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What to expect during the adoption placement process
Adoption is a life-changing journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a little uncertainty. If you’re a prospective adoptive parent, understanding what happens during the placement process can help ease anxiety and set realistic expectations. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key stages of the adoption placement process in the United States, shedding light on what’s involved and where you can turn for guidance.
1. Pre-Placement Preparation
Before a child is placed in your home, there are several foundational steps you'll complete. This typically begins with choosing an adoption agency or attorney, attending orientation, and undergoing a home study. A home study includes interviews, background checks, home visits, and documentation of your lifestyle and parenting approach.
2. Matching with a Child
Once your home study is approved, the matching process begins. This involves identifying a child whose needs align with your family’s strengths and capacities. In domestic infant adoption, this might mean being selected by an expectant mother. In foster care or international adoption, matching often involves collaboration between social workers and agencies.
Matching can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months—or longer. It depends on the type of adoption, your preferences, and the needs of the children available for adoption.
3. Pre-Placement Visits (When Applicable)
For older children, particularly in foster care adoptions, pre-placement visits are a critical part of the process. These visits help the child and adoptive family begin building a relationship and adjusting expectations. These visits might be supervised at first and later transition to overnight stays before full placement.
4. Placement Day
When placement day arrives, emotions often run high. This is the official moment when the child moves into your home. In infant adoption, this usually happens shortly after birth or once parental consents have been legally finalized. In foster-to-adopt or international cases, it may occur after court approvals or a series of visits.
It’s important to remember that even though placement is a major milestone, it’s not the final legal step—finalization comes later.
5. Post-Placement Supervision
After the child moves in, you’ll enter a period known as post-placement supervision. This lasts a minimum of six months in most states, during which a social worker will visit your home to monitor the child’s adjustment and your family’s wellbeing. The social worker may offer support, answer questions, and make referrals if needed.
6. Adoption Finalization
Once the post-placement requirements are met and your social worker submits a favorable report, your attorney will file for adoption finalization. This culminates in a court hearing where a judge legally declares you the child’s parent(s). Cue the happy tears!
After finalization, you’ll receive an amended birth certificate and can begin the lifelong journey of parenting your child.
Adoption is more than a legal process—it’s an emotional and transformative one. While every family’s journey is unique, understanding the steps of placement can help you move forward with confidence. Surround yourself with support, ask questions, and trust the process. You're not just preparing to adopt—you’re preparing to love and nurture a child for life.