Be An Adoptive Parent
Who can adopt a child?
- Delaware resident
- Single or married at least one year
- Between ages of 21 and 65
- Any race, religion or ethnic group
- Satisfactory health
- Able to financially support a family
- Able to arrange adequate child care if one parent is not at home full time
- Provide safe, adequate housing
- Be committed to maintaining the optimum health and safety of the child
- Be emotionally stable and able to love a child born to other parents
- Be able to accept the child's background, uniqueness and limitations while encouraging the child to reach his/her potential
What is the process to adopt a child?
Prospective adoptive parents are offered information about adoption and an opportunity to evaluate whether adoption of a child with special needs is right for them. The prospective adoptive parents must:
- Attend an information meeting
- Complete an application form
- Attend group preparation meetings
- Prepare a written autobiography
- Be fingerprinted for a criminal & child abuse history clearance
- Provide references
- Have a physical exam, including a TB test
- Meet with staff in your home and in our office for a series of interviews
- Children & Families First then completes a written home study that is used to match waiting children with adoptive families.
What is the cost to adopt a child?
There is a $100 non-refundable application fee. There is also a $250 training fee as well as a $500 preparation fee due prior to the completion of the written home study. This fee may be refunded if the child placed with your family is identified by a government agency as having special needs. In most cases, after a child with special needs is placed in your home, the cost of counseling, and support services until finalization is paid by the government agency.
