Sometimes clients reach out to us when they want to adopt a stepchild, a relative, or the child of a friend. Sometimes we meet people who know that they want to grow their family through the beautiful process of adoption, but have not found a child to adopt. If this describes you, you may have wondered how you can find a child to adopt.
Adoption through the foster system
Hundreds of children in foster care in Arkansas are waiting to find an adoptive home. Nationally, about half of the children in foster care are reunited with their families and one quarter are adopted. About 10% of kids in foster care “age out” of the system — that is, they turn 18 before being adopted.
The Department of Human Services accepts applications to become an adoptive home. In order to adopt a child from foster care you must be 21 years of age or older and no more than 45 years older than the child you want to adopt. A home study is required, as well as training. DHS does not charge a fee to facilitate adoptions for children in foster care.
Visit the Arkansas Heart Gallery to see information on children waiting in foster care to be adopted.
Adoption agencies
Licensed adoption agencies help would-be adoptive parents find children to adopt. Different agencies have different requirements and costs for their services. There are both private and public adoption agencies.
Heimer Law works with adoption agencies is Arkansas.
Adoption attorneys
Adoption lawyers like Heimer Law help families find babies to adopt. The process is known as a private adoption, and Heimer Law has extensive experience with private adoptions.
Advertising or networking
Unlike many other states, Arkansas allows would-be adoptive parents to advertise to find a child to adopt. Some couples also use social media, community groups, or other sources of information to find a child to adopt.
Once you identify a child, or an expectant mother considering adoption, it is essential that you find an adoption lawyer to work with. Adoption is a complex legal process, and an experienced adoption lawyer is a necessity.
Heimer Law specializes in adoption. We will be happy to answer your questions.
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