Every day a child is in custody is a day of childhood lost. At Harmony Adoptions, we take a special joy in finding forever homes for the children and youth in Tennessee’s foster care system. Like all children, these youth deserve and need a comfortable, stable and healthy home. Our goal is to find families willing to open their hearts and homes to one of these children.
If you are considering adopting a child from the foster care system, you will certainly have questions about the rewards and challenges you will face. We have tried to answer some common beginning questions here and have also collected additional frequently asked questions and resources for foster care adoption for you to review.
As always, our adoption specialists are happy to speak with you to help you determine if this type of adoption is right for you and how you may begin the process. Feel free to contact us to begin the conversation.
Am I qualified to adopt a child from foster care?
The primary need for children in the foster care system is for a permanent home providing stability, love, and the support each child needs. If you can provide this support to a child, you may very well be a candidate to adopt from foster care.
To adopt from the Tennessee foster care system, you must be a resident of Tennessee and older than 21 years of age. Adopting parents may be married, single or divorced. Some adopting parents already have children in the home, while others do not.
How do I know if I should consider adopting from foster care?
Adopting from foster care is a rewarding, but challenging, experience. If you are considering adoption through this method, begin by asking yourself these questions.
- Am I secure and satisfied with my life and my family as they are now?
- Do I have a good support system – friends and family that can help me out when I need it?
- Can I be flexible in coping with surprises and unexpected situations?
- Can I wait for a child to return my love?
- Can I feel comfortable with the fact that my child may want to talk with me about their biological parents, as well as others who have cared for them in the past?
An adoption specialist from Harmony Adoptions can help discuss the process and expectations in detail to help you better determine if this option is for you.
Are there any special classes or requirements to adopt through foster care?
Should you decide to apply to become an adoptive parent through the Department of Children’s Services, you will need to complete a parent preparation process called “PATH” — Parents as Tender Healers. PATH is a 30-hour education and self-assessment process. It explores communications styles. It helps families understand the feelings of grief and the loss that children can experience. It helps identify family strengths. The process also helps adults identify the child they feel that they can most successfully parent.
Additionally, you will be required to complete a home study from a licensed agency. The exact process will be outlined by the agency you choose to work with during the adoption process.
Please call the State of Tennessee’s toll free number for more information: 1-877-DCS-kids (1-877-327-5437).
How much does it cost to adopt a child?
The legal fees at the end of the process are the only fees you will pay if you work with your local DCS office to complete the adoption process. If you work with a nonprofit or private agency instead of DCS, the nonprofit or private agency may charge additional fees. However, when families adopt children who are in foster care and eligible for subsidy, the families may be eligible for reimbursement of limited nonrecurring adoption-related costs, such as attorney’s fees and court fees, through the child’s state and/or federal options.
What happens after a child is placed in our home?
Our post-placement services are an important part of the adoption process. Adoption support services are available to families to help families and the children adjust to their new family life. Additional information about these services are located on the Adoption Support and Preservation program page.
Additional Questions or Ready to Begin?
Our adoption specialists are available to help you find answers to your questions and to help you begin exploring the adoption process. Please contact us to begin a conversation with an adoption specialist.
We also have collected additional frequently asked questions for you to review, along with a list of resources including Tennessee adoption agencies and links to help you find a child in need of a home.
