Complete an Adoption Application

Step 5

When you have selected an agency, they will require you to complete an adoption application. If possible, attend an orientation session before filling out application paperwork so you are confident in the agency’s ability to meet your needs. Application fees are often non-refundable, even if you decide to work through a different agency or change your mind about adopting.

If you find that the application process is hard to understand, ask the agency or another adoptive parent for help. Don’t let the challenges of completing forms keep you from pursuing adoption.

Find out how long it will take for the agency to process your application once you have completed the forms and paid the fee. Ask when you should next expect to hear from the agency, and how you can schedule and prepare for a homestudy.

The information on this page is used with the permission of the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC). http://www.nacac.org/