Stages of Adoption

There are basically six phases in the adoption process: inquiry, preservice, homestudy, matching, placement and finalization.

• Stage 1: The inquiry stage is what you are doing now -- gathering information and deciding which path to adoption is best for you. Adoption Network Cleveland offers a class for families interested in learning more about their options, Adoption 101: Where Do I Begin?
• Stage 2: In order to be approved, you must attend preservice training, which is the series of state-required classes that inform you about the children in care, their needs, and what to expect during the adoption process. After you submit an application, you will be assigned to a homestudy assessor or social worker.
• Stage 3: During the homestudy, the social worker will come out to your home in a series of visits to get to know the household members. The worker will tour the home to get an idea of where the child will sleep, live and play. Relax! This is not a white glove inspection, and the worker is not looking for reasons to prevent you from adopting. Rather, they are there to help you assess your strengths as an adoptive family and to begin to identify which types of children are best suited to your family. The homestudy can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. The worker will give you a list of documents required in order to approve you for adoption, including but not limited to the following: medical statements for each household member, personal and employer references, financial statement, copy of most current tax return, marriage certificate and/or divorce decree (if applicable), fire inspection, and other documents as requested by your social worker.
• Stage 4: Once you are approved for adoption, your social worker and Adoption Navigator can begin the matching process. Remember that the more flexible you are about age, race, and other child characteristics, the more likely you are to be matched. Your homestudy can be sent to other agencies by your social worker for consideration of waiting children. There is no way to determine how long it will take to be matched, and even after you identify a child in whom you are interested, the process may be lengthy. This is the often the most difficult time for families. Adoption Navigators are ready to offer support to you as you wait, and to offer suggestions on how to increase the likelihood that you will find the child you are seeking.
• Stage 5: Once you are selected for the adoption of a specific child or children, the placement process begins. A series of pre-placement visits will take place, to aquaint you and the child with each other. The duration and frequency of the visits are determined on a case-by-case basis. When everyone is comfortable, the child will join your household. The child's social worker will continue to make visits and to offer support.
• Stage 6: After a six-month minimum from the time that the child comes home with you, your social worker may file the paperwork with Probate Court for the finalization of your adoption. At this time, the child is legally yours, with the same rights and privileges as a child born to you. You will send for a revised birth certificate, with your name recorded as the child's parent. (Note that we do advise you to get a copy of your child’s original birth certificate before the adoption finalizes, while it is public record. The original birth certificate is sealed by the state when the adoption finalizes.) Remember that even after finalization, you will be able to receive the services of an Adoption Navigator. Adoption Network Cleveland provides a number of programs and services that provide support after adoption. Your private agency may also provide or be able to direct you to support after adoption.