What is Virginia Adoption?

Virginia adoption is the process of placing children—who are permanently and legally separated from their birth parents—with a new family. Virginia adoption is a legal and social process that provides new parent(s) with the same obligations and rights as biological parents. 

VA adoption procedure is governed by Chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia. According to Virginia adoption law, there are only two forms of adoptive placements that are permitted: agency and non-agency placements. 

Agency placements—under VA adoption law–take place when the child is in custody of local departments of social services or licensed child-placing agencies. Under these circumstances, all associated parental rights are eliminated and custody is granted to the agency. Following this, the agency must consent to the child’s adoption.

A non-agency adoption occurs when the child is not in the formal custody of an agency. Under a non-agency placement, the legal guardians or birth parents consent to the adoption. In this form, parental rights are eliminated by final order of the adoption. 

With the exception of authorized child-placing agencies only biological parents and legal guardians are permitted to place a child for adoption in the state of Virginia. Although any person under VA adoption law may provide assistance to biological parents with regards to locating a prospective adoptive family, only birth parents and legal guardians actually place the child for adoption.

According to Virginia Adoption Law, there are Three Different Forms of Non-Agency Adoptions:

• Stepparent Adoptions According to VA Adoption Laws:

o Stepparent adoptions—under VA adoptions laws–occur when the spouse of an adoptive or birth parent is adopting the child. In this method, consent is either not required or has already been obtained. Investigations—undertaken by the state—will only take place if the court determines it is fundamental before the adoption is affirmed. If the court fails to consider an investigation necessary, the Virginia adoption agency will become involved when the petition is filed and the circuit court enters the reference order

• Parental Placement Adoptions According to VA Adoptions Law:

o These types of Virginia Adoptions are governed by the Code of Virginia sections 63.2—1230 through 63.2—1240. In parental placement Virginia adoptions, the responsible child placing agency engages in a home study to report the worthiness of the adopting parents. Following completion of the home study, the agency will file a petition with the juvenile and domestic relations court. This body—using VA adoptions–will execute consent and award custody to the prospective Virginia adoption parents. The juvenile and domestic relations court—based on VA adoption law–is responsible for reviewing the home study report and collateral material to evaluate whether the stipulations and requirements of VA adoption law have been satisfied. The court is also responsible for accepting parental consent and transferring custody to the Virginia adoption parents. This court also is responsible for accepting parental consent and transferring custody to the adoptive parents. Virginia adoption petitions may then be filed with the local circuit court

• Adult Adoptions According to VA Adoption Law:

o Adult adoptions are a form of VA adoption where the individual (over the age of 18) files a Virginia adoption petition with the state. Virginia adult adoptions are governed by section 63.2-1243 of the Code of Virginia. In an adult VA adoption, the agency will become involved when the adoption petition is filed in the circuit court system

Steps to a Virginia Adoption:

1. Initial Contact: Based on VA adoption law, the first step to a Virginia adoption is calling (800)-DO-ADOPT or e-mail the Adoption Resource Exchange. During this initial correspondence you may ask any questions that you may have concerning Virginia adoptions. After these inquiries, you may be referred to a local Virginia department of social services to private child placing agencies for official orientation. 

2. Orientation: According to VA adoption, you– following your initial correspondence,–will be invited to a meeting to learn more about the Virginia adoption process and the types of children waiting to be adopted. The orientation—according to VA adoption–may include a group meeting with other families interested in Virginia adoptions or may take the form of an individual meeting with an agency social worker. Regardless of the format, you should ask any questions pertaining to Virginia adoptions that you are curious about.

3. The Application: According to VA adoption, to apply for Virginia adoption services, you must complete the official application. You can request the application in person, by mail or via the telephone. Application forms for Virginia adoption vary; however, most will ask you questions concerning your health and family history, your income and your relationship status. Complete the application, sign it and return it to the Virginia adoption agency. The social worker—under VA adoption law–will then explain the process of the home study and how the information you submit will help determine the type of child that will best fit your situation.

4. Home Study: During the home study process, you will go-over the reasons for wanting to adopt and the type of child you can best parent. The social worker will, in turn, go-over what the state expects from you as an adopting parent. All members of your immediate family are involved in the Virginia adoption process. The home study is finalized through a series of meetings (held at your residence). During these meetings the social worker or state will walk-through your house and take notes concerning your lifestyle and living habits. When the home study concludes, you and the social worker will decide whether you—as determined by Virginia adoption laws—are fit to adopt. If you are determined equipped to adopt, the state will decide what type of child you can best raise. Remember, during the Virginia adoption process, the social worker is not looking for the perfect family, but instead, the family who has most successfully coped with life experiences. 

