) 354-0983 montana.org
www.kcsl.org MARYLAND Michigan Department of www.hardenhouse.org
Diakon Lutheran Social Human Services Montana Child and Family NEW HAMPSHIRE
Ministries Contact Michigan Adoption Mississippi Families for Kids Services Bethany Christian Services
KENTUCKY (610) 682-1262 Resource Exchange (601) 360-0591 (406) 444-5900 (603) 483-2886
Kentucky Cabinet for Health & www.diakon.org (800) 589-6273 www.mffk.org www.dphhs.mt.gov/cfsd www.bethany.org/faithfullyonebyone
Family Services Special Needs www.mare.org
Adoption Program Maryland Department of Mississippi Department of New Hampshire Division for
(502) 564-2147 or Human Resources Human Services Children, Youth and Families
(800) 432-9346 (800) 332-6347 Contact Mississippi Adoption (603) 271-4711 or
http://chfs.ky.gov/SNAP www.dhr.state.md.us Resource Exchange (800) 852-3345
(601) 359-4989 or www.dhhs.nh.gov
(800) 821-9157
www.mdhs.state.ms.us

Click here for a list of National Adoption Resources

27
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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State Adoption Resources

NEW JERSEY NEW YORK North Carolina Division of Hamilton County Department OREGON PUERTO RICO
Children’s Aid and You Gotta Believe! Social Services of Job and Family Services Boys and Girls Aid Society Puerto Rico Administration for
Family Services (718) 372-3003 (919) 733-3801 (513) 946-1000 of Oregon Families and Children
(201) 634-3664 www.yougottabelieve.org Contact NC Kids Adoption www.hcadopt.org (503) 222-9661 (787) 625-4900
www.cafsnj.org and Foster Care Network www.boysandgirlsaid.org
Children’s Home of the (877) NCKIDS-1 Licking County Department
Adoption Center of Wyoming Conference (877-625-4371) of Job and Family Services Oregon Department of RHODE ISLAND
Delaware Valley (607) 772-6904 www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/adoption (888) 895-2790 or Human Services Adoption Rhode Island
(215) 735-9988 www.chowc.org (740) 670-8999 (503) 945-5651 (401) 724-1910
www.adopt.org www.msmisp.com/lcdjfs www.oregon.gov/dhs/children/
N O RT H DA K OTA www.adoptionri.org
Children Awaiting Parents, Inc. adoption
New Jersey Division of Youth (888) 835-8802 Catholic Charities North Dakota Montgomery County Job
Rhode Island Department for
and Family Services www.capbook.org - AASK and Family Services
Children, Youth & Families
Contact Foster and Adoptive (701) 235-4457 (937) 224-5437 P E N N S Y LVA N I A (401) 528-3502
Family Services Hillside Children’s Center www.catholiccharitiesnd.org www.montcsb.org
Diakon Lutheran Social www.dcyf.state.ri.us/adoption.php
(800) 99-ADOPT (585) 256-7500 Ministries
(800-992-3678) www.hillside.com North Dakota Department Northeast Ohio Adoption
(610) 682-1262
www.state.nj.us/njfosteradopt or of Human Services Services SOUTH CAROLINA
www.diakon.org
www.fafsonline.org Jewish Child Care Association (701) 328-2310 or (330) 856-5582
Family Service Center
(212) 652-4742 (800) 472-2622 www.noas.com
Tabor Children’s Services, Inc. (800) 922-5651
www.jccany.org www.nd.gov/dhs/services/ (215) 348-4071 www.children-unlimited.org
NEW MEXICO childfamily Ohio Department of Job
www.tabor.org
New York Office of Children and Family Services
Adoption Exchange - South Carolina Department of
and Family Services (614) 466-1213 or
New Mexico Three Rivers Adoption Council Social Services
(518) 474-9406
OHIO (866) 635-3748
(505) 247-1769 (412) 471-8722 (803) 898-7318
(800) 345-KIDS Adopt America Network http://jfs.ohio.gov/oapl
www.adoptex.org www.3riversadopt.org (888) CARE-4-US
(800-345-5437) (419) 534-3350 (888-227-3487)
New Mexico Children, Youth www.ocfs.state.ny.us www.adoptamericanetwork.org Children’s Service Center of www.state.sc.us/dss
OKLAHOMA
and Families Department Wyoming Valley
(800) 432-2075 Caring for Kids, Inc. One Church, One Child (570) 825-6425
www.cyfd.org NORTH CAROLINA (330) 928-0044 (405) 424-0225 www.cscwv.org S O U T H DA K OTA
Children’s Home Society of www.cfkadopt.org www.onechurchonechildokla.com
Children’s Home Society of
North Carolina, Inc. Pennsylvania Department of South Dakota
(336) 274-1538 Franklin County Oklahoma Department of Public Welfare (605) 334-6004
www.chsnc.org Children Services Human Services Statewide Adoption Network www.chssd.org
(614) 275-2571 (405) 521-3646 or (800) 585-SWAN
www.co.franklin.oh.us/children_ (866) 242-9088 (800-585-7926) South Dakota Department
services www.okdhs.org www.adoptpakids.org of Social Services
(605) 773-3227
http://dss.sd.gov/adoption

