Quick Guide to Adoptions in Arkansas 

Arkansas Adoptions

The majority of Arkansas adoption laws are located in Chapter 9 of Title 9 of the revised code.  The majority of information in this article about Arkansas adoptions is referenced from the state’s Department of Human Services.  The DHS handles the majority of adoptions within the state, and supplemental information to this article. You can also contact an Arkansas lawyer for legal advice and assistance.

Who is Eligible for Arkansas Adoption?

A large number of people are qualified to adopt within the state of Arkansas, and two-parent homes with a healthy relationship between the two spouses or a single parent household can qualify to adopt.  According to the DHS, an applicant must meet the following qualifications for Arkansas adoptions: 

• Foster care applicants must be between 21 and 65 years of age

• There must be at least a 10-year age difference between the applicant and the child and no more than a 45-year difference

• The members of the household cannot have a health condition or disability that would interfere with raising the child through the Arkansas adoption

• Members of the household my complete a physical and test negative on a TB test

• There must be enough room in the house to raise the child, and each bedroom should be at least 50 square feet

• All firearms must be maintained in a secure, locked location and stored separately from the ammunition 

• There can be no dangerous pets in the house

• Children will have separate bedrooms if they are the opposite sex and more than 4 years old

• Water must be approved or provided through the public water system for an Arkansas adoption

• The applicant for Arkansas adoptions must have enough resources to meet the financial, medical, physical, educational, emotional, and shelter needs of the child without solely relying on state or federal assistance

• All members of the household over the age of 10 must be cleared through the AR Child Maltreatment Central Registry 

• All members 18 years of age and older need cleared through the AR Adult Maltreatment Central Registry, a State Police Criminal Record Check, and an FBI Criminal Background Check to allow an Arkansas adoption in the household

• Heads of the household must certify no household member between 10-17 has a criminal record

How do I apply for Arkansas Adoptions?

The link provides an applicant with an inquiry form for Arkansas adoptions, foster care, or both.  There is a large amount of data required by the inquiry form, and applicants for Arkansas adoptions should take their time to complete the form.  In addition to completing the inquiry form and meeting all qualifications, an applicant must also complete the following: 

• CPR and Standard First Aid Certification 

• 30 hours of pre-service training

• Meet all Minimum Licensing Standards and DCFS policy requirements

Who Must Consent to a Massachusetts Adoption?

Written consent to a Massachusetts adoption is required from the following parties: 

• The lawful parents

• The child’s surviving parent (if present)

• The mother if the child is born out of wedlock

• The child’s spouse (if applicable)

Who May be Adopted in Massachusetts?

Any person younger than the adopting party may be adopted in Massachusetts. Consent is required for children 12 years and older. Consent of the child is not needed if the Massachusetts court finds that the adoption is in the best interest of the child because of parental unfitness. 

A court may declare parents as unfit based on any of the following:

• MA Adoption Laws: A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child is abandoned

• MA Adoption Laws: A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child has been neglected or abused

• MA Adoption Laws: The child is currently in an out-of-home placement organization for at least 6 months and the parents do not maintain meaningful or significant with the child

• MA Adoption Laws: A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child is 4 years of age or older and in the custody of the department for at least one year of the last 15 months and cannot be returned home

• A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child is younger than 4, in the custody of the state department for at least half of the last year and cannot be returned to their home

• MA Adoption Laws: The birth parent has made no effort to alleviate the problem that created a risk of harm to the child

• MA Adoption Laws: The birth parent suffers from a condition, such as a drug or alcohol addiction or mental illness, which makes the parent ill-equipped with regards to providing the minimally acceptable care of the youth.

• MA Adoption Laws: The parent is convicted of a felony and the subsequent punishment will deprive the child of a stable home for a significant period of time

• MA Adoption Laws: There is a prior pattern of parental misconduct or neglect or a felony assault that results in bodily injury to the youth and a likelihood of future harm to the youth based on prior patterns of assault

What Birthparent Expenses can be paid Under a Massachusetts Adoption and in what Time Period?

In a Massachusetts adoption, medical, counseling, legal and related transportation can be paid for. According to Massachusetts adoption, up to $980 per month can be attributed to lodging, utilities, food and clothing. Moreover, up to $500 can be delivered to vocational, recreational, educational and religious services. Payments must be delivered to the state’s Social Services and Probate agency. 

