Georgia Foster Care and
Adoption Guidelines

Here you will find information about Georgia’s foster care and adoption program. Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is not a complicated process. You have already taken the first and most challenging step by seeking information about making a child a part of your family.

Far too many children are growing up without a permanent, supportive, and loving family to guide them on their way to responsible adulthood. Unfortunately, many of our children are born into families who are unable to care for them. As you know, all children need someone to unconditionally love and nurture them.

If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, the next step is to attend an orientation meeting. The orientation will provide you with additional information regarding the children we serve as well as the process of becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

Again, thank you for your interest in foster care and adoption and for understanding that a family life with responsible, loving and nurturing adults is a vital element in the development of all children and something that every child deserves.

Contact Information

• Division of Family and Children's Services
  Phone: 877-210-KIDS (5437)
• Para información en español
  Contacte: Morella Atkinson
  Correo Electrónico: matkinson@bethany.org
  Teléfono: 678-978-6032

Things You Should Know

• Foster and Adoption Licensing Requirements
• Costs to Foster and Adopt
• Agency Contact and Orientation Information
• Parent Support Groups
• Information on Georgia's Waiting Children
• Upcoming Events

Foster and Adoption Licensing Requirements

First, one must have the willingness and desire to open his or her heart and home to care for a child. The foster care and adoption process requires a thorough assessment of prospective families. Prospective foster and adoptive parents don't have to be wealthy, but should be able to meet their own basic needs. They can be single or married and may own or rent their home. In addition, they must meet established requirements.

• If single, at least 25 years of age and at least 10 years older than the child
• If married, at least 10 years older than the child
• Criminal records check
• Home safety checks
• Medical examination
• References
• Drug screen
• Georgia driver’s license if in GA (requirement for foster parents only)
• Completion of a two-hour orientation
• Completion of 20-hour pre-service training
• Completion of a home evaluation

Training, and Home Evaluations

The 20-hour pre-service training is called IMPACT, an acronym for Initial Interest, Mutual Selection, Pre-Service Training, Assessment, Continuing Development and Teamwork. During the IMPACT training, families are provided with information on numerous topics to assist them in understanding the Division of Family and Children’s Services' role in working with birth families, the roles and responsibilities of foster and adoptive parents, and the affect of abuse and neglect on children and their families. The process also requires prospective foster and adoptive families to assess the affect this decision may have on them. The approval process is one of mutual decision making.

Home Evaluations are completed for all prospective foster and adoptive families. This evaluation includes documentation that the family meets all of the above requirements. During this process the case manager will make at least two home visits to gather additional information and to assess the home safety requirements.

Additional information about foster care and adoption in Georgia can be be found by reading  general adoption information and detailed information.

Costs to Foster and Adopt

If you adopt or foster through the Division of Family and Children’s Services, the costs of medical exams and drug screens are typically paid by prospective parents, but these are reimbursable.

If you work with a private agency, you may be charged fees.

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

If you are new to the process, it is highly recommended that you attend orientation. During orientation, details of the requirements to foster and adopt are discussed. Families also receive additional information on the foster care and adoption programs and the approval process.

For more information, and to register for orientation, please call 877-210-KIDS (5437). You will be contacted by your county Division of Family and Children’s Services agency within 10 days to schedule an orientation.

Those interested in fostering and adopting can also read a list of nonprofit and private agencies provided by the Georgia Association of Licensed Adoption Agencies.

Para información de contacto de agencias que podrán ayudarle en español, por favor contacte:

• Bethany Christian Services
  Teléfono: 770-455-7111
• Lutheran Services of Georgia
  Teléfono: 404-591-7068
• Catholic Charities
  Teléfono: 404-885-7467

Parent Support Groups

The Georgia Center for Resources and Support serves foster and adoptive families. It was developed in 2001 to help families identify local resources and services. The center employs 12 regional resource advisors to assist families in their search for services to meet the needs of their child. In addition, the center has a lending library and a support line. For more information on these services please contact the center at 866-A-PARENT (866-272-7368).

Information on Georgia's Waiting Children

There are 13,965 children in foster care in Georgia; 2,370 of these children are waiting for adoptive families.

As you consider how much it means to you to adopt a child, imagine what the prospect of having a family means to the child. Some of the children in state custody were given up by their parents voluntarily. Most, however, were removed from their homes by the state due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Despite this, you’ll still see loving, hopeful faces.

Upcoming Events

Read more about Georgia adoption news and upcoming events.