5. Selection: If—after finalizing the home study process—the social worker determines you able and ready to adopt, the state will show you pictures of available children. In addition to pictures, VA adoption law requires the state will provide basic information concerning each child. When you a find a child you are interested in, you and the agency will consider whether your family is right for the child. Deciding against Virginia adoptions—with regards to a particular child–does not prevent you from being considered for other Virginia adoptions. 

6. Placements: The Virginia adoption placement process begins with visits between the prospective child and the adopting family. The number of visits before the affirmation of placement is dependent on the child’s ability to cope with a move. When the social worker feels that the child is ready to be formally adopted, arrangements are made for placements in the adoptive home. 

7. Post Placement Practices: Once the child is placed in the home, the Virginia adoption worker will visit you at least three times during the first six months. These visits intend to facilitate the transition phase for both you and your adopted child. During this stage of the Virginia adoption process, you should speak with the worker about any concerns you have. Virginia adoption laws require the child to live in your home for at least six months and be visited at least three times before the Virginia adoption can be finalized

8. Legal Procedures and Finalization: To affirm Virginia adoptions under VA adoption law, it is best to get an attorney. The Virginia adoption attorney will file petitions with the adoption court to formally enter the final order of Virginia adoption. 

Laws and Procedures Associated with Washington Adoption:

In 2003, there were over 1,200 adoptions of children in custody of Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. The purpose of Washington’s adoption program is to satisfy the permanency needs of children who are placed in the care and custody of the Department of Social and Health Services. 

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services strive to find stable and safe families that can effectively meet the needs of adopted children. 

Proceeding with Washington Adoption:

What you must consider when looking to Adopt in Washington:

• WA Adoption: Do I want to adopt a boy or girl?

• WA Adoptions: What age of child am I looking to adopt?

• WA Adoption: Am I interesting in adopting a sibling group?

• WA Adoptions: Should I consider adopting a sibling group in order to get the type and age of child I am interest in?

• WA Adoption: Should I be willing to have open communication with the child’s birth parents?

• WA Adoptions: Can I parent a child who is physically or sexually abused and/or neglected?

• WA Adoptions: Can I parent a child that faces on-going medical issues, is diagnosed with a developmental disability who is developmentally delayed?

• WA Adoptions: Can I parent a child who is exposed to alcohol and drugs in utero?

• WA Adoption: Does the ethnicity of the child I adopt?

• WA Adoptions: How does my extended family feel about Washington adoption?

• WA Adoption: If I participate in a Washington adoption with a child of a different race or ethnicity will I be judged by my family and friends?

• WA Adoptions: How will I handle adoption-related questions posed by my child?

Washington Adoption: Laws and Requirements

As a real general overview, to successfully partake in Washington adoption, you are required to be:

• WA Adoption: Deemed legally competent by the state of Washington and the State Department of Social and Health Services

• WA Adoption: 18 years of age or older

• WA Adoptions: Be approved following a home study 

Who must Consent to a Washington Adoption?

• WA Adoptions: The adoptee, if fourteen years of age or older

• WA Adoption: The parents and the alleged father

• WA Adoptions: The legal guardian

• WA Adoption: A department or the agency to whom the adoptee has been relinquished pursuant 

When Parental Consent is not required:

• WA Adoption: A parent’s rights are terminated in the child’s best interest and due to failure to perform parental duties

• WA Adoptions: For Native American children, a parent’s rights can be terminated only pursuant to standards set forth in Washington adoption law

When Can Consent Be Executed? 

• WA Adoption: Parents may petition and provide written consent to relinquish may be filed before birth; however, the hearing may not be held prior to 48 hours after the birth of the child

• WA Adoptions: If the Child is of Native American descent, the petition and consent must not be signed until at least 10 days after the birth

Revocation of Consent:

• WA Adoption: Consent may be revoked until the court approves it. Following this, consent is deemed irrevocable, except that for 1 year, consent shall be revoked for lack of mental competence, duress or fraud

Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights:

The following—according to Washington adoption laws—are circumstances that are grounds for termination:

• WA Adoption: Abuse and/or neglect

• WA Adoptions: Abandonment or parental disinterest

• WA Adoption: Drug or alcohol induced incapacity

• WA Adoptions: Mental illness or deficiency 

• WA Adoption: Child judged in need of services/dependent

• WA Adoptions: Sexual abuse

• WA Adoption: Neglect or loss of rights of another child

• Child’s best interest

• Felony assault of sibling or child

Who is allowed to Adopt?

