If a child’s parents are incapable or unwilling to take care of them, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) may decide to place them with a foster family. While foster parents provide food, shelter, and everything else the children need, DFCS maintains legal custody, including the power to make decisions about their education and health care needs. However, if the parents issues cannot be resolved, and if the child is a good fit, adoption gives foster parents the opportunity to make the arrangement permanent.

Fostering & Adoption in Georgia

Why Children Are Removed

A variety of circumstances can lead to a child entering DFCS custody, but the two most common are neglect and parents with drug issues. Nearly 2,000 children are placed into foster care every year due to inadequate housing, while another 2,000 are victims of abandonment or have parents who are sent to prison.

Becoming a Foster Parent

Anyone interested in helping children in need and have the resources to do so can apply to become a foster parent by calling 1-877-210-KIDS or visiting DFCS online. Each candidate must go through extensive background checks, home evaluations, and training, so the process can take up to 10 months.

Transferring Into Adoption

Each year, approximately 850 children are adopted by their foster parents, turning their temporary refuge into a permanent home. If your child is eligible for adoption, a good attorney can help make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, ensuring there aren’t going to be any speed bumps along the way.

The legal team at the Hildebrand Law Office PC are known throughout northwestern Georgia for their effective legal guidance and compassionate, caring approach. Whether you’d like to discuss adopting a foster child or a member of your own family, you can count on these attorneys to guide you through every step. To learn more about how they can help with your DFCS adoption, visit their website or call (706) 638-6009.