Children Need Forever Families
Many children in the state of Alabama are waiting for their forever families! When a biological parent’s rights are terminated in the courts, the child becomes eligible for adoption. Adoption provides a child with stability and permanency to help them heal and thrive.
Adoption from Foster Care
According to the Alabama Foster Parent Bill of Rights, a child’s current foster parent is given first consideration to adopt a child when parental rights are terminated.
If the foster parent is unable or unwilling to adopt the child, the child may be adopted by another interested family. There are two photo lists of waiting Alabama children who are eligible for adoption:
Adoptive Parent Qualifications and Process
According to the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) website, you may become a adoptive parent if:
- You are at least 19 years of age.
- You are single or have been legally married for at least 3 years; one member of the married couple must be a US citizen.
- You can provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere for the child.
- Your home conforms to Alabama Minimum Standards for Foster Family Homes.
- Your home has enough space for the child and his or her belongings.
- All members of your family are in good health.
- All adults in the home are willing to undergo a thorough background check, including criminal history.
The initial process to become a foster parent and adoptive parent are similar; it begins by completing the inquiry form and 30 hours of TIPPS training. The State Office of Adoption will review your file and assess eligible children who may be a good fit for your family. You will have the opportunity to review background information and ask any questions. If you decide that the child may be a good placement, you will meet the child in pre-placement visits before the child will be placed in your home. After at least 3 months of placement, you may begin the legal process for the child to become a permanent member of your family. Your county social worker will provide you with the DHR Consent to Adopt, and you will begin the legal process with your County’s Probate Court (this may require the assistance of an attorney).
After the adoption is legally sanctioned, you will receive a copy of the birth certificate with your child’s new legal name. Depending on your child’s age and needs, the child may also be eligible for a monthly subsidy.
For more information, please view the Department of Human Resources website.
Support for Adoptive Parents
- Adoption Assistance
- A summary of services and supports, provided by the Child Welfare Information Gateway, for Alabama adoptions from the foster care system.
- Alabama Pre/Post-Adoption Connections
- APAC provides resources, trainings, community events, support groups, family counseling, and summer camps for adopted children.
- Local and Regional Foster and Adoptive Parent Groups
- Check back frequently for added contacts for local organizations.
Quick Links:
Foster/Adoptive Parent Handbook
Foster Care/Adoption Inquiry Form
Alabama DHR County Contacts
Alabama Pre/Post-Adoptive Parent Connections
Alabama’s Waiting Children
Heart Gallery of Alabama