How to adopt from foster care? What is the process, what is required, and how to begin? In this course, we talk with Kim Phagan-Hansel, managing editor of "The Chronicle of Social Change" and the editor of "Fostering Families Today." Kim Phagan-Hansel is also the editor of two books, The Foster Parenting Toolbox and The Kinship Parenting Toolbox.
This course covers the following topics:
- What are the different ways to adopt from foster care?
- How to find children currently available for adoption? AdoptUSKids, State Heart Galleries, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
- What are the basic differences between adopting and fostering in foster care?
- Who can adopt from foster care?
- Home study requirements
- Education requirements
- Can singles adopt?
- Criminal background?
- Do you have to own your own home?
- How closely are your family finances scrutinized?
- How much does it cost?
- What are the usual costs?
- How does the Adoption Tax Credit apply to adoptions from foster care?
- What is the process for someone wanting to adopt from foster care?
- How much education or training is required?
- Do you have to use the state agency or can you use a private agency? What is the difference between the two?
- What types of kids are available for adoption from foster care? Gender, race, sibling group?
- Can you adopt a child from foster care across state lines?
- What are the special needs that these children might have? Trauma, prenatal exposure, ADHD, etc.
- What should prospective parents think about when considering different ages of children to adopt?
- What should prospective parents think about when considering a sibling group for adoption?
- Is an adoption subsidy usually available?
- What can this subsidy be used for?
- Is there negotiation for this subsidy?
- What happens if we think the child might have problems in the future do to things, such as prenatal exposure, but is not currently showing any issues due to age?
- Is it possible to adopt a very young child or baby from foster care?
- How to transition a child into your home for adoption (if you aren't the foster parent) in the most child-centric way?
- Post adoption contact with birth parents, siblings, or birth grandparents.
*This course includes a 1-hour conversational audio lesson, a 10-question quiz, and a certificate of completion with the successful completion of the quiz at 80%.
Your course will remain active for 180 days from purchase date.
This course is included in the following state packages.
See links for how it aligns with each state's regulatory requirements.
| Illinois Special Needs Foster Care Adoption |
Important Information for agencies on Illinois Adoption Requirements. |
| Louisiana Foster Care Adoption |
Important Information for agencies on Louisiana Adoption Requirements. |
For information specific to your state, go to the Child Welfare Information Gateway State Search site to find information on each state's requirements on background checks, consent to adoption, home study requirements, post-adoption contact agreements, adoption expense regulations, use of advertising, and who may adopt or place a child for adoption.
