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Adopt Thru Foster Care

First, a word about reunification…

The primary goal of foster care is to provide a nurturing home for children until it is safe for them to return to their families. When it is safe to do so, returning home is best for the children. Some families, however, are unable to resolve their problems and reunification isn’t possible. When this happens, the State is responsible for finding these children a new and permanent home-often, this is done through adoption.

When reunification is no longer an option

This is the process by which families begin as foster parents who can work towards reunifying families, but may end up eventually adopting a child they are caring for. Families choose this route to adoption because:

  • They are interested in younger children
  • Are seeking a faster route to having a child in your home
  • Are willing and able to foster a few children before finally adopting

There are no guarantees, and the welfare of the child always takes priority, but this has been a successful path to adoption for countless Utah families. For families who would like to adopt without doing foster care, adopting a waiting child may be a better option.

Waiting for Permanency

Adopt a waiting child – this phrase can be confusing! A waiting child is one whose parental rights are terminated and now seeks adoption.  Families choose this option because:

  • They become aware of specific children (or siblings!) needing adoption, like those found on Adopt US Kids
  • They are interested in adopting school-aged children or teens
  • Wish to avoid the emotional stresses that accompany reunification
  • Don’t mind waiting a little longer

Adopting a waiting child requires that a family successfully complete training and pass the approved* home study. This process can take a few months. Too often, families learn of a waiting child only to have that child placed with another family during the wait. Because of this, we encourage foster families to complete that process before looking at any specific children waiting for adoption.

* Ill-informed outside agencies may tell you that any home study will do. Talk to us before making a costly mistake.

Start at the Beginning…

Whether you’re interested in fostering or adopting thru foster care, the qualifications are the same:

  • Adoptive parents may be legally married couples or single individuals (aged 21 or older). Couples who are not legally married are unable to be licensed. Same-sex couples are included in this requirement.
  • Adoptive parents must be US citizens or legal residents.
  • Adoptive parents and all persons aged 18 and older in the home must pass background checks.
  • Adoptive parents need to be financially stable and able to support their family without assistance from the state.
  • Adoptive parents need to be healthy enough to care for children, as determined by their own medical provider.
  • Adoptive parents will not be licensed to do both foster care and day care at the same time.

Note: Utah Foster Care and the Division of Child and Family Services do not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

While adoptive parents may be homeowners or renters, there are physical aspects of your home that are important. To put it succinctly, your home needs to be clean, in good repair, and free from health and fire hazards. It also needs to have enough room for any children you intend to foster.

If you have any questions about whether you or your home qualify, contact us or fill out the form below.

I want to learn more…

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