Click here for a list of National Adoption Resources

28
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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State Adoption Resources

TENNESSEE U TA H VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WISCONSIN

Family and Children’s Service Adoption Exchange - Utah Children’s Home Society Children’s Home Society Children’s Service Society
(615) 320-0591 (801) 265-0444 of Virginia of Washington of Wisconsin
www.fcsnashville.org www.adoptex.org (804) 353-0191 (253) 472-3355 (414) 453-1400
www.chsva.org www.childrenshomesociety.org www.cssw.org
Tennessee Department of Utah Department of Human
Family & Children Services Services DePaul Community Resources Washington Department of Wisconsin Department of
(877) DCS-KIDS (801) 538-4100 (888) 233-7285 Social and Health Services Health and Family Services
(877-327-5437) www.dhs.utah.gov www.depaulcr.org (888) KIDS-414 www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/
www.tennessee.gov/youth/ (888-543-7414) children/adoption
adoption United Methodist Family www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/adopt Contact Adoption Resources
VERMONT Services of Virginia of Wisconsin
Lund Family Center (804) 353-4461 (800) 762-8063
TEXAS (802) 864-7467 www.umfs.org WEST VIRGINIA http://wiadopt.org
Adoption Coalition of Texas www.lundfamilycenter.org Mission West Virginia, Inc.
(888) 441-2009 Virginia Department of (304) 562-0723
www.adoptioncoalitiontx.org Vermont Department of Social Services www.missionwv.org WYOMING
Children and Families Adoption Resource Wyoming Department of Family
Lutheran Social Services Contact Project Family Exchange of Virginia West Virginia Department Services
of the South (800) 746-7000 (800) DO-ADOPT of Health and Human Resources (307) 777-3570
(800) 808-6019 www.projectfamilyvt.org (800-362-3678) (304) 558-2891 http://dfsweb.state.wy.us
www.lsss.org www.dss.virginia.gov www.wvdhhr.org/oss/adoption

Spaulding for Children VIRGIN ISLANDS

(713) 681-6991 Virgin Islands Department of
www.spauldingforchildren.org Human Services
(340) 774-4393
Texas Department of Family
and Protective Services
(800) 233-3405
www.dfps.state.tx.us

Click here for a list of National Adoption Resources

29
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Click here to return to the table of contents

