 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
The process of adopting a child doesn't happen overnight. With numerous application forms to complete, interviews and home studies, adopting a child may seem like a long, drawn out process. But it's that way for a reason. We, at CFA, take our responsibility very seriously in finding the best family fit possible for everyone involved. We go to great efforts to match each child with a suitable family. Some of these efforts mean that we will ask for some detailed personal information. Please don't be offended if some of our questions probe deeply into your family's dynamics. Remember that our goal is to make the best family match as possible to make the adoption experience successful for both the family and the child. The first step in beginning the process of adopting a child is to complete the "Pre-application" which can be accessed through the on-line link located at the bottom of this page, or by contacting us. The "Pre-application" gets the process started by letting us know a little about you. Once you submit the "Pre-application" we strongly encourage you to enroll for Adoptive Parent training. Depending on your local organization, there may be fee to attend these valuable classes, which will orient you to the unique challenges associated with adoption. Once CFA receives your "Pre-application" we will send you our application packet, which contains detailed forms requiring information pertaining to each family member, family finances, medical history, criminal history check and reference forms. To speed the process we ask that you sign and return the "Criminal Record Check" which permits us to obtain the required criminal history check from the state of your residence. Depending on the caseload at the state office, the criminal history check may take a longer than expected period of time to obtain. This is why we suggest starting this process as early as possible. Another component of the application requires you to write an autobiography. While we're not looking for a Pulitzer Prize winning volume, we do ask that you frequently refer to the list of questions that will help you address the information we are seeking. We suggest that you not write the entire autobiography in one sitting. Take time to have fun with it. Some of the questions are introspective, and you may learn something interesting about yourself or your past through this valuable component of the process. The adoption process may be a lot of work, but it's worth it. Our caseworkers are available to help you with the process in any way they can. If you have any questions please contact CFA. Over the years our caseworkers have helped families complete the lengthy paperwork trail, and they are more than willing to provide assistance for you too. Once the application packet and criminal history report are submitted, your caseworker will contact you to schedule the first of four potential meetings at your home. During the home study visit your caseworker will personally evaluate your home environment. Don't worry, we won't be checking behind the refrigerator for dust-bunnies. We are merely attempting to get a feel for the type of environment in which the child will be placed. Each family member will be interviewed in order to obtain an accurate understanding of the family dynamics. After the home study is complete, adoptive families are invited to visit the CFA office to view and read the profiles of the children available for adoption. Be prepared to spend some moments that will touch your heart. If the adoption is a "special needs" adoption the caseworker will, at this point, take your case before the state adoption committee and present your home situation. The state will then decide which family will be awarded the adoption based on the information provided by the caseworker. If your family is chosen by the state adoption committee to adopt the child, the process is nearly over. The transition from the foster home typically occurs in stages, first starting with a brief visit at the child's foster home. The next visit might be a neutral location excursion with the foster family, then progressing to a visit to the adoptive home, possibly staying overnight. This transition typically takes one to two weeks to complete. For "special needs" adoptions, the adoptive parents must licensed as a foster home, as the state may require monthly visits by the caseworker for the first six months of the adoption placement. Your caseworker can assist you through the details of becoming a licensed foster home. At the end of the six-month trial period the official court documents will be finalized and the adoption is complete. Though the adoption may complete, CFA likes to stay in touch to help with any family counseling issues that may need to be addressed. Please feel free to contact us at any time during and after the adoption process. Remember our goal is to make every CFA adoption a success. |