How long does it take for DSS domestic Adoption? Foster Adoption.?

Question

We have enough money to support ourselves and a child but not upkeep and medical expences for a birth mother. So we are looking into adopting from Social Services. We would like Birth to 4 years old. Prefer Caucasion but would take Indian, Native American (my husband is part Cherokee) or Asian. How long can it take to have get a child up to 4 years old? This is all brand new to me. I am 31 and because of complications with surgery it would endanger my life to concieve. Thanks for all your help.

Answer 1

It takes a little bit of time for a healthy white child in that age range. Mostly b/c so many people want exactly what you are seeking. Our foster to adoption took 13 months from start to placement, but we were open to older ages, some disabilities, any race, and sibling groups. Whenever you start putting specifics down, it greatly increases your wait time. I would question why you need/want a child who looks like you....i.e. your racial makeup. There are many children who are hispanic, black, or biracial, but a 'coveted white child' under 5 is a 'hot commodity' in the adoption world. Race and age was never a factor for us....we simply wanted a child/children who were relatively healthy and who could communicate with us.

<<adoptive mommy through foster care

Answer 2

It depends So geatly even in the same state same county I am not sure why.  I had a 3 day only only 1 month after I started the process he is our foster child but adoption seems promissing.

My friend has been trying to compleat her requirements (DHS is dragging there heels) she has done her part.  going on 2 months. it is crazy.

Answer 3

That depends on how fast you complete the process.  The first, and most important, step is grieving over the loss of your biological children.  No other child can fulfill your desire for a child of your own - and they shouldn't be asked to.  That's a huge burden to bear.  

The second step is research.  Read "Twenty things adopted kids wish their adoptive parents knew", "Helping Children Cope With Separation and Loss", "Toddler Adoption: The Weaver's Craft", "Journey of the Adopted Self".  Watch the following films http://www.adoptedthemovie.com/

http://onthefaultline.com/  Read blogs written by adoptees.  And stick around here for awhile.  I've learned a lot here.

Once you're ready to start the actual adoption process, call your local DHS.  You'll need to take classes, fill out a LOT of paperwork, have a homestudy done, etc.  Once you're "homestudy approved", you're ready to start submitting your homestudy for kids.  That part of the process will take however long it takes for you to find a class, fill out the paperwork, and schedule a homestudy.  It took us 8 months.  The rest of the process consists of hurry up and wait, submitting your homestudy, and trying not to get attached to any specific kids (because you might not end up getting chosen for that child).  The wait time for a placement varies.  The caseworker's job is to find the best possible parents for the child (not the best child for you), so it could take over a year and a half (as in my case), or you could get a placement within a few months.  You just never know.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Figure three to twelve months for paperwork, training, homestudy, etc. It can depend on what state you're in (or even what county.)

After that, it could take from minutes to years for a child to be placed with you.

Best to discuss all this with local agencies.