Adopting a child is a great way to expand your family.
There are many babies and children that are available for adoption in Alabama. The state maintains a list of available children online through the Alabama Department of Human Resources website. They also publish a newsletter called "A Waiting Children," and use local news broadcasts to share information about children who are seeking to be adopted. Prospective parents should use these resources. When parents locate a child they wish to adopt, they can begin Alabama's adoption process.
Instructions
1. Confirm that you meet all of the state's requirements for adoption. Alabama requires that prospective parents be over 19 years of age. Married couples will be considered eligible after three years of marriage. One parent must be a U.S. citizen. A prospective home must be adequate to care for an adoptive child and provide her with a space of her own. Parents must show the ability to provide a child with a positive upbringing filled with love. Parents seeking adoption will complete health, background and criminal record checks.
2. Complete the adoption information inquiry form. It can be found online through the Alabama Department of Human Services (see Resources). Upon submission of this form, prospective parents will receive an information packet which provides further details and information about Alabama's adoption process.
3. Decide whether you want to use an adoption agency or would prefer a private adoption. In a private adoption, adoptive parents earn their right to adopt directly from a child's birth mother. If you elect to complete a private adoption, contact an experienced adoption attorney to represent you and guide you through the process. If you decide to use an adoption agency, they will have an attorney who represents the agency and the adoptive parents, and completes the adoption process.
4. Complete the Group Preparation and Selection process. The process consists of 10 meetings, which total 30 hours of training. Training includes learning about the adoption process, requirements, information about the transition of adding an adopted child to your home, and where to find support after the adoption is completed.
5. Complete the required home study. The home study will educate you further regarding the adoption process. It also assists the Department of Human Services to evaluate whether or not a family is suitable for an adopted child. The home study will also help find a child that is a good match for your family. This process can take up to several months. The adoption agency or your attorney will provide you with specific details of what the home study will entail. During the home study, the Department will complete a family profile as well.
6. Obtain placement of the child you wish to adopt. A potential adoptive child must reside with the adoptive family for a period of at least 3 months prior to the adoption being finalized. During this time, the Department of Human Services will supervise the family and their relationship with the child. This helps the Department confirm that the child is placed into a good adoptive home.
7. After three months of placement, the Department of Human Services will finalize the adoption. The adoption is finalized when the parents are granted legal confirmation by the Department. Your adoption agency or attorney will assist you in completing the final paperwork to legalize the adoption.
Tags: adoption process, Department Human, home study, adoption agency, Department Human Services