Adopting from the US Foster-Care System
U.S. Foster-Adoption Program
In the United States Foster Care System, there are over 117,000 children eagerly waiting to be adopted into loving homes. These children cannot be reunited with their biological families and are in need of stable, nurturing environments. At A New Beginning, we recognize the profound impact that adoption can have on both the child and the adoptive family. By opening your heart and home to a child in need, you can make a lasting difference in their lives. Join us in providing hope and a brighter future for these waiting children.
Children available include:
- A diverse range of children aged 2-18 (with an average age of 8 and above)
- Single children, sibling groups, and children of all race
- Children who have resided in foster homes for 1-4 years and are survivors of abuse and neglect
General Adoptive Parent Requirements
- Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old and at least 15 years older than the child they wish to adopt.
- We welcome applications from single individuals, married couples, or partnerships of at least 2 years.
- Current children in the household must be at least 6 years old
- Applicants must be residents of Idaho
Training Requirements
Each adoptive family is required to attend a comprehensive three-day training session with A New Beginning to prepare them for successful child placement.
Topics covered in the training include attachment issues, trauma, transitioning and blending families, grief and loss, recognizing and managing neglect and abuse, effective parenting styles and techniques, as well as behavior identification and management strategies. Training sessions are offered 3-4 times per year to accommodate varying schedules and preferences.
Additionally, families will be assigned additional hours of independent training and encouraged to participate in support group activities.
First Steps
- Attend an Information Seminar
- Complete the Application and submit application and training fees
- Gain access to eAdopt
- Have an intake meeting with your Adoption Specialist
- Attend Foster-Adopt training
- Complete independent training curriculum
Home Study Process
- Pay the home study fee
- Complete the home study paperwork
- Have meetings with your Adoption Specialist
- Have an approved home inspection by a licenses Social Worker
- Complete a short overview for state caseworkers
While You Wait
- Pay the program fee and join the program
- Participate in support groups
- Support from your Adoption Specialist throughout the nationwide search of potential child or sibling group placements
- Submit inquiries with support by your Adoption Specialist on children you are interested in receiving more information on
- Adoption Specialist will work as a liasion between adoptive family and the child’s social worker
- Attend selection committee(s)
- Receive ongoing support from your Adoption Specialist
- Join our Monthly Foster-Adopt Zoom Group
- Read additional education topics relating to trauma
Placement and Finalization
- Match!
- Review the child’s paperwork
- Create a service plan with your Adoption Specialist
- Visit the child
- Prepare for placement
- Placement!
- Agency Counselor will addres attachment, transition and/or specific issues related to your adoption
- 6 months of post-placement supervision (monthly visits with your Adoption Specialist)
- Finalization!