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9 Steps to Adoption
Step 1:
Make a Call
Contact our Foster & Adoption Parent Information Line, toll free, at (888) 871-KIDS (1-888-871-5437). Someone will mail you an Adoption Information Packet. If you have further questions, please call or email Patrick Hammond, Adoption Recruiter, at (714) 704-8946.
Step 2:
Attend an Agency Orientation
Register to attend a Foster & Adoption Introductory Orientation, during which child welfare professionals will provide an overview of foster care and adoption and answer any questions you may have.
Classes are offered throughout Orange County in both English and Spanish. Sign language interpreters may also be provided if requested.
View a schedule of upcoming Orientations
Step 3:
Complete PRIDE Training
Attend a 6-week Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (“PRIDE”) training series taught by experienced foster and adoptive parents and social workers and designed to assist participants:
Develop and improve parenting skills.
Build confidence.
Assess their strengths as foster or adoptive parents.
Learn how to work with dependent children and their birth parents and other relatives.
Collaborate more effectively with social workers and Agency staff.
Explore ways to help dependent children adjust to their temporary foster homes.
Discover the resources available to help support foster and adoptive families.
Learn about their rights and responsibilities as foster and adoptive caregivers.
PRIDE training schedule
Step 4:
Attend an Adoption Application Workshop and Receive an Application
Information specific to the adoption application and home study process will be provided and your questions will be answered by experienced adoption staff members. At the end of the workshop, you will receive an application to take home with you to complete.
Step 5:
Submit the Completed Application
Completed applications must be submitted in-person, by appointment. At the time of your scheduled appointment, your application will be reviewed for completeness and, if complete, your fingerprints (Live Scan) will be taken. Your application will then be assigned to a licensing social worker who will contact you to schedule an appointment to conduct a home assessment interview.
Step 6:
Begin the Home Study Process
Once you have completed PRIDE Training and social workers have reviewed your application, someone will contact you to begin a home study.
Step 7:
Complete the Home Study Process
Usually within 30 days after receiving and reviewing your application, an adoption home study social worker will be assigned to conduct a series of interviews and prepare you to welcome a child into your family. During this process, the social worker will get to know you to help determine the best match for you and your family and the child you will be adopting. An approved home study is required before a child can be placed in your home.
Step 8:
Obtain a Foster Care License
You must obtain a foster care license before becoming eligible to adopt. Your adoption home study social worker will let you know when it is time to apply for a foster care license.
You will be eligible to receive your foster care license after you have:
Attended a Foster Care Application Workshop.
Returned your completed application in-person, as requested.
Provided proof of successful completion of a CPR/First Aid class and all other required training.
Provided the results of TB testing for everyone residing in your home.
Undergone fingerprinting (Live Scan) and the Agency has obtained the results of background checks for all adults over 18 years of age residing in your home.
Finalized the home inspection process and your adoption home study.
Step 9:
The Matching Process Begins
Once you have an approved adoption home study and a foster care license, you are eligible to be matched with a child or children for adoption. Your adoption home study social worker will be your liaison with the Agency during the matching process.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about Adoptions or the Adoptions process, please contact one of the following:
Patrick Hammond, Adoption Recruiter, by calling (714) 704-8946, or emailing Patrick.Hammond@ssa.ocgov.com.
Our Foster & Adoption Parent Information Line, (888) 871-KIDS (1-888-871-5437), and register to attend an Orientation.
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