How to Adopt a Child From Foster Care Faster

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By Julia Fuller
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National Adoption Day for our 10 year old

You have your approved adoptive homestudy that says you can adopt an older child with special needs of any race including sibling groups from state foster care. You thought these criteria would help you get a child placed with you quickly for adoption. After all, there are thousands of children waiting to be adopted in every state right? So what is taking so long? Why isn’t your phone ringing off the hook with potential children for your family to adopt? What can you do to adopt a child from foster care faster?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Approved Homestudy
Family Photo
Copy of Homestudy
Fax Machine
Internet Access
AAN Registration

Step 1

Request a copy of your homestudy

Request an approved copy of your most recent homestudy. Scan it into a word or jpg file onto your computer. When you see a child who you are interested in, offer to email or fax your homestudy directly. Some workers will accept this, at least as initial contact, others only want information from your caseworker. In that case, you will need to be patient as most workers have large caseloads, but let your worker know if this is a child that you are really interested in. Just be careful how many times you say that.
Step 2

Include photos

Choose one or two pictures of your family. If you choose two, an active one doing something your families loves to do together is a good choice. When you send out your homestudy include a photo. If your agency is sending the homestudy, ask the worker if you can mail or email a photo to attach to it. If you happen to be chosen for a placement planning meeting, ask if you can send a small photo album.
Step 3

Register with AAN

Register with Adopt America Network, adoptamericanetwork.org. They can help you get your child faster. They will send your study faster than your agency and their volunteers will call and check with workers frequently on your behalf.