The Adoption Process - The Child

Child reported to HHS (Health and Human Services) as abused, neglected, abandoned.
Agency determines if allegations are founded.
If allegations are founded, agency makes determination whether to provide family preservation services or place child.
If child needs placement, HHS files petition for custody in Juvenile Court.
If court sees need for protection of child through placement, HHS awarded temporary custody of child.
Child Placed in foster care.
Agency develops service plan for permanency for child with birth parents.
If birth parents want adoption, agency takes voluntary relinquishment of parental rights which gives HHS the right to consent to adoption.
If parents do not relinquish their rights and there is a preponderance of evidence that the parents abandoned, abused or neglected the child, HHS is awarded Guardianship for the Right to Place.
The agency works with parents for reunification of child with family according to state and federal laws.
If parents unable or unwilling to correct the conditions leading to the child's placement or otherwise are unable or unwilling to care for the child, situation is discussed by adoption screening committee of Juvenile Court and agency representatives.
Worker discusses adoption with foster parents.
If case passes screening, petition filed for termination of parental rights in Juvenile Court.
Juvenile Court terminates parental rights if evidence warrants this and awards Guardianship with the Right to Consent to Adoption to HHS.
Worker begins assessment and preparation of child for adoption.
Worker discusses possible placement with child.
Child may have visit with birth parents to recognize change in their relationship and to prepare for relationship with new family.
Adoptive family identified.
Child and new adoptive family meet if foster family is not going to adopt.
Pre-placement visits with adoptive family initiated if foster family is not adopting.
Worker, family, child agree upon placement date.
Placement Agreement and Information Disclosure form signed.
Child placed.
Worker works with the family after the placement.
Family files adoption petition.
Agency, family and child agree to proceed with adoption.
Adoption finalized, child 14 and over consenting to adoption, after at least six months of placement.
Family seeks services for child and family after adoption is finalized as needed.
Family completes Adoption Assistance Review annually to meet child's special needs until child is 19 years of age, if required.