The following persons are permitted to proceed with a Washington adoption:

• Any individual 18 years of age or older who is:

o Legally competent 

o Approved family assessment

Who may be adopted?

• Any person, regardless of residence or age

Who may Place a Child for Adoption?

• A guardian or parent

• The Department

• A child placing agency

Cost of Washington Adoption:

The cost of a Washington adoption from the public foster care system is typically kept to a bare minimum. Incurred costs are typically limited to the following:

• Attorney Fees

• Adoption home studies

Outside adoptions (those initiated privately) can range from $4,000 to $40,000, whereas an independent adoption can range from $8,000 to $40,000.

Steps to a Washington Adoption:

1. The first step to a Washington adoption requires you to contact your local office. 

When you contact the department, a worker will answer any of your questions, send you information and provide information—through the delivery of adoption brochures—for their particular office. 

If you are looking to finalize a Washington adoption, you should sign-up for pre-service training courses through your local office. Washington adoption law states that you are required to have 30 hours of training to learn about foster issues and adoption. When training is complete, you can be assigned a social worker.

2. Adoptive Home Study: All prospective adopting parents must undertake an adoptive home study. The adoptive home study’s primary purpose is to evaluate whether parents are eligible to proceed with a Washington adoption. The process of a Washington adoption involved preparation and educations as well as procuring information concerning the prospective parents. An Adoptive home study will include the following steps:

a. Application is provided by the agency

b. Preparation classes: To secure a Washington adoption, you are required to take 30 hours of pre-service training. Class schedule information may be found on the Foster Parent Training site.

c. Criminal History Background Check: this portion of the home study is organized through your social worker. A criminal history background check must be completed on every individual over the age of 16 residing in the prospective home. A national fingerprint test must also be completed for all adults in the home over the age of 18 and above, has lived in another state over the last 5 years, a background check will be inspected from other states. These tests will be organized through your social worker

d. Child Neglect and Abuse Inquiries: This is a portion of the background check. Washington state records are checked for every individual in the home for anyone 16 years of age and older. All individuals in the home above the age of 18 who have lived in another state during the last five years will be checked. 

e. Personal Information: The DSHS will implement a form to provide your social worker with information about you. The application will question the following subjects:

i. Family facts, Education, Employment History, Cultural background, Relationships, Parenting and Experience with Children, Medical and psychosocial questions, Religious affiliation and practices, Support Systems and home and neighborhood questions

f. Medical Statements: This is a confidential form that your medical professional will fill-out regarding historic and current medical ailments. Your social worker will provide you with the necessary forms. 

g. Income Statements: The social worker—for a Washington adoption—will provide you with a worksheet that will seek information on the following topics:

i. Income

ii. Vehicles

iii. Bank Accounts

iv. Employment

v. Home

vi. Credit card debts

vii. Assets

viii. Child Support

ix. Loans

x. Paid Leave

xi. Insurance

Home Study Approval:

A home study for Washington adoptions must be approved to continue with the process. In general, home studies for Washington adoptions will be approved within 90 days

3. Child Selection for Washington Adoptions: There are various ways to select a child for Washington adoptions:

a. Social workers will contact you concerning a specific child for Washington adoptions

b. Or you can contact the social worker about children you either found on a site or heard about

You and your social worker must be in contact to secure background information about the child up for Washington adoptions. At this point, you may begin working with 2 different social workers: your social worker and the child’s social worker for Washington adoptions. 

4. Visitation and Placement Process: To go ahead with Washington adoptions you must ensure that there has been a disclosure of the child’s medical, family and social background. For Washington adoptions to be finalized, it may take two weeks to several months to place the child in your home depending on the youth’s needs (age, therapy and medical issues, school, child’s well-being, location of the adoptive family etc.). Visitation for Washington adoptions will typically begin at a location deemed safe for the child. Visits will lengthen in time; they get progressively longer until the youth moves to your home.

5. Post Placement: During this portion of the Washington adoption process, your social worker will continue working with you until the adoption is affirmed. Washington adoptions, in this stage, entail the arrangement of needed services (medical, schooling, counseling, child and family etc.). Washington adoptions will also require the social worker to come to your home to check on the well-being of the child at least once every 90 days until the adoption is affirmed.

