Adoption in Washington D.C.
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Washington D.C. has many adoption options available. One of the most difficult aspects of your adoption journey may be deciding which avenue of adoption to pursue. In Washington D.C. you may adopt an older or special needs child from foster care, an infant domestically, or an infant or older child internationally. Each adoption has a different avenue to pursue and it begins with your decision.
Who May Adopt In Washington D.C.
Almost anyone may be an adoptive parent. Most parents are average people. You do not need a high income, an extravagant life style, or a huge home. You must be at least 21 years old at the time you complete an adoption application, agree to obtain FBI/police and child abuse clearances for yourself and household members, and be able to financially support a child. You may be either a home owner or renter and either single or married. Children need parents.
Washington D.C. Adoption Home Study
A home study is a procedure you will go through regardless of the type of adoption you decide to pursue. This procedure allows the agency to help you decide what child would be the best fit for your family. While the questions are very personal, and may seem nosy, they are necessary to give your adoption the best chance of success. There will be questions about your financial status, employment history, your marriage (if applicable), your health and fingerprinting.
Infant Adoption In Washington D.C.
Infant adoptions in Washington D.C. are facilitated through an adoption agency or an adoption attorney. Both the birth parent and the adoptive parents need to be represented to insure that all laws are followed. The agency or attorney that you choose must be licensed in Washington D.C. and should have a history of infant adoptions. These adoptions are considered private placements.
International Adoption In Washington D.C.
One adoption option in Washington D.C. is international adoption. Each country has various regulations about who is allowed to adopt, how long you must stay in the country with the child after taking custody, and what age children they allow to be adopted. Research the countries for their regulations then select an agency that has experience in adoptions from that country.
Washington D.C. Older Child Or Special Needs Adoption
Just as there are average people who adopt children, there are average children waiting to be adopted. The Washington D.C. Department of Family and Child Services places children from foster care who need adoptive families into adoptive homes. The children in foster care are referred to as special needs children even if they do not have physical or emotional disabilities. They may have another special need which makes them more difficult to place. Things such a different ethnic background, an older child, or children who are in a sibling group that needs to be placed together.
Adoptive parents are required to complete 30 hours on training classes. The classes are intended to educate you on the potential needs of a child from foster care, along with strategies to help deal with these needs.
Washington D.C. Adoption Records
Washington D.C. does not currently have an adoption registry and does not have any provisions to receive identifying or contact information about the other party. All adoption records are considered sealed and will not be opened without a court order. If you want to have your record opened, you must file a petition with the court and show good cause.
