Foster parent adoption can be a complex process that requires following strict administrative and legal processes while still giving your child the best care possible. We can help you make a way through the system and adopt your child as quickly as possible. Call Law Offices of Rick D. Banks today at
(559)222-4891 for help with your case.
How Is Foster Children Adoption Different Than Traditional Adoption?
Adopting a foster child is handled by a state adoption agency instead of a private organization, as many traditional adoptions are processed. It is usually cheaper to adopt a foster child, and there may be financial help for you before, during, and after a foster child adoption. Foster parents are often given preference when finding adoptive parents for a child. This provides stability in a child’s life.
Legal Responsibility for a Foster Child
The state child welfare agency is legally responsible for a foster child. They are in control of making decisions about their education, medical care, and more. However, in the process of foster parent adoption, that legal responsibility would transfer to the parents. All parental rights would be awarded to the parents. Once the adoption is final, the adoptive parents would have all the same rights as biological parents.
Foster Parent Adoption Process
The foster parent adoption process is initiated when you are licensed as a foster parent and a child is placed in your care. If you are a family member, this step may not be necessary. The child services agency then evaluates the child’s dependency case. If the child is deemed dependent upon the state, then they may become legally free for adoption. This requires parental rights to be terminated from their biological parents. If you want to adopt the child, you will be required to undergo a thorough investigation from the child services agency, which will include background checks and home visits. If you have been a foster parent for a long amount of time, this process may not take very long. You will have to attend court hearings throughout the process that will review your situation. The last one will be a finalization hearing to establish yourself as an adoptive parent to your child.
Do I Need an Adoption Attorney?
You should hire an adoption attorney to make sure the process goes smoothly. You will have to deal with state agencies, such as child services, and court processes. The government may ask you to submit to background checks that cause issues to arise and you will need an attorney to help you refocus on what is important – adopting your child. Your attorney can answer questions from government agencies and attend court hearings on your behalf. You may have to deal with those entities as well, but overall the process will be much less stressful with an attorney by your side.
Call Law Offices of Rick D. Banks Today
We have managed foster parent adoption for many people throughout the years, and we can help you too. To schedule a no obligation consultation, call
(559)222-4891.
