What is fost/adoption?

Children placed in fost/adopt homes are deemed likely to be available for adoption within a reasonable time frame. You foster the child until the birthparents’ rights are terminated, then adopt.

How do I get started?

1) Find an agency. To locate a public agency, find the Department of Public Welfare or Department of Social Services section on your state government's website. Many private agencies handle fost/adoptions, as well; the adoption agency directory on this website allows you to find such agencies.

2) Complete an application and homestudy. The time-frame for processing depends on the agency you work with—anywhere from two months to a year.

3) Attend parenting classes. Most public agencies require adoption and parenting training, which typically takes four to twelve weeks.

4) Wait to be matched with a child. Wait times vary widely depending on the restrictions you specify as to race, gender, age, and health. For African-American and biracial children, particularly boys, the wait can be as short as a month or two.

5) Welcome him or her into your home. Once your child is home with you, the wait for him or her to become legally available for adoption will vary depending on the situation. There is an element of emotional risk involved; in some cases, the wait ends with the birthfamily deciding to parent the child. However, children in fost/adopt placements have been judged unlikely to be reunited with their birthfamilies.

6) Finalize the adoption. Once your child is legally free for adoption, it takes about six months on average to finalize the adoption.

For More Information

• Visit the North American Council on Adoptable Children’s Web site at www.nacac.org.
• To read another article by a single mother who chose foster-adoption, go to www.adoptivefamilies.com/articles.php?aid=486.

© 2008 Adoptive Families. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.