Adoption

Who can adopt?

• Persons over the age of 21.
• Single, married, or divorced people who have not had a change in marital status in the last 12 months prior to applying for adoption
• Families who already have children in the home as well as families who are just starting to build their family through adoption.
• Adults who are in good physical shape and emotional health and have the financial resources to care for children
• Nurturing adults who can meet the child's special emotional and physical needs.
• Adults who understand the unique needs of an adopted person, the birth parent, and the adoptive family.

Most of the children waiting for adoption fall into one or more ‘special needs’ groups.  Some waiting children have special needs because they are older, are members of a racial minority or belong to a group of brothers and/or sisters who want to be adopted together. Some have emotional, medical, or developmental problems or  a medical or family history which puts them at risk for problems after adoption.

What type of information will the agency need to know about me if I decide to adopt a child?
All prospective adoptive parents are required to complete initial training and a family assessment process.  The purpose of the initial training is to provide prospective caregivers more in depth information about the unique needs of children available for adoption, special issues for families who adopt, and  the services that are available to the child and family after the adoption.  The purpose of the  family assessment, commonly referred to as the homestudy, is to ensure a family meets the State and Agency's requirements for adoptive parents.  This is also the time for prospective caregivers and Adoption Assessor/Social Worker to work together in assessing the family's strengths and needs, to decide what children would be a good match for the adoptive family.  The Adoption Assessor/Social Worker will gather background information on the adults in the home, explore parenting skills, communication and problem solving skills, and the family's comfort level with adoption issues. Prospective adoptive parents must complete the initial training and homestudy process before children can be placed in their care.

What information will the agency give to me about a child?
Prospective adoptive parents would be given copies of any evaluations that have been completed for the child, such as psychological testing, developmental assessments, genetic screenings, etc.  Social and medical information regarding the child's birth parents will also be shared.  Prospective adoptive parents would also be given the opportunity to talk with the child's  current caregivers, teacher, doctor, counselor, etc.  The Agency will share all known information regarding the child and the birth family with prospective adoptive parents.

The agency cannot release identifying information regarding the birth family, such as the birth parents' names, current address, social security number, etc.

Do the birth parents know who adopted the child?
There are some cases where the birth parent and the adoptive parent agree to have contact with each other following the adoption.  In most situations, the birth parents do not know the names or whereabouts of the adoptive family.  Adoption records are sealed in the State of Ohio.  This means the birth parent does not  have access to this information.

How much does it cost to adopt?
Public adoption agencies do not charge a fee for their adoption services.  However, there are attorney fees and court costs associated with the finalization of an adoption.

Some private adoption agencies do charge a fee for their adoption services, in addition to the legal expenses for the adoption.  The fees charged by private adoption agencies vary from agency to agency.

Can I receive financial assistance if I adopt a child with special needs?
There are Federal and State subsidized adoption programs. These programs includes cash assistance to help each month with expenses related to the child's special needs. They may also help with: medical coverage through the Medicaid program; payment for mental health, medical, or other services not covered by private health insurance or Medicaid.  The subsidy may also pay up to $2,000 per child for expenses incurred during from the adoption, such as legal fees, home study fees, etc.

How long does an adoption take?
A child must live in the home of the adoptive parents for at least six months before the final adoption decree is issued. The amount of time may depend on the needs of the child and family. All members of the family need to be ready before an adoption is final.

Are there services available to me so I can be ready for problems and will know how to handle them?
The agency will help you get ready for your new child’s needs. We offer ongoing training to help adoptive parents learn the skills they will need. The agency will support your family by providing post finalization services, such as: family counseling or information about resources available in our community after placement.

If Licking County does not have a child for me, can the agency get information on other children in the state?
Yes, the Agency often receives information on children who are waiting for an adoptive family from other agencies.  If the Agency receives information on a child that may be a good match for your family, the adoption worker will contact you.  You may also review profiles of waiting children by clicking below on the Adopt Ohio  website. 

• The Licking County Department of Job & Family Services at (740) 670-8814 , 8830 or toll free at  888-895-2790.
• The Bureau of Family Services, Office of Child Care & Family Services, Ohio Department of Job & Family Services at (614) 466-9274.

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