National Adoption Resources

Adopt America Network American Academy of Children Awaiting Parents, Inc. Evan B. Donaldson National Foster Parent
(419) 726-5100 or Adoption Attorneys (585) 232-5110 or Adoption Institute Association
(800) 246-1731 (202) 832-2222 (888) 835-8802 (212) 925-4089 (253) 853-4000 or
www.adoptamericanetwork.org www.adoptionattorneys.org www.capbook.org www.adoptioninstitute.org (800) 557-5238
info@capbook.org info@adoptioninstitute.org www.nfpainc.org
The Collaboration to Asociación Puertorriqueña info@NFPAonline.org
AdoptUSKids de Padres Adoptivos Dave Thomas Foundation Institute for Black Parenting
A project of the U.S. Dept. Puerto Rico for Adoption (877) 367-8858 National One Church,
of Health & Human Services (787) 293-0091 (800) ASK-DTFA www.blackparenting.org One Child, Inc.
(888) 200-4005 www.adoptando.com (800-275-3832) info@blackparenting.org www.nationalococ.org
www.adoptuskids.org adoptando03@yahoo.com www.davethomasfoundation.org information@nationalococ.org
info@adoptuskids.org info@davethomasfoundation.org Joint Council on International
Association of Jewish Family Children’s Services National Child Welfare Resource
Adopting.com & Children’s Agencies Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Program (703) 535-8045 Center for Adoption
www.adopting.com (800) 634-7346 A signature program of the www.jcics.org (248) 443-0306
info@adopting.com www.ajfca.org Dave Thomas Foundation jcics@jcics.org www.nrcadoption.org
for Adoption that places nrc@nrcadoption.org
Adopting.org Bethany Christian Services foster care children in Lutheran Services in America
www.adopting.org (800) BETHANY adoptive homes. (800) 664-3848 North American Council on Adopt-
www.bethany.org (800) ASK-DTFA www.lutheranservices.org able Children
The Adoption Exchange (800-275-3832) (651) 644-3036
(303) 755-4756 or Catholic Charities USA www.davethomasfoundation.org National Adoption Center www.nacac.org
(800) 451-5246 (703) 549-1390 info@davethomasfoundation.org (800) TO-ADOPT info@nacac.org
www.adoptex.org www.catholiccharitiesusa.org (800-862-3678)
kids@adoptex.org Adoption-Friendly www.adopt.org
Child Welfare Information Gateway Workplace Program nac@adopt.org
Adoptive Families Together Children’s Bureau/ACYF A signature program of
A program of the Massachusetts Society (703) 385-7565 or the Dave Thomas Foundation National Adoption Day
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. (800) 394-3366 for Adoption that promotes adoption (202) 572-2993
(617) 587-1563 www.childwelfare.gov benefits in the www.nationaladoptionday.org
www.mspcc.org info@childwelfare.gov workplace. info@nationaladoptionday.org
(800) ASK-DTFA
(800-275-3832)
www.davethomasfoundation.org
* Contact information can change frequently. Please call the Foundation at 1-800-ASK-DTFA
info@davethomasfoundation.org if you are having difficulty contacting any organization listed in this guide.

