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What to Expect During the Adoption Matching Process When Adopting from Foster Care
If you are hoping to adopt a child from foster care, the amount of information about a child offered at the onset will vary based on the custodial program’s policy. Some custodial agencies present a wealth of information upfront while others wait until you are identified as the possible family before you receive the file. It is important to understand that you will eventually receive TOTAL disclosure. Generally your agency will present the information to you either verbally or in writing (when available). You must understand that the information that you receive about the child can and will be disturbing at times. There will be documentation of EVERY incident that has occurred in the child’s life. There are often details of abuse or neglect. Additionally, behaviors that the child is currently presenting or has displayed in the past will be described. The file is to give you the information about the child and ALL questions regarding behaviors or diagnoses should be directed to the custodian before you make a definite decision. Often, once educated about a certain issue or incident, your perspective may change about your ability to parent the child’s needs. You want to focus on what progress or needs have presented themselves within the last six months of the child’s life. Secondly, you must realize that all children have behaviors. Imagine having your own personal file with record of every single time you did something wrong as a child. How would it read?
When you are in the matching phase of your adoption process, you must realize that adoptions out of foster care will take time. The case worker assigned to the child at the custodial program will need to read multiple homestudies in order to identify possible families, interview agencies and the families and ultimately set what is called a staffing. A staffing can take weeks or even months to coordinate. During the staffing, those with the custodial program that know the child best will review the possible families and decide which family has the best abilities to provide for the child and any special needs they present. Typically, you will not meet your child until you have received all information. Meetings will occur once you have fully committed your family to the child.
You should request your agency continue to search for your family until you are matched. You will be in the review process with multiple custodial agencies at once. At the official match, the search is halted until a final decision is made. If your family is identified as the match, you will then receive all the information about the child, have the chance to talk to previous care givers, case workers, teachers, therapists, etc. If your family moves forward with adopting the child, you will receive information about transition with the child and an estimated time of placement. Additionally, you may have to negotiate subsidies. Your agency or the custodial agency should assist you every step of the way. Any questions or concerns at any point should be addressed. Once your child comes home, post-placement services will be implemented. Your family generally will finalize after six months of placement but, each State varies on this requirement.
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