The Process

The Adoption Process

Are you interested in adopting? The basic adoption process at FCCA is outlined below. Please keep in mind that this is a very general outline of the process. If you want more specific information about your situation, please contact us at your convenience. 

 

INFORMATION SESSION:

This free, informal meeting provides general information about waiting children, the agency, and how to get started with a home study. At the end of the meeting, families will be given the opportunity to fill out an application and sign up for the next stage of the process. A phone call to the office will let you know the date, time and place of the next Information Session. These dates are also listed here on the website. Just click on "Contact Us" and then select the branch office in your area. 

 

ADOPTION PREPARATION CLASS 1:

A prerequisite to the home study, this is the first of three classes which prepare applicants for adoption of waiting children. Usually run by volunteer leaders in an adoptive family's home, this is a relaxed session where applicants have a chance to ask questions about the home study process and basic adoption information.

 

PANEL OF ADOPTIVE PARENTS:
One or more adoptive families will share their experiences and information about their adoption. This may be offered as a separate class or as part of another class such as Information Session, or Adoption Preparation Class 1 or 2.

 

INTAKE INTERVIEW:
The family meets with the Interview and together they determine whether FCCA can help them find the child they would like to adopt.  If the answer is "yes," the family receives fingerprint forms, a list of documents to obtain, and a list of paperwork to complete. They also sign our Adoptions Services Agremeent. To view a sample of our FCCA's International Adoption Services Agreement click here.    

NOTE: Intake interviews are conducted at the FCCA branch office during regular business hours (M-F, 9-4pm).

 

ADOPTION PREPARATION CLASSES 2 AND 3:
Education is the emphasis in these group sessions, which may include from three to seven families. Some of the information covered includes: 

Note: these meetings are usually held on Saturdays, and occasionally on weeknights.

 

INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS:

Your social worker meets with each of you individually, at the agency office, during regular working hours. These appointments generally last 2-3 hours each. 

 

HOME VISIT:
The social worker will visit your home, at a time when all members of the household are present, and during regular working hours on a weekday.

 

CHILD SEARCH AND PLACEMENT:
For domestic adoptions, you will work cooperatively with your social worker during the search for and placement of your child. Families adopting internationally will follow the matching and placement process established by the child referral agency selected by the family. 

 

POST-PLACEMENT/POST-ADOPTION SERVICES

In fos-adopt cases, FCCA will coordinate with the placing county to complete monthly or more frequent visits for at least six months, and usually longer. For international adoptions, FCCA will complete the number of post-placement or post-adoption visits required by your child-placing agency. For domestic relinquishment adoptions, FCCA will complete at least four visits within six months. In all cases, FCCA will complete written reports of all post-placement/ post-adoption visits, and will write a final report to the court to summarize the placement.

 

FINALIZATION / RE-ADOPTION SERVICES:
FCCA assists families with the paperwork necessary to finalize the adoption or complete a readoption, as applicable. There is no additional charge for this service for families with an FCCA home study and placement. The service includes preparation and filing of the Adoption Request, Accounting Report, Consent to Adoption, Court Report, VS-44 form, and proposed Adoption Order. The family is responsible to pay the filing fee for the new birth certificate(s), and to show up at the courthouse with the child at the day and time set for the hearing. Don't forget to bring your camera!