Click here for a list of State Adoption Resources

30
Glossary of Adoption Terms
Adoption: A legal process in which an adult assumes legal and
other responsibilities for another, usually a minor.
Adoption agency: An organization licensed by the state that
provides services to birth parents, adoptive parents and children
who need families. Agencies may be public or private, secular or
religious, for profit or nonprofit.
Adoption benefits: Compensation to workers through employer-
sponsored programs that may include financial reimbursement for
adoption expenses and paid or unpaid adoption leave.
Adoption placement: The point at which a child begins to
live with prospective adoptive parents or, in the case of foster care
adoption, the point at which the status of the placement changes
to adoption.
Adoption subsidies: Federal or state adoption benefits
(also known as adoption assistance) designed to help offset the
short- and long-term costs associated with adopting children
who need special services.
To be eligible for the Federal IV-E subsidy program, children must
meet each of the following requirements: a court has ordered that
the child cannot or should not be returned to the birth family; the
child has special needs, as determined by the state’s definition of
special needs; a “reasonable effort” has been made to place the
child without a subsidy; and the child must have been eligible for
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the time of the adoption,
or the child’s birth family must have been receiving, or eligible
to receive, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Benefits available through subsidy programs vary by state but
commonly include: monthly cash payments (up to an amount that
is $1 less than the foster care payment the state would have made
if the child were still in basic family foster care); medical assistance
through Medicaid; social services (post-adoption services such
as respite care, counseling, day care, etc.); and nonrecurring
adoption expenses (a one-time reimbursement between $400 and
$2,000, depending upon the state) for costs such as adoption fees,
court costs, attorney fees, physical and psychological examinations
and other expenses related to the legal adoption of a child with
special needs. Before adopting a child with special needs, ask your
agency about the availability of federal and state subsidies.
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
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Adoption tax credit: The adoption credit is an amount subtracted
from your tax liability. The adoption credit is not available for any
reimbursed expense. In addition to the credit, certain amounts Custody: The care, control and maintenance of a child that is
reimbursed by your employer for qualifying adoption expenses legally awarded by the court to an agency (in abuse and neglect
may be excludable from your gross income. cases) or to parents (in divorce, separation or adoption proceedings).
Child welfare departments retain legal custody and control of major
For both the credit or the exclusion, qualifying expenses include
decisions for a child in foster care; foster parents do not have legal
reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees,
custody of the children for whom they care.
traveling expenses (including amounts spent for meals and lodging
while away from home) and other expenses directly related to and Disruption: When a child leaves the adoptive home prior to the
for which the principal purpose is the legal adoption of an eligible finalization of the adoption. This can occur when the adoptive
child. Under certain circumstances, the amount of your qualified parents choose to return the child for reasons of their own or the
adoption expenses may be increased if you adopted an eligible agency disrupts the adoption if the adoptive parents are not
child with special needs. complying with post placement requirements or are endangering
the child in any way.
The credit and exclusion for qualifying adoption expenses are
each subject to a dollar limit and an income limit. Visit
Domestic adoption: The adoption of a U.S. infant through a
www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html for further details.
licensed adoption agency or adoption attorney.
Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA): Passed in 1997, ASFA
(Public Law 105-89) clarified the central importance of safety to Decree of adoption: A legal order that finalizes an adoption.
child welfare decision making and emphasized to states the need
for prompt and continuous efforts to find permanent homes for Fictive kin: People not related by birth or marriage who have an
children. These permanent homes might be with their birth families emotionally significant relationship with an individual.
if accomplished safely or with adoptive families or permanent legal
Finalization: The legal process which makes the adoption
guardians if not. ASFA, together with related activity to improve
permanent and binding.
adoption processes in many states, is widely credited with the
rapid increases in adoptions from foster care in the years
Foster adoption: In this type of placement, foster parents
immediately after the law passed.
agree to adopt the child if/when parental rights are terminated.
Social workers place the child with specially trained foster-adopt
At-risk placement or legal-risk placement: The placement of
parents who will work with the child during family reunification
a child into a prospective adoptive family when birthparents’ rights
have not yet been legally severed or when rights have been severed efforts but who will adopt the child if he or she becomes available
but the appeal period has not expired. for adoption.
Concurrent planning: A process used in foster care case Foster parents: An individual or couple who has temporary care
management by which child welfare staff work toward family of a child but has no legal rights in determining certain aspects of a
reunification and, at the same time, develop an alternative child’s life.
permanency plan for the child (such as permanent placement
Guardian ad litem: A person, sometimes an attorney, appointed
with a relative or adoption) should family reunification efforts fail.
by the court to make sure the child’s best interests are addressed
This planning is intended to reduce the time a child spends in
in court hearings and other proceedings. In many jurisdictions,
foster care before being placed with a permanent family.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers serve as
guardians ad litem.
Consent form: The legal document signed by birthparents that
