Adopting a child is a huge step for your family. There are several steps involved. If you want to pursue this, then here are a few things you must know. Learning about the process will help you prepare for what’s ahead and help you manage your expectations.
Hire a Family Lawyer
An experienced team of jacquie Adelaide can help you figure out how to do this. With legal counsel, you can ask them what the next steps are, what your rights are, what you can expect, and more. With an attorney to guide you through the process, you’ll have someone to answer your questions and ensure that you fill up those forms as well as submit the proper documents to increase your suitability as adoptive parents.
Send an Inquiry
There will be requirements. You’ll need to submit those requirements and to pay relevant fees. Fully understand the information package order form in the Fact Sheet before you return that to the DCj’s Adoption and Permanency Services with the fee. If you have a child in your care and you’re considering adopting the child, your next step is to talk to a caseworker.
Prepare for the Screening
Once you submit the requirements, you’ll be screened. That is to check if you meet the criteria for adoptive parents. If you are deemed suitable, then you will proceed to the next step. Given the global pandemic, though, the training seminars for adoptive parents have been postponed. You might need to ask about that beforehand.
Attend the Adoption Seminar
First-time applicants to the local or intercountry programs need to attend the Adoption Preparation Seminar. These seminars run for three days. With the pandemic, participants will be informed instead when the seminars will resume.
Formally Apply for the Adoption
In case you complete the seminar, then you will be invited to pick an adoption program to which you want to apply. The Adoption Services will review the needs of the kids who are up for adoption and invite you to formally adopt. The AS will look for kids who might be a good fit for your family.
Initial Screening of Your Application
Your application will be screened to see if you can proceed with the adoption any further. The screening is performed once all the required documentation from your side has been received. You’ll receive a notification when you get to this point.
Prepare for the Assessment
There are assessment requirements involved in the adoption of kids who are over 24 months of age. There are also requirements that govern the adoption of sibling groups, or the adoption of a specific child or kids who are in permanent care. You’ll need to learn about all this to help you understand the process. After this, your suitability will be determined, right along with your obligations.
Be Emotionally Ready
If the adoption pushes through, make sure you’ve read up about the common issues that arise between parents and the adoptive kids. You need to be prepared emotionally to manage those issues. To learn more, ask an attorney for help.
