Common Adoption Questions

If you’re considering adoption in California, then you likely have a lot of questions. Adoption is complex, which is why it’s so important to do your research before moving forward with the adoption process.

When you contact us, you’ll receive detailed and helpful information so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.

If you’re ready to get in touch with us today, then we are here for you. To get free adoption information now, contact us online at any time. Meanwhile, though, we have compiled this list of 11 of the most common adoption questions we receive.

1. What are the requirements to adopt in California?

Requirements will vary depending on which type of adoption you’re pursuing. But, as long as you are an adult who is 10 years older than the child you wish to adopt, and you complete the home study with background checks and clearances, you can adopt a child in California.

Still, no two adoption journeys are the same. There will always be slight differences for each person. If you have specific questions about adoption in your circumstances, then fill out our online contact form to speak with a reputable adoption professional.

2. How much does adoption cost?

This is one of the most common adoption questions we get. Different types of adoption come with different costs. For the most part, private infant adoption in California can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000. Foster care adoption, on the other hand, costs significantly less than that, with a price point usually in the four-figure zone. You can also offset these costs through:

• Monthly foster care payments
• California’s Adoption Assistance Program (AAP)
• The federal adoption tax credit

Our adoption professionals can discuss our fee structures and what expenses to expect when you work with us. We can also provide suggestions for adoption fundraising and budgeting to prepare you for your adoption journey. To learn more, contact us online today.

3. How long does it take to adopt a child?

Again, this depends on which type of adoption you choose. In our fos-adopt program, most families receive a placement within six months of completing their home study. Keep in mind that there are at least another six months before adoption finalization.

For private infant adoption, wait times depend on your adoption preferences and your agency’s advertising reach. International adoption can take much longer, sometimes up to a few years. This is mostly due to the Hague Convention, which ensures that the adoption meets the legal requirements of both countries.

4. What adoption services does your agency provide?

Here at FCCA, we can help you no matter what type of adoption you want to complete. Most of our requests and placements come through our foster care adoption program. Through this program, you’ll provide a loving home for a child who has always deserved one. That is nothing short of beautiful. We will help you complete every step of that selfless mission.

We can also help you complete: 

• Private infant adoption
• Guardianship adoption
• Step-parent adoption
• Adult adoption
• Relative adoption
• International adoption
• And more

If you have adoption questions about the services we provide in each program, then please contact us online whenever you’re ready to get in touch with us.

5. Do we need a separate professional for the home study?

No, our team of trained, licensed social workers can complete your home study. No matter what type of adoption you’re pursuing, you can work with us for your home study.

We are licensed in every county in California, so we can help you no matter where you live in the Golden State. We can even complete your adoption home study if you are working with another adoption agency that can’t complete it themselves. Fill out our online contact form to get started today.

6. Can I adopt an infant through your fos-adopt program?

Most children in the U.S. foster system are older children, so adopting an infant from foster care is unlikely. But, younger children are available for foster care adoption as part of a sibling group.

If you want to adopt a baby, then you may have better luck with our domestic infant adoption program. We’ll help you with the matching process so that you can connect with a prospective birth mother. Once you have found an adoption opportunity, we will walk you through the remaining steps of the journey.

7. Do we need to hire a separate attorney if we complete one of your programs?

This is among the most frequent adoption questions for adoptive parents that we hear. When you work with us, you don’t have to hire a separate attorney. Our staff will coordinate legal services to complete and file the necessary paperwork. We are always happy to find an experienced adoption attorney to ensure that your adoption journey is fair, ethical and legal. Additionally, we have an attorney on staff to assist with your legal needs.

8. Can I choose the kind of child I wish to adopt?

Yes, you can choose various characteristics when it comes to the child you’re adopting, including demographics like:

• Race and ethnicity
• Age
• Gender identity
• Disability
• And more

Keep in mind that these factors can impact your wait time.

If you decide to complete a foster care adoption, then we’ll walk you through the different characteristics of children available in foster care. No matter what, you are never forced to go through with an adoption that doesn’t feel right for your preferences or abilities.

9. Can I adopt a child with disabilities?

You can adopt a child with disabilities through all our adoption programs. In fact, most children adopted through our fos-adopt program qualify as “special needs,” whether it’s due to:

• Mental or physical disabilities
• Age
• Race
• Being a part of a sibling group
• Or something else entirely

No matter what your child’s disabilities may be, our professionals can provide you with the training necessary for them to grow and thrive.

10. Can the biological parent of the child I adopt “get them back?”

When it comes to adoption FAQ for hopeful families, this is an incredibly common concern. To ease your worries, we’re here to tell you that adoption is permanent.

In all types of adoption, finalization will terminate the birth parents’ rights. This means the birth parents won’t have any legal ties to the child after the adoption finalization. That’s why you must be 100% committed to adoption before you move forward with the process.

11. How do I decide which adoption process is right for me?

We’re qualified to complete whatever type of adoption feels right for you, so we can guide you through every step of this beautiful journey. When you discuss your preferences for the process, we’ll help you create an adoption plan that meets your needs. Adoption is complex, but, with our agency, we’ll make it as smooth and seamless as possible.

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Hopefully, these adoption questions and answers provide a solid starting point for you to embark on this wonderful, selfless mission. If you have some more adoption questions that we didn’t answer here, then contact us online to get more free information now. We are here to help you whenever you need us.