Menu:
Overview of the Adoptive Certification Process
Families For Children prides itself in the knowledge, promptness, professionalism and communication skills of our staff. The following is what you may expect should you pursue adoption with Families For Children:
Individual Orientations:
Rather than the usual group orientation meetings, Families For Children offers one-on-one
informational orientations with one of our experienced Adoption Social Workers for those
inquiring about adoption. We feel that the individual orientation allows a greater level
of comfort for prospective adoptive parents to discuss their personal questions about adoption.
We will discuss the application process, home study, matching, and explain how we work with
you as a team through the adoption process and provide an understanding of the children
we serve. These meetings are truly focused on your questions and our goal is to provide you with
the information necessary for you to make an informed decision about adoption.
These meetings are held at your convenience during normal business hours.
Please
Contact Us for more
information or to schedule an appointment.
Application & Training:
If you wish to proceed after after attending an orientation, we will provide you with an application
packet. More information on the application packet can be found on our website Here.
All adoptive families are required to complete two 6-hour pre-certification training sessions.
Our trainings are held on Saturdays or evenings to fit around work schedules. The format includes
lecture presentations, films, group work and self-evaluating home work. The training is conducted by
our Master's level Social Workers. There are no fees for the training. More information on the content of our training
may be obtained Here.
Home Safety Check:
The home safety check is the first step in the home study process. An agency Social Worker
will visit and review a list of State required safety items and precautions with you. All requirements
do not have to be fulfilled on the first visit, however they must be completed prior
to certification of your home. You may View the Home Safety Check in Adobe PDF format.
Home Study:
This is the final part of the certification process. An Adoption Social Worker will review
questionnaires you filled out from the application packet and conduct an interview. The Home Study
document will be written by your Adoption Worker after interviews are complete. Prior to
certification as an adoptive parent, you will have an opportunity to review your home study
and verify its accuracy.
The Home Study will describe your family dynamics and communication style; openness to change,
family stability; family history; exploration of marriage and/or relationship history; lifestyle;
expectations of children's needs and development, motivation in undertaking parenting; former
parenting experience and understanding of the commitment and meaning of the adoption process.
This is also the time when you will decide the age, gender, ethnic background and number of children
you feel would be the best match for your family.
Application Timeline:
If you are prompt in submitting the required documentation required in the application,
completion of the application process, including the Home Study and training, takes an average of
3 months.