6. Steps for Legal Procedures and Finalizing Washington Adoptions:

a. Contact a Washington Adoption attorney

b. Finalize the adoption support application delivered to you by your social worker. When completed, the adoption support program specialist is assigned to you. The program specialist reviews your application to determine if the youth qualifies for the program according to Washington and federal laws. The negotiated contract outlining the benefits and terms will be presented for signature.

c. The social worker must complete a post-placement report. The report provides the court with an update of the family’s and child’s well-being since placement

d. DSHS provides a Consent to Adopt for Washington adoptions. This is a written statement to authorize that the child may be adopted

e. The social worker—to finalize Washington adoptions—will send your attorney a packet containing crucial documents for Washington adoptions

f. Your attorney will prepare the document to present to the court. Your attorney will also file the petition and secure a court date to finalize Washington adoptions

g. When the date is secured you will appear before the court. 

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.

Laws and Procedures Associated with Montana Adoption:

In 2003, there were over 500 prospective adoptive children in custody of Montana’s Department of Social and Health Services. The purpose of Montana’s adoption program is to satisfy the permanency needs of children. The Montana Department of Social and Health Services is responsible for finding stable and safe families that can effectively meet the needs of adopted children.

How Do I start an MT Adoption?

What to consider when pursuing a MT Adoption:

• Choose the desired sex: do you want to adopt a boy or girl?

• What is the desired age of the child? 

• Am I interesting in adopting a sibling group?

• Should I consider adopting a sibling group in order to get the type and age of child I am interest in? • Should I be willing to have open communication with the child’s birth parents? • Can I parent a child who is physically or sexually abused and/or neglected? • Can I parent a child that faces on-going medical issues, is diagnosed with a developmental disability who is developmentally delayed? • Can I parent a child who is exposed to alcohol and drugs in utero? • Does the ethnicity of the child I adopt?

• How does my extended family feel about Montana adoption?

• If I participate in a Montana adoption with a child of a different race or ethnicity will I be judged by my family and friends? • How will I handle adoption-related questions posed by my child?

Step by Step: The MT Adoption Process

1. The first step to a Montana adoption requires you to contact your local office. Contact the department, a worker will answer any of your questions, send you information and provide information—through the delivery of adoption brochures—for their particular office. If you are looking to finalize a Montana adoption, you should sign-up for pre-service training courses through your local office. Montana law on adoption states that you are required to have 30 hours of training to learn about foster issues and adoption. When training is complete, you can be assigned a social worker. 

2. Adoptive Home Study: All prospective adopting parents must undertake an adoptive home study. The adoptive home study’s primary purpose is to evaluate whether parents are eligible to proceed with a Montana adoption. The process of a Montana adoption involved preparation and educations as well as procuring information concerning the prospective parents. An Adoptive home study will include the following steps: 

a. Application is provided by the agency

b. Preparation classes: To secure a Montana adoption, you are required to take 30 hours of pre-service training. Class schedule information may be found on the Foster Parent Training site. 

c. Criminal History Background Check: this portion of the home study is organized through your social worker. A criminal history background check must be completed on every individual over the age of 16 residing in the prospective home. A national fingerprint test must also be completed for all adults in the home over the age of 18 and above, has lived in another state over the last 5 years, a background check will be inspected from other states. 

These tests will be organized through your social worker 

Child Neglect and Abuse Inquiries: This is a portion of the background check. Montana state records are checked for every individual in the home for anyone 16 years of age and older. All individuals in the home above the age of 18 who have lived in another state during the last five years will be checked.

Personal Information: The DSHS will implement a form to provide your social worker with information about you. The application will question the following subjects:

Family facts, Education, Employment History, Cultural background, Relationships, Parenting and Experience with Children, Medical and psychosocial questions, Religious affiliation and practices, Support Systems and home and neighborhood questions 

Medical Statements: This is a confidential form that your medical professional will fill-out regarding historic and current medical ailments. Your social worker will provide you with the necessary forms. 

Income Statements: The social worker—for a Montana adoption—will provide you with a worksheet that will seek information on the following topics: bank accounts, credit cards, tax returns, income etc. 

