There are many children, in Georgia and beyond, who need stable homes and loving families. If you have an interest in adopting a child, there are many possible paths to take.
No type of adoption is intrinsically better than any other. However, certain types of adoptions may work better for you and your family than others. Hopefully, this overview of the different paths available for adopting a child will help you to make an informed decision as to which you want to pursue.
Domestic adoption
Domestic adoption involves children from the United States, if not from Georgia specifically. The children available for domestic adoption tend to be infants or toddlers. Therefore, this may be a good option if you are particularly interested in adopting a younger child.
Foster care adoption
For many children in foster care, their home situation has deteriorated to the point that they can no longer return to their family of origin. These children are available for adoption through the Georgia Department of Children and Family Services.
If you are a foster parent, you may be able to adopt a child who has been in your care. However, you do not need to have been a foster parent to adopt through DCFS.
International adoption
Your eligibility to adopt a child from overseas depends on the requirements that each individual nation imposes on parents adopting from other countries. Regardless of the other country involved, however, you must work with an agency with Hague Convention accreditation.
Relative adoption
This type usually occurs under one of two circumstances. You may adopt the child of a family member who is no longer able to provide care. It is fairly common for grandparents to adopt grandchildren or for aunts and uncles to adopt nieces or nephews. You may also be able to adopt your spouse’s children from a previous relationship.
The type of adoption that will work for you depends on many different factors. These include the age of the child you want to adopt and your ability to pay associated fees.