If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Massachusetts lawyers.

What You Need to Know About Maryland Adoption

There’s nothing more tender than adopting a child. And in the state of Maryland, it’s especially crucial to know what you’re dealing with….

How does one handle a Maryland adoption? What are the laws of Maryland adoption? Are they any qualifications to know about concerning Maryland adoptions?

Know this: this article will help you investigate everything you need to know about Maryland adoption.

This Is a Common Law of MD Adoption

How does one determine whether or not a child is adoptable?

Firstly, when considering Maryland adoption, know these characteristics:

1. Birth Parents Must Agree to It

2. Termination of Parental Rights

3. Neglect or Abuse

4. Death of Parents

Anyone can adopt a child if any of these characteristics are present. However, other requirements are necessary to approve an adopting parent.

What Are the Qualifications for MD Adoption?

In the state of Maryland, you can expect these factors to play a role in the decision of handing over physical and legal custody of a child to a potential adopting parent:

1. Race

2. Religion

3. Age

4. Sexual Preference

5. Marital Status

6. Disability

Of course, an adopting parent(s) can have specific preferences; but also a birth parent(s) would have a say in the person adopting the child.

Obviously, race is an issue for some when involving MD adoption. Including religion. All of it matters to both parties, and the choice would be made based on that.

Ultimately, though, the adoption agency ends up making the decision that would best fit the needs of the child over what the adopting parent(s) want(s) or what the birth parent(s) want(s).

Once the Contract’s Written Up, Is the MD Adoption Absolutely Official?

It’s a perfectly valid question given the fact that you have a birth parent literally giving over the rights of a child. It’s happened before where a birth parent decides against signing over those rights, changing his or her mind.

By law, no birth parent can change his or her mind once the contract for the MD adoption is set up. By law, the birth parent must hand over the rights of the child.

Maryland Adoptions Can Be Costly

Believe it or not, but the filthy rich aren’t always the ones vying for a spot to adopt a child. The idea of Maryland adoptions pretty much spans the entire gamut of class system, and it just so happens that an adoption can cost anywhere from $0 to $40,000, depending on the type of adoption in Maryland.

The Standard Process for Maryland Adoptions

The obvious step for any prospective adopting parent(s) is to work with an adoption agency. From there, it’s an interview with the adopting parent(s) and a detailed knowledge of the birth parent(s). It’s a rigorous process that can take anywhere from weeks to even years.

In addition, you can hire a family law attorney to handle the entire process. But it’s not by all means required. Generally speaking, Maryland adoptions are a fairly cut-and-dry process. It just takes a great deal of time to finalize the issue and put the entire thing in writing, so you can take the child home and begin the journey of raising him or her as your own.

Learning About Wisconsin Adoption

The law in our country does provide for a lot of benefits. Possibilities. Events that wouldn’t normally happen otherwise.

This is especially the case for adoption law. Not just any adoption law, though, in the country. Particularly for residents living in Wisconsin, it’s important to understand that there are resources out there when considering WI adoption.

Three Things to Keep in Mind When Considering Wisconsin Adoption

You have a place to start when considering Wisconsin adoption, even before going on the hunt for a family attorney specializing in this specific legal niche:

1. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

2. The Wisconsin State Legislature

3. The Child Welfare Information Gateway

Obviously, Wisconsin adoption is a serious issue, and the state takes it seriously. So we’ll start with….

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Thankfully, you can find a lot of helpful information in terms of WI adoption procedures and laws. An in-depth look at the actual Wisconsin adoption process is the place to start.

1. Appropriate Adoption Services

2. Child Placing Agencies

3. Division of Safety and Permanence

Simply contact the appropriate WI adoption service who will then work with a specific child placing agency. The Division of Safety and Permanence would conduct home studies for potential adopting parents, and the process moves forward with a petition to the family court.

What About the Wisconsin State Legislature?

It’s a great resource for learning all the statutes for WI adoption – all statutes from 48.40 to 48.975. The knowledge is all there, easy to find – but you may need the professionalism of a quality family attorney to explain all that the WI adoption law entails.

You won’t find anything else, though, that is as comprehensive about Wisconsin adoptions as this.

The Child Welfare Information Gateway

Expect great information on the requirements for Wisconsin adoptions, such as how a stepparent can adopt a child when the birth parent has become deceased or the court has terminated those parental rights of the birth parent.

