Many people who have love to share are looking for a child to adopt. With so many broken homes and abandoned children, there are many older children available for adoption. The process is similar legally, but the preliminary steps are much different than arranging to adopt a baby.
Instructions
Adopting an Older Child
1. Contact your local department of social services. The DSS has the information and help you need about adopting an older child and the steps you must take to get there.
2. Foster a child. This will give you the opportunity to get the child settled into your home and school. Learning each other's boundaries and personalities will go a long way toward making a successful adoption.
3. Petition the court for the adoption process to be approved. For this you will need an attorney and the recommendation of DSS, as well as affidavits from friends and family. During this time you will have your home visited by officials, and both you and the child will be counseled concerning the adoption.
4. Make any information required available to the court. They will want your housing information, financial information and criminal history, as well as the child's school reports and medical records. This is to ensure that the child will flourish under your care and will have all of his needs met.
5. Attend court with the child and your attorney in order to receive the final grant of adoption.
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