terminates their parental rights over their child.
31
Hague Convention: The Hague Convention on Intercountry
Adoption, inaugurated in 1993, is an international treaty setting the
framework for the adoption of children between countries. The aim
is to protect the best interests of adopted children and prevent
abuses such as trafficking in children. The Convention standardizes
procedures between the adoption authority in the child’s country of
origin and the corresponding authority in the receiving country.
Each country which has ratified the Convention designates a central
authority to regulate requests for intercountry adoption and
accredit adoption agencies.
Homestudy: Also called a Family Profile, this is an in-depth review
that prospective adoptive parents must go through to be able to
legally adopt. A homestudy typically includes evaluations of the
adoptive parents’ relationship, inspections of their residence,
parenting ideals, medical history, employment verification, financial
status and criminal background checks. Home studies can become
“outdated.” There is a time period, usually one year, before a
homestudy needs to be updated.
International adoption: The adoption of a child who is a
citizen of one country by adoptive parents who are citizens of
a different country.
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC):
The legal agreement between the states concerning a child living
in one state being adopted by parents living in another state.
In addition to prospective adoptive parents obtaining a homestudy
and following their state’s adoption laws, they must comply with
the adoption laws of the child’s state of residence. Families who
are involved in an adoption across state lines generally work with
both an adoption worker in their home state to complete a
homestudy and preservice training and another adoption worker
in the child’s state to walk them through the steps needed to
satisfy the ICPC requirements.
Legally free for adoption: A child is legally free when the
parental rights of both birth parents have been terminated and the
time period for the birth parents to appeal the decision is over.
Life book: A pictorial and written representation of the child’s life
designed to help the child make sense of his unique background
and history. The life book usually includes birthparents, other
relatives, birthplace and date and can be put together by social
workers or foster and/or adoptive parents working with the child.
A Step-by-step guide to adoption
Matching: The process of combining the best interest of the child
with qualified adoptive parents. The best interest of the child is
determined by the birthparent or legal guardian of the child.
Multi-Ethnic Placement Act/Interethnic Placement Act
(MEPA/IEPA): Sometimes called “Removal of Barriers to
Interethnic Placement,” this is a federal law enacted in 1994
(MEPA) and amended in 1996 (IEPA).These two laws together
known as MEPA/IEPA remove race, ethnicity and country of origin
from effective consideration when child welfare workers are making
placement decisions for children in the public child welfare system.
Open adoption: An adoption plan in which identifying information
about birth and adoptive families is openly shared. There may be
ongoing contact after placement occurs.
Parental rights: All legal rights and corresponding legal
obligations that come with being the legal parent of a child.
Permanency planning: A goal-directed process designed to
prepare children and families for a permanent living arrangement.
This includes adoption, legal guardianship, or permanent
placement with a relative or non-relative. It also includes
independent living or adult residential care.
Placement: The point in time when the child goes to live with his/
her legal adoptive parents.
Post-legal adoption services: Services provided subsequent to
legal finalization of the adoption. There are primarily four types of
post-legal service providers: social service agencies, private
therapists, mental health clinics and self-help groups.
Post-placement supervision: Upon placement, a social worker
will be assigned to complete post-placement supervision of the
adoptive family. The social worker will visit the home several times
during a set period of time (according to state requirements) to
determine if adoption of the child is in the “best interests of the child.”
Private adoption agency: This agency is licensed by the state to
facilitate domestic adoptions, international adoptions or both. A
private agency may be secular, religious, for profit or non-profit.
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Public adoption agency/Public Child Welfare Agency:
This is the state or county government agency that has legal
custody of children in foster care and is responsible for placing
them in adoptive homes following foster care.
Special needs children: This includes several categories:
disabilities, race, age, sibling status and at-risk. When a child is
determined to be a member of a special needs group, he or she
may qualify for adoption assistance payments (subsidies).
The amount is dependent on the type and severity of the need.
Termination of parental rights (TPR): The legal process that
involuntarily severs a parent’s rights to a child.
Title IV-E Funding: Federal foster care funds, authorized under
Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, are paid to states on an
uncapped, “entitlement” basis, meaning any qualifying expenditure
by a state will be partially reimbursed, or matched without limit.
Definitions of which expenses qualify for reimbursement are laid
out in regulations and policy interpretations.
Waiting children: Children in the public child welfare system
who cannot return to their birth homes and need permanent,
loving families to help them grow up safe and secure.
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids: A signature program of the Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption, in partnership with Wendy’s
and local adoption organizations. Wendy’s Wonderful Kids places
adoption recruiters in agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada
whose sole purpose is to connect waiting children in foster care
with permanent, loving families. To learn more,
visit www.WendysWonderfulKids.org.
 A Step-by-step guide to adoption

Call it a clan, call it a network,

call it a tribe, call it a family.

Whatever you call it,

whoever you are, you need one.

Jane Howard
JOURNALIST AND WRITER

525 Metro Place North, Suite 220, Dublin, OH 43017

800-ASK-DTFA (800-275-3832)

www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org
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