The foster care system is designed to protect children from abuse and neglect by providing them with a safe home. In Georgia, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) makes the decision to put little ones in foster care if they aren't getting the care they need at home. Although foster care is meant to be temporary, in some cases, it's possible to arrange a long-term adoption through the system.

What Is Foster Care Adoption?

With a private adoption, the birth parents either voluntarily give the child up for adoption or their rights may be terminated. With a foster care adoption, children are adopted out of the foster system—which they likely have been placed into against their parents’ wishes. Ideally, parents regain the capacity to care for their kids but this isn’t always the case.

When you become a foster parent, you are relieving the state of the job of taking care of the child. Georgia thus offers subsidies for adopting a child. Depending on the circumstances, possible benefits include monthly payments to cover expenses, Medicaid, and one-time financial payments to cover adoption costs like legal fees.

What Does It Take to Adopt Out of the Foster System?

To become a foster parent, you must be at least 10 years older than the child you want to adopt. You must be a resident of Georgia; if you have been a resident for less than five years, you will be screened for any record of child abuse or neglect in the state you previously resided in.

Potential foster parents must also complete a two-hour orientation on fostering and a family training course. They must also further prove their current financial stability, for example, by providing paychecks and bank statements. Finally, expect to undergo a medical exam and criminal background check.

If you are exploring adoption in Georgia, consult Hildebrand Law Office, P.C. in La Fayette for assistance. Their adoption lawyers have a thorough knowledge of this complex process thanks to over a decade of experience. They have been in business since 2001. They are committed to their clients and go above and beyond, even accompanying them on appointments to the DFCS. Review testimonials from their satisfied clients online. For an appointment, call (706) 638-6009.