THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN ADOPTION!

How do I go about adopting a child from foster care in Arkansas?

     The process for becoming an adoptive parent is similar to becoming a foster parent:
    
          *Applicants must be over the age of 21
          *If married applicants must be married for 2 years
          *If divorced applicants must be divorced for one year
          *Applicants must participate in 27 hours of foster/adopt pride training classes
          *Must be willing to participate with agency in running criminal background checks and FBI fingerprints

      After the background checks are completed the adoption specialist will meet with the family in order to complete an in home consultation.  This is basically a small walk through of the home, and is also needed to elaborate more on the adoption process.  Once the in home consultation is completed, the family will be referred to the foster/adopt pride classes which normally last 5-9 weeks.  During the classes the family will receive an adoption packet to complete.  This packet is lengthy, but will need to be completed in a timely manner.  Once the classes are complete the adoption specialist will make a referral for an adoptive home study to be completed.

      Once all of the information and paper work are received, the home can be opened up as an adoptive home.  The family is then added to the state matching list to be matched with a child.  Once a 'match' occurs, the adoptive family will receive a disclosure packet on the child.  After the disclosure is reviewed, pre-placement visits with the child can begin.  There must be at least 3 visits before the child can be placed.  The child must be in the home 6 months before the adoption can be finalized.

       Just like foster parents, adoptive parents also receive a monthly rate to aide in taking care of the child (during the 6 month waiting period).  Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents may receive an adoption subsidy for the child if the child qualifies.  The subsidy is a form of assistance for children with special needs, older children, and minority children.  All children are NOT eligible for subsidy assistance.  Each child would have to meet the guidelines to receive this type of assistance.