How to Adopt from Foster Care
How to Adopt from Foster Care
Adopting from foster care is a meaningful way to provide a permanent home for children in need. Here's a comprehensive explanation of how to adopt from foster care:
Requirements to Adopt from Foster Care
To adopt a child from foster care in Tennessee, you must meet the following requirements1[1][3]:
- Be at least 21 years old - Be a resident of Tennessee - Complete an approved home study - Be able to meet your family's financial needs - Pass background checks and fingerprinting - Complete required training (TN KEY or PATH training)
You can be single, married, or divorced. You may or may not have other children. You can own or rent your home and can work full-time1[1].
The Foster-to-Adopt Process
Most adoptions from foster care in Tennessee (about 80%) occur through foster-to-adopt[2]. This process typically involves:
1. Contacting a Tennessee foster care agency 2. Completing required training (PATH or TN KEY) 3. Completing the home study process 4. Becoming a licensed foster parent 5. Accepting foster placements 6. Adopting if a foster child becomes available for adoption
Foster parents are given the first opportunity to adopt if their foster child becomes available for adoption[2].
Adopting Without Fostering First
While less common, it is possible to adopt a waiting child without fostering first. The process typically involves2[2]:
1. Obtaining a home study from a licensed private agency 2. Finding a waiting child on adoption photolistings 3. Submitting your home study and application for a specific child 4. Completing required training if matched with a child 5. Completing the legal adoption process
Costs
Adopting from foster care through the state agency is generally free or very low cost. You may only need to pay for legal fees at the end of the process. Some costs may be reimbursable[3].
Children Available for Adoption
There are about 400 children in Tennessee waiting for adoptive homes. Many are older children, sibling groups, or children with special needs. The median age of children adopted from foster care is 8 years old3[3].
Post-Adoption Support
After adoption, various post-adoption support services may be available. These can include financial assistance, medical coverage, and counseling services. It's important to ask about available post-adoption support during the process[4].
Key Considerations
- Be prepared for the emotional challenges of fostering and adopting - Understand that the primary goal of foster care is reunification with birth families when possible - Consider your ability to support a child who may have experienced trauma - Be open to adopting older children or sibling groups - Develop a strong support system
Adopting from foster care can be a rewarding way to grow your family while providing a loving home for a child in need. It requires patience, flexibility, and a commitment to supporting a child through challenges. Working closely with your agency and utilizing available training and support resources can help ensure a successful adoption experience1[1]3[4][5].