MT Adoption: The Home Study

A home study for Montana adoptions must be approved to continue with the process. In general, home studies for Montana adoptions will be approved within 90 days 

3. Child Selection for Montana Adoptions: There are various ways to select a child for Montana adoptions: a. Social workers will contact you concerning a specific child for Montana adoptions b. Or you can contact the social worker about children you either found on a site or heard about You and your social worker must be in contact to secure background information about the child up for Montana adoptions. At this point, you may begin working with 2 different social workers: your social worker and the child’s social worker for MT adoptions. 

4. Visitation and Placement Process: To go ahead with Montana adoptions you must ensure that there has been a disclosure of the child’s medical, family and social background. For MT adoptions to be finalized, it may take two weeks to several months to place the child in your home depending on the youth’s needs (age, therapy and medical issues, school, child’s well-being, location of the adoptive family etc.). Visitation for Montana adoptions will typically begin at a location deemed safe for the child. Visits will lengthen in time; they get progressively longer until the youth moves to your home.

5. Post Placement: During this portion of the Montana adoption process, your social worker will continue working with you until the adoption is affirmed. Montana adoptions, in this stage, entail the arrangement of needed services (medical, schooling, counseling, child and family etc.). MT adoptions will also require the social worker to come to your home to check on the well-being of the child at least once every 90 days until the adoption is affirmed.

6. Steps for Legal Procedures and Finalizing Montana Adoptions:

a. Contact a MT Adoption attorney

b. Finalize the MT adoption support application delivered to you by your social worker. When completed, the adoption support program specialist is assigned to you. The program specialist reviews your application to determine if the youth qualifies for the program according to Montana and federal laws. The negotiated contract outlining the benefits and terms will be presented for signature. 

c. The social worker must complete a post-placement report. The report provides the court with an update of the family’s and child’s well-being since placement d. DSHS provides a Consent to Adopt for Montana adoptions. This is a written statement to authorize that the child may be adopted e. The social worker—to finalize Montana adoptions—will send your attorney a packet containing crucial documents for Montana adoptions f. Your attorney will prepare the document to present to the court. Your attorney will also file the petition and secure a court date to finalize MT adoptions

Quick Guide to Mississippi Adoptions

Mississippi Adoption Laws

The majority of Mississippi law on adoption is located under Chapter 17 of Title 93 of the state’s annotated code.  Conclusive and thorough information concerning the majority of laws and procedure about Mississippi adoptions within this article is referenced from the official website of the MS Department of Human Services.

Who can Qualify for Mississippi Adoptions?

According to the state’s DHS, a large percentage of citizens within the state can qualify as adopting parents.  A person has to meet the following qualifications to legally adopt in MS: 

• single persons or married couples who have been married for at least two years

• applicants over the age of 21 years

• families and individuals who can provide income and insurance to meet the needs of the child

• individuals or couples who are emotionally, intellectually, and psychologically fit to raise children

It is important to note that Mississippi adoption is prohibited for same gender couples.  The state of Mississippi is one of only two states in the United States that prohibits adoptions between couples of the same gender.  

Steps for Mississippi Adoptions

A Mississippi adoption can become extremely complex if paternity rights become involved in the case of the birthmother alternates between her ultimate decisions.  Parents or an individual are always encouraged to hire an attorney at the beginning of an adoptions within the state of MS.  

Step 1 Contact the Department of Human Services

In order to contact the DHS about adoptions specifically, you can call the adoption hotline at (800) 821-9157 in order to obtain more information about the specific type of adoption and about the application.  

Step 2 Look Over and Complete the Application

Once you fill out and submit the application, the DHS will review your eligibility requirements for the Mississippi adoption and you may be placed on a waiting list.  

Step 3 Complete Training Sessions

Once the application is approved for Mississippi adoptions, a couple or individual will have to attend up to five weekly training session to enhance their knowledge of the adoption process, child development, and how to responsibly handle certain kinds of behavior.  These meetings are extremely important and provide the adopting party will valuable information.  

Step 4 Undergo the Home Study

The family or individual within the Mississippi adoption process will then have to go through several interviews with a social worker.  The social workers will help the DHS determine if the adopting party is truly ready for adoption.  

Step 5 Placement

The first visits within Mississippi adoptions will only last a short while, but the visits will eventually extend to overnight and then arrangement for permanent placements will be made.  

Step 6 Post Placement

After the child is placed in the home, a social worker will visit a couple more time to help the parent(s) and child adjust to the adoption.  These visits usually last 6 months until the adoption is finalized and accepted within a court.  

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