Waiting for parental dissolution for foster child?

Question

A friend of mine is a foster parent. She has had a 2 y.o. child in her home since February. He is not yet legally free. My partner and I have fallen in love with this child, and want to adopt him once he is legally free. Of course we know this may never happen.

My question is, is there a way to show our interest in adopting this child once rights are terminated? So that he wouldnt be listed with the state adoption listings, instead we could take him?

Answer 1

I would talk to the social worker first.  Although this child may never be available for adoption, you may want to get a home study and adoption profile done.  That way you would be prepared.  Talking to the social worker would be the best way to show your interest I believe.  Even if you do all this and the child becomes available for adoption, I still believe that the child may be listed on state adoption listings.  I could be wrong, because it may depend on the agency and how they handle it.  Talk to the social worker about that as well.  I would be cautiously optimistic, because if the child would be placed for adoption they will look for biological family members first and ask the foster parents if they are interested, however, if neither of these options worked out, the child knows you and that should help.  Just remember how long and difficult this process can be.  Best of luck.  If this doesn't work out for you, you could always consider other foster care adoptions or even become foster parents yourselves!

Answer 2

You need to talk to the state social services organization that has legal custody of the child.  Just mention to the case worker that you are interested in the child.  Unfortunately, preference would be given to any extended family member of the child, then the current foster family then any interested outside party (you.)  You may end up having to prove your worthyness against numerous other families that might be interested.   Generally, it is in the best interest of the child to have as many people know about them being available for adoption as possible so that the best parents are chosen.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that he will even become available to adopt.  The judges surprise us all sometimes.

In Texas, you have to become a licensed adoptive parent since you aren't a relative to the child.

Contact the adoption coordinators for your county (your friend can help with this) and ask what you need to do to begin the process.  It will be much easier to have it done now than to wait until the child becomes available.

Good luck and congratulations on your decision to become an adoptive parent!

Answer 4

Maybe your friend could advocate for you with the child's worker.  Your friend might also be able to put you directly in touch with the child's worker so you can express your interest should parental rights be terminated at some point in the future.

If I were you, I'd begin to get my ducks in a row now.  See about taking the foster/adoptive parent training class and having the background checks, home visits, etc. that would allow you to be licensed so you can make it a smooth transition for the child if the parental rights are terminated in the future.

I hope this helps!  The fact that you have a pre-existing relationship with the child will give you a head start on the adoption process.

Answer 5

Contact the foster agency asap so you can get a home study down.  It takes at least 6 months. If you wait until the child is free another couple who is ready will get her.

Answer 6

it might be a little difficult but start by asking around and lets hope you get him. seems like you love this child very much. Good luck

Answer 7

ask your friend which foster agency she is using and go through the classes.  Tell the agency that you know this child and are really wanting to adopt him.  The fact that your friend has him and you have already met may be in your favor.  You will still have to have a homestudy and backround checks etc.  Maybe your friend can be specific and state to her agency that she will continue to foster this child so he doesnt move around much and you can adopt him.  Best of luck!  Sheri

Answer 8

I'm not sure of your area, but what I would do is ask your friend to tell the foster care company that you are interested in him, in my state, placement works in order of  parents,  family members,then outsiders, so maybe a hard road for you

but if the child already knows you it would make the change over easier on him.. Can't hurt to start asking questions now...