Steps in Adopting a Child
- Make an Inquiry
Call Family Builders of Catawba Valley at
465-8901 to ask about our adoption program.
If you are interested in additional information,
request to be invited to the next Information
Meeting. (Schedule)
- Complete Preparation Sessions
At the Information Meeting, complete an Inquiry Sheet asking
to be included in our next scheduled GPS-MAPP
(Group Preparation & Selection-Model
Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) session.
This consists of 36 hours of preparation for
adoptive and/or foster parents.
These preparation sessions will help you identify
your family's strengths and needs as well as
provide the information you need to make decisions
about what type of child(ren) you can parent.
At the end of your GPS-MAPP sessions, you will
decide whether to apply to adopt.
- Complete the Preplacement Assessment
You will participate in a series of family consultations
with a social worker to help you understand both the
adoption process and your responsibilities as an
adoptive parent. (Details)
- Work with Your Social Worker to Find the Right Match
Once your preplacement assessment is completed,
your social worker works to find a child or siblings
group whose needs can be met in your family
environment... "A Good Match" for your family.
- Visit With Your Child(ren)
Once a child has been identified, you begin
visits with the child to get to know each other.
The type and number of visits will depend on
the age(s) of the child(ren) and their situation.
- Bring Your Child(ren) Home
Building your family through adoption will take
time and require patience, tolerance and love.
your social worker will be there to help and
support you in this process.
- Supervisory Period
North Carolina law requires at least three to
six months of supervision in the adoptive home
before the adoption process can be completed.
During this time, your social worker will visit
you in your home to provide support and assistance.
- Legalize the Adoption in Court
It is recommended that an attorney be retained
for filing the legal proceedings. The legal fees are
arranged between the adoptive parents and their
attorney. For some children funds are available to
help families pay for one time adoption expenses,
such as legal fees. Subsidy may also be available
for families who adopt a special needs child.
Once the legal process is completed, you
assume full legal rights and obligations for
the child's care.
Adapted from the North Carolina Division of Social Services
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