Adoption
Welcome to Your Adoption Journey
There are many children waiting for a loving, caring, supportive place to call home.
Adoption can be the best way to give them the life and security they need, providing a sense of belonging and a supportive place to call home. Adopting a child is a life-changing experience and is a commitment that should be considered carefully. We are here to explain the process, answer your questions, and provide guidance.
Types of Adoption
Relative/Kinship Adoption
We encourage relatives and persons considered kin to adopt if they can meet the needs of the child. Relatives are typically not required to take TIPS-MAPP training, but they still must complete both an adoption packet and Adoptive Family Assessment.
Adopt Only
Families that adopt without becoming licensed foster care providers. Eligibility requires meeting one of these criteria: adopting children aged 7 to 18, accepting children with moderate-to-severe needs, or adopting sibling groups of three or more to ensure stable, supportive homes.
Foster to Adopt
Although we work to enable every child in foster care to eventually return home, sometimes that’s not possible due to various factors. In such cases, families already licensed to provide respite and regular foster care may adopt a child placed in their home, creating permanent, loving connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
We match your family’s strengths to the needs of a child. Every child is unique, and we work with you to ensure the best possible match. Reach out, and we will happily answer any questions you might have about the adoption process. Give us a call today at 866-999-1599 to begin your journey.
- You must be 21 years of age or older.
- Single individuals and married couples may adopt children. You do not have to be married to adopt.
- Complete the Assessment Process, which includes:
- Background checks (criminal, child abuse/neglect, fingerprinting)
- Health assessment
- Employment verification
- Family history
- References
- Attend and complete the state-required Trauma-Informed Permanency and Safety-Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (TIPS-MAPP) training
The adoption process can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of adoption, the child’s needs, and the completion of necessary assessments and training. On average, the process typically takes 6 to 12 months. This timeframe includes steps like background checks, home studies, and training. At Saint Francis Ministries, we work closely with families to guide them through each phase, offering support and resources to help make the journey as smooth as possible. We aim to find the best match for each child while preparing families for a successful adoption.
Adoption costs can vary based on several factors, including the type of adoption and the specific needs of the child. At Saint Francis Ministries, we provide various services to minimize costs for families seeking to adopt. Please contact us at 866-999-1599 for more detailed information about potential expenses and financial support options available.
single person adopt a child? (2, 250)
Yes! You do not have to be married to adopt a child, and we welcome single individuals who can provide a loving, stable environment. Your ability to meet the child’s needs and provide a nurturing home is the most important factor.
Stepparent adoption is also possible and can help formalize the bond between a child and their stepparent. This process usually involves specific legal steps to terminate the non-custodial birth parent’s rights before the adoption can proceed. Contact us for more information on how to get started.
In some cases, families who adopt children may be eligible for an adoption subsidy, which provides financial support to help meet the child’s ongoing needs. The subsidy amount and eligibility vary depending on the child’s age, specific needs, and state policies. Our team will help you determine if you qualify for financial assistance and help with the application process.
We provide services for children available for adoption. Our organization seeks loving, supportive families who can meet children’s needs while they are going through the separation and loss of their birth family and becoming a permanent part of a stable, loving family. We provide training and support services to families throughout the process for those who want to adopt or foster-to-adopt.
Adoptive Parent Testimonial
From Uncertainty to Family
“After that first time in court, back in year one, we came back home, and I looked her in the eye and said, ‘You know, we’re probably going to end up raising those kids,’” says Scott. “She just smiled and said, ‘Yeah, you’re probably right.’ Four years later, we’ve got all three of them.”
Adoption Stories
National Adoption Day is all about family
It’s National Adoption Month, and according to the Children’s Bureau, about 110,000 children nationwide are affected by adoption. Some of
Siblings and shared childhood
Perhaps author Clara Ortega describes the relationship between siblings best: “To the outside world, we all grow old. But not
Fostering In Faith: James and Jermaine
Brothers James, 9, and Jermaine, 7, live together in a single-parent foster home. Neither child has visitation contact with their
