Foster-adopt question?

Question

I am curious about the process to adopt children in state custody, across state lines. Such as, from Adoptuskids.org. How does that work, if the children would need to relocate to the state of the adoptive families. What kinds of resources are used to assist in transition. Are the children (particularly teenagers) generally open to relocating to a different part of the country? Do the adoptive parents spend time with the child(ren) in their home state before going back to the residence of the adoptive family?

Just curious.

Answer 1

Generally, it is very difficult to adopt across state lines. This is b/c, unfortunately, everyone wants to adopt out 'their' kids, so they aren't wild about going to bat for you to adopt another child outside of the state....often, they aren't even thrilled about you adopting outside of the jurisdiction...

However, there are many social workers who will look past the quotas and look out for the needs of that child.

Typically, teens and most school aged children are not good candidates to be moved out of state or jurisdiction. Most interstate adoptions occur with younger children, as children who are already in school would be required to submit to a complete change in everything they know and have already formed bonds and a sense of community, etc. As you can probably tell from some of the kids who have aged out of foster care, many would do nearly anything to actually be placed with a permenant family, but others would, of course, refuse to leave their friends and community...or protest and act out in the new home. I don't know about all states, but many of them give older children more voice in their adoption choices.

With all foster adoptions the AP must visit with the child in their setting for a short amount of time. The older the child is, the longer the visits would need to take place...so that the child can develop some sense of 'knowing' these people and some modicum of trust. This also helps the AP's to 'get to know' the child before the child is placed into their home. CPS wants to make sure that the AP's feel comfortable and that the child is emotionally and mentally prepared for the move. Some states provide transitional resources and others do not. Generally, most states offer gas reimbursement and motel expenses, but again, that is not always the case. Since foster-to-adopt is a tax paid program, foster/adoption is generally free or very low cost.

Answer 2

I am not sure about across state lines but  here is what i know.  Teens  can decide if they want to be adopted by you so they do have a choice younger children do not.  Also in state they adjust slowly.  YOu visit there then an over night her then a weekend then they move in then the adoption is final later.  It may be similar across state lines  

Answer 3

Well, I was going to answer but Tickled Blue read my mind!

Answer 4

I am adopted. I think it depends on the child and i think you get to meet the kid(s) before you adopt them.

I am 14 and adopted but i was a baby.