All other types of Wisconsin adoptions – non-stepparent – require either the rights of both birth parents transferring over due to death of both birth parents, or a voluntary or involuntary court action.

All Wisconsin adoptions also require what’s called a home study, which is essentially a “screening” to determine the quality of life as it’s measured to the needs of the prospective adopted child. In general, the birth parents – if consenting to the adoption – also have a great say in who gets to adopt the child, hence the reason for the screening.

The purpose for child placing agencies is the need for a home for certain kinds of children:

1. Special Care Needs Children

2. Minority Children

3. Sibling Groups

4. At-Risk Children

This is part of Juvenile Adjudication under laws for Wisconsin adoptions. Child-placing agencies protect these children, but are also available for adoption provided that any prospective adoptive parents fulfill the satisfactory requirements for the process.

There’s Always Help

All it takes is checking with the right resources, hiring an attorney, and getting the child a home. That’s the nature of adoption.

Understanding Minnesota Adoption

Are you interested in becoming an adoptive parent in the state of Minnesota? If so, there are a few things you need to know about MN adoption.

The Legal Parent/Child Relationship

There are actually four basic types of Minnesota adoption:

1. Birth Parent MN Adoption

2. MN Adoption Outside the U.S.

3. Stepparent MN Adoption

4. Guardianship MN Adoption

When it comes to birth parent adoption, know that a process by which these Minnesota adoptions take place requires an application filed with the court to put the child(ren) up for adoption with the consent of the birth parent(s).

All the appropriate paperwork is required, and the child is then placed at a child placement agency until a suitable adoptive parent receives a file of the child and then takes the appropriate steps.

As for Minnesota adoptions outside the U.S., the same applies – only these children are from foreign countries. Typically all rights are completely waived in the case of these children, but these children would be “wards” of the state held by the appropriate child placement agencies for adoption.

Again, though, with the appropriate paperwork, an adoptive parent can file an application for a child outside the U.S., and the process by which Minnesota adoption takes place ensues.

Furthermore, typical stepparent Minnesota adoption requires the use of the law and filing a motion to adopt. Generally speaking, birth parents holding legal rights and/or physical rights simply have to agree to consent to waive rights to stepparents filing for those Minnesota adoptions.

In certain cases involving Minnesota adoptions….

1. Abandonment

2. Lack of Support

3. Evidence of Child Abuse

And other rather negative aspects of the birth parent(s), sometimes it can be deliberated in court that stepparent Minnesota adoptions must be allowed even without the consent of the birth parents.

Typically, the same would go for guardianship, which overlaps into basic Guardianship Law. Any interested person filing the appropriate petition for adoption – non-relative – can receive those legal and physical rights of adoption through guardianship. Hiring a skilled adoption attorney would be a necessary step.

In Minnesota, Post-Adoption Support Is Available

The Minnesota Department of Human Services does fund a program called HELP. It’s available through the Minnesota Adoption Resources Network and is designed to cover several benefits, such as:

1. Statewide Therapeutic Referrals

2. Full-Time Clinical Specialist Availability

3. Individual Education Program Assistance

4. Professional Guidance and Support

5. Crisis Minimization

What Happens to Adoptive Children Under State Guardianship

Typically, what happens is the court will terminate parental rights, effectively sending these adoptive children into foster care under the guardianship of the state.

Once that has happened, these children are actually qualified to be adopted by just about anyone. It’s the responsibility of the county social service agency to care for the child until adoption in Minnesota has begun with a potential adoptive parent.

A Big Decision

Adoption Law is a highly specialized field of law, so before you get into that legal realm, know your rights, know what you have to do, and why. Everything you say and do will be examined in an application for adoption. Having Minnesota lawyers will help. 

There are thousands of children in Arizona that need adoption and the Arizona Department of Economic Security is tasked with facilitating AZ adoption and providing information on adopting a child in the state.  The adoption process is a lengthy one, often lasting at least a few months, necessitating a home visit and other measures and background checks to ensure that you are a suitable foster parent.

How do I start the process for Arizona adoptions?

The best way to begin is not by browsing listings of children, but instead making contact with the DES to express your interest in becoming a foster parent.  They will best prepare and inform you on the process to become a parent as well as vital information that you will need to know.  You may get in contact with the DES to inquire about Arizona adoption by calling 1-877KIDS-NEEDU.  There is an option for Spanish translation.  You can also inquire by email or attend an orientation provided in the state for Arizona adoptions.  Generally, you can also start the process by working with a state-licensed adoption agency near you.

