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Steps to Adopting a Child

Getting Started

If you are interested in beginning the adoption process, please fill out the  Contact Form. Once the form is complete, follow these remaining seven steps which are in place to help ensure the adoptive parents and family and the adoptive child(ren) have the best chance of success as a family unit.

Orientation

The first step is an orientation meeting for prospective adoptive parents. At this meeting, prospective parents will meet experienced adoptive or foster parents and one or more counselors who will provide an overview of the whole process, time frames involved, and the training schedule.

Preparation Course –The National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC)

The National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) is a newly developed, comprehensive training curriculum designed to prepare and equip adoptive parents with the tools necessary for successful parenting of adoptive children. This program utilizes technology, multi-media, and adult learning theory. NTDC has three components- Self Assessment, Classroom-Based Training, and Right-Time Training all of which are equally important in supporting families in gaining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to effectively parent children who have experienced trauma, separation, and loss.

For more information:

Jessica Ayala
Community Adoption Liaison
407-725-2170
jayala@camelotcommunitycare.org

Home Study

Prior to a home study, please fill out the Evaluation Checklist Form. A home study includes the following parts:

  1. You will be required to provide information about your health.
  2. Background checks at the local, state, and federal levels will be conducted, including having your fingerprints screened at the national level.
  3. References will be requested from your employer, school officials if you have children in school, and character references from individuals who know you and your family.
  4. A counselor will visit your home one or more times to complete the home study. If you have children, the counselor must ask them a few questions about the adoption. 

Topics of discussion with you and your spouse, if you have one, are:

  • Why do you want to adopt?
  • Describe your childhood.
  • What are the strengths of your marriage?
  • How do you think a new child in your home will alter your lifestyle?
  • Describe your financial situation.
  • Describe your parenting style/philosophy.

The information is gathered into a home study packet and sent for approval to an adoption specialist. You will receive a notification upon approval. 

After Approval

Following your home study approval, upload your completed home study document and fill out our Adoption Form. Replies typically take 5-7 business days. In the meantime, you may continue to look at the available children for adoption and attend recruitment activities, primarily when foster children available for adoption are in attendance. Notify your counselor when you are interested and need more information about a specific child or sibling group.

Match

When the needs of a child or sibling group are matched with your family, your adoption counselor will inform you of the pre-placement activities. The official placement in your home will happen when you, the child, and the counselor determine the child is ready.

Placement Supervision

After a child is placed, a counselor must make monthly visits to assess the child’s adjustment to see if additional services are needed. The supervision period ends when the counselor provides “consents to adoption” to your attorney.

Finalization

Your attorney will schedule a hearing before a judge. The adoption will become legal at this hearing, and the child will legally become part of your family.

 Contact Us Now to Begin Adopting!
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