Understanding the Adoption Process: A Guide for Prospective Parents

The first step in the adoption process is the initial inquiry, where prospective parents reach out to an adoption agency. This is followed by the social inquiry phase, where the agency gets to know the prospective parents. During this phase, the agency assesses the parents’ readiness and prepares them for the journey ahead. This includes filling out forms, undergoing medical tests, and providing financial information.

Once the social inquiry is complete, the next step is meeting the child. This phase, known as placement, involves bonding with the child over a few days. The children’s home plays a crucial role during this period, providing support and guidance. After bonding, the child goes home with the adoptive parents, and the children’s home continues to offer support for about three months.

The final step in the adoption process is the court process. During this phase, the adoption agency and the adoptive parents go to court to finalize the adoption. This involves submitting the child’s file to the court, where it becomes part of the parents’ file. At this stage, the child’s name and other details can be changed to reflect their new family identity. Once the court approves, the adoption is legally finalized.