Steps to become an adoptive parent
- Contact one of the regional offices to inquiry and receive application.
- Application completed and returned to the regional office which serves your resident county.
- Complete SLED/ Fingerprints and Child Abuse Central register releases on all members of household 18 years and older.
- Attend 14 hours of preparatory training to help with self evaluation of the types of children which would fit into your family.
- Fire and sanitation inspections completed on home by the Fire Marshal and DHEC.
- Home Visits: adoption specialist visits the home and completes interviews for pre- placement investigation.
- Three/ Four References received and interviewed by adoption specialist.
- Medicals are required on all family members.
- Provide copies of birth certificates, Marriage license and divorce petitions and decrees if applicable.
- During assessment family and agency assess qualifications and readiness to adopt.
- Approval received and family considered for children along with other approved and waiting families.
- Placement committee selects family and notifies family and family is presented full background on child/ children for whom family is selected.
- Family meets child and begins visitation with child.
- Placement occurs when child and family are ready for move.
- Post placement period begins and can continue up to 12 months..
- Finalization of the adoption in Family Court.
- Adoption Preservation services are available upon request after the finalization of the adoption. Adoption is a lifelong process, counseling and other referral services may be available to the family as needed and requested by the family.
Children available for adoption
Many outside organizations provide photos and information about children that are available for adoption. Please visit some of the following websites for more information:
Training for adoptive parents