What are the requirements to be suitable for an Arizona adoption?

You will have to be an adult, resident of Arizona and meet the age requirements to be a foster or adoptive parent.  You will also need to either rent or own a home or property.  There are some other factors that will be considered at a later date when you are subject to the family evaluation.  Your competence as a parent will also be tested in classes that are mandated after the application for Arizona adoption is completed.  All of these factors contribute to the consideration of your suitability to be a parent.

How do I view children for Arizona adoptions?

The Arizona Department of Economic Security uses the website adoptuskids.org to help show listings of children in Arizona that need AZ adoption.  

From there, you will be able to search and browse the photo listing of children in Arizona, view sibling groups for children that must be kept together and find out about other special needs to carry out the Arizona adoption.

How do I locate an AZ adoption agency or other organization that can facilitate my Arizona adoption?

You will be able to use the Arizona Foster Home Connection System  to find information about being licensed to provide foster care as well as work towards an Arizona adoption.  Follow the prompts and read all information provided to you carefully.  The information is instrumental in learning more about the process to get Arizona adoptions.  Only work with AZ adoptions agencies verified and trusted to handle Arizona adoptions.

Considerations for Arizona adoptions

You will need to consider the needs of the child before you adopt and your ability to provide for those needs consistently.  There are a number of children with special needs in the AZ adoption system and they will require special care that some may not be able to provide.  All needs, ranging from medical to educational to emotional, will have to be fulfilled by the adoptive parent under Arizona adoption laws.

You will have to pass all necessary stages to be considered eligible to adopt under Arizona law on adoption.  This includes the home visit and other evaluations to determine suitability for Arizona adoptions.  There is no way to get around this lengthy process, as this is necessary to determine if the household is suitable and safe environment for an AZ adoption.

Indiana adoptions will be handled by the Department of Child Services and there is the SNAP program (Special Needs Adoption Program) to encourage and facilitate the Indiana adoption of children with specific needs and in need of homes.  SNAP specialists, as well as Licensed Child Placing Agency representatives can both help you being the process to be eligible to adopt a child and the process will involve a number of necessary steps to ensure that your home is suitable for children and you have values consistent with and conducive to raising a child in your household.

How do I view children for Indiana adoption?

The Indiana Department of Child Services uses the website adoptuskids.org to facilitate prospective adoptive parents viewing children that need Indiana adoption.  

You will be able to select any child or pair of children and make an inquiry on how to go about adopting them.  From there, you will decide to initiate the Indiana adoption process to demonstrate your ability as an adoptive parent.

What is the process for Indiana adoptions?

In order to be eligible to adopt a child, you will have to undergo rigorous screening and background checks as well as demonstrate your suitability to be a parent through home study and other evaluation.  Home Study involves a visit by the adoption agency to the prospective parent’s residents.  There are a number of factors considered when determining if the home is suitable and proper for adoption consideration.  

What are sibling groups in the IN adoption definition?

For most modern IN adoption, siblings will be offered as part of an adoption group.  This means that they will be adopted as a pair (or larger) and will require the approval of SNAP for all the children in the pairing.  The home study and other requirements will focus on the suitability of the home for all of the children, as some will have special needs and the children in question must all be taken care of accordingly.

Where can I find more specifics on the IN adoption process?

You will be able to call the IN adoption hotline at 1-888-25-ADOPT.  This hotline will provide you with some baseline information on how to begin the process to adopt a child through Indiana adoption.  If you have concerns about your ability to properly fill out paperwork and meet other requirements, you should speak with an Indiana adoption attorney for more information about the process, paperwork and how the Indiana adoption attorney can secure full custody of a child that still have living birth parents.  There are some legal issues that might come with an IN adoption and speaking with an Indiana adoption attorney is one of the best ways to understand the Indiana adoptions process and applicable issues.

Why should I facilitate Indiana adoptions through state agencies?

Though you are working with an adoption agency to have the adoption proceed according to the Indian law, do not seek shortcuts or methods around the law relating to Indiana adoptions, such as avoiding home visits and background checks.  This is especially common in international adoption.  Regardless of the reasoning, work with IN adoption law and complete all steps to ensure that the Indiana adoptions process will continue without major disruption.