How to Adopt a Baby in the USA
On any given day in the United States, more than 100,000 foster children wait to be adopted by someone who can provide a permanent, loving home, according to the National Adoption Day website. Adopting a baby in the U.S. is possible through a public or private adoption agency.
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Things You'll Need
- Adoption lawyer
- Public/private adoption agency
- Adoption application
- Home study
- Money
Instructions
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Learn about the adoption laws in your state. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state laws and regulations govern U.S. adoptions, and learning about the adoption laws in your state can help smooth the adoption process. You can learn about the adoption laws in your state by contacting a lawyer who is familiar with local adoption laws.
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Contact a public or private adoption agency in the U.S. and express your interest in adopting a baby. You can find a reputable public or private adoption agency by asking for referrals from friends, family and community members that have had experience with adopting a baby in the U.S.
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Complete an adoption application and participate in a home study. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a home study is an in-depth application and interview process with a social worker that involves in-person interviews, reference checks, background checks and home visits. It usually takes approximately three to six months to complete.
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Wait patiently until the adoption process is complete. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the adoption process may take one to two years depending on any required pre-adoptive classes, the length of time to complete the home study and the length of time to identify a child for your family.
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Finalize the adoption by filing all necessary legal documents once the child has been placed under your care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, domestic adoptions have to be finalized in court, but before the adoption can be legally finalized the child must have lived with the adoptive family for at least six months.
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Tips & Warnings
Become more knowledgeable about the adoption process by connecting with others who've adopted a baby in the U.S.
A domestic adoption can be costly. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a domestic infant adoption can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000.
References
- Photo Credit baby image by Dron from Fotolia.com
