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- There are an estimated 523,000 children in foster
care in the United States, and more than 118,000 of them are waiting to
be adopted.
- A national survey showed that four in 10 Americans
have considered adoption. That translates into over 80 million
Americans. If only one out of 500 Americans adopted from the foster care
system, these children would have homes. (Source: National Adoption
Attitudes Survey 2002; Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption;
www.davethomasfoundation.org)
- Since 1987, the number of children in foster care
has nearly doubled, and the average time a child remains in foster care
has lengthened to nearly three years. Each year, approximately 20,000
children in foster care will age out of the system without ever being
placed with a permanent family.
- In September 2003, of the 523,000 children in foster
care, 35% were Black Non-Hispanic, 39% were White Non-Hispanic, 17%
were Hispanic, 2% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 1% Asian Non-Hispanic,
3% two or more Races Non-Hispanic and 3% unable to determine.
- The adoptive family structure is as follows: Married
Couples 67%, Single Females 28%, Single Males 3%, and Unmarried Couples
2%.
- Children in foster care are adopted by three types
of families: former foster parents, relatives and unrelated in families.
About 62% of the adoptions of children in foster care were by foster
parents to whom the children were not related; 23% were by relatives;
and 15% of the adoptions were by families to whom the children were not
related.
(Unless otherwise indicated, statistics are provided
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families Administration on Children; Interim Estimates for
FY 2003.)
Continue reading Start brief description here about international Adoption. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do
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ex ea commodo. » Continue reading The length of the adoption process varies according to the circumstances
of the child, but can take as few as six to ten months. By providing
extensive training and support, the Georgia Department of Human
Resources (DHR) ensures that you and your family are ready when the time
to adopt arrives. The steps in the process are outlined below.
Step 1: Inquiry
You can begin the adoption process by making initial contact with DHR
by phone. After answering some basic questions, you will be scheduled
for an individual or group inquiry interview with an adoption case
manager. Call 1-877-210-KIDS to complete this step.
Step 2: The Orientation
Step two involves attending a meeting to learn fundamental information
about the adoption process and the requirements for adopting through
DHR.
You will also get a chance to see pictures of the
children currently available in Georgia. After the orientation, we ask
that you take some time to carefully consider the information provided
before moving to the next step.
Step 3:(I)Initial
Interest, (M) Mutual selection, (P) Pre-service training,(A)
Assessment, (C) Continuing develoment, (T) Teamwork (IMPACT)
When you are ready to move forward with the adoption process, this
step requires you to attend the adoption preparation program offered
through your County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
You may also attend a comparable adoption preparation program offered
through a private licensed adoption agency under contract with DHR. The
DFCS adoption preparation program, called IMPACT, consists of 20
classroom hours of training.
Participants include those interested in adoption
through the DHR, as well as those interested in foster parenting. The
classes offer an opportunity for you to learn about a variety of topics
related to the adoption experience, including:
- Information about the children
- The possible impact of adoption on your family
- Behavior management techniques
- The agency’s role and more
During this time, a case manager will meet individually
with your family to complete the assessment process and to create your
Family Evaluation. This evaluation includes visits to your home,
gathering of information (such as medical reports, criminal records
check, financial statement, etc.), and discussions about your views on
adopting.
Step 4: Family Evaluation
You may proceed to step four upon completion of an adoption
preparation program and the assessment process. Upon reaching this step,
your Family Evaluation will be forwarded to the Adoption Exchange. Your
family will then be considered a resource for a waiting child.
Step 5: Pre-Placement
The time between qualifying for a child and placement of a child in
your home varies from family to family, although identifying a child may
shorten your waiting period. During the interim, you can periodically
review the Photolisting and you will also have the opportunity to attend
adoption galas and matching meetings. Information about support groups
in your area is available through your case manager.
Step 6: Placement
During this step, you may identify a child, or a Georgia county with a
child available for adoption may select your family for consideration.
If all agree that your family is a possible resource, then you will have
the opportunity to review detailed information about the child.
If you and the case manager decide to move forward, a
meeting will be held to share additional information, answer questions
and schedule pre-placement visits.
After a series of visits, you will sign a placement
agreement and the child will join your family. The agency will help you
apply for Adoption Assistance at this time if the child is in the
category of Special Needs, as defined for the purpose of adoption.
During the time before the adoption is finalized, your case manager will
visit with you and the child to offer support as you begin your new
life together.
Step 7: Finalization
While your child may live with you and become part of your family, you
must make the child legally your own through the court system. Upon
receiving a release from DHR, your attorney will file the adoption
petition.
A hearing will be held by the Superior Court Judge in
your county to finalize the adoption. The cost should be nominal and may
be reimbursable for children with Special Needs. When you become the
legal parent, visits are no longer required, but the agency is always a
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