How Long Does it Take to Adopt a Child in Foster Care?

Foster care changes the lives of children in need all around the world—it gives them a chance to thrive and have a loving family.

In cases where a child cannot return to their birth parents, adoption from another loving family is the answer. The decision to adopt a child from foster care can be a life-changing commitment, but it’s also a fulfilling one. 

Potential adoptive parents often have many questions, but one of the most common ones is, "How long does it take to adopt a child from foster care?" 

Below, we’ll explore what makes adopting a child from foster care take as long as it does. 

The Complexity of the Adoption Process

There can be a lot of moving parts to the adoption process itself, including:

• Paperwork
• Undergoing background checks
• Attending preservice sessions
• Participating in home studies

It may seem like a lot, but it’s all for the child in need—all of these steps ensure that a child in care is safe and that they’re being placed in a loving home to help them thrive. 

Case-Specific Factors

Every child in care is different—they may have gone through varying levels of trauma or negative events that make them different from one another. A child’s background can change their needs and add a few extra steps to adopting through foster care.

There are some other case-specific things that may add some time to the process, too, including:

• The age of the child 
• Availability of suitable adoptive families
• The child’s legal status

Every case is unique—just like every child is unique! 

Preparation and Training

Being as prepared as possible to adopt a child gives them the best chance at a happy home. Adoptive parents should complete training or preservice sessions to make sure that they are prepared for any challenges or responsibilities—this is good for both the child and the parents. 

Home Studies

Home studies are a must in the adoption process—their goal is to ensure that the home is right for the child.

The home study process adds time to the adoption timeline, but it’s needed. The process starts with interviews and background checks. After that, social workers will look at your home and decide whether or not it’s a safe space for a child. 

Once these checks are completed, the process finishes with a report created by your case worker that includes information such as:

• Education and employment
• Family background
• Social life and relationships
• Parenting experiences
• Home and neighborhood details
• References and background checks

It may sound like a lot, but it’s all for the sake of the child in care. This process ensures a good fit between a child and their potential parents!

Legal and Court Proceedings

The legal system has to be involved in the adoption process. However, this is a good thing—it ensures that the adoption is fully legal and permanent while also providing security and stability to a child in care. 

Legal processes may vary depending on the state you’re in. No matter the situation, they will add some time to the adoption process with potential court dates and legal paperwork. It’s best to talk to a legal professional to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

Collaboration with Child Welfare Agencies

Child welfare agencies not only help children in care find the best possible home, but they also help guide adoptive parents through the adoption process. 

It’s a must for parents to work closely with these agencies. It can help make the adoption process easier and ensure that all of the steps taken are done correctly. 

We always recommend keeping open lines of communication with any agencies for guidance and updates. That way, you’ll be able to go through the adoption process with as little difficulty as possible! 

Managing Expectations

Throughout the adoption process, it’s important to manage your own expectations—it will take time!

Just remember that every step in the process is important to ensure a great match between a child in care and potential adoptive parents. The time it takes will vary depending on the child in care, from their background to any legal situations that may come up. Adoption support groups or counseling services can be a huge help for any potential adoptive parents with concerns. 

Stay patient—it can be a long journey, but it’s all worth it! 

Looking For More Information About Foster Care?

Adopting a child is a busy and exciting time—knowing what goes into the process and why it takes as long as it does is important!

Mentor Foster Care, a part of Sevita’s companies, helps foster parents provide an environment where children can thrive, and we understand that the end goal is adoption through foster care: Finding them a loving home. 

Discover more about how our Foster Care Services affect the lives of children everywhere today.