How to adopt from foster care? What is the process, what is required, and how to begin? In this course, we talk with Kim Phagan-Hansel, managing editor of "The Chronicle of Social Change" and the editor of "Fostering Families Today." Kim Phagan-Hansel is also the editor of two books, The Foster Parenting Toolbox and The Kinship Parenting Toolbox.
This course covers the following topics:
- What are the different ways to adopt from foster care?
- How to find children currently available for adoption? AdoptUSKids, State Heart Galleries, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
- What are the basic differences between adopting and fostering in foster care?
- Who can adopt from foster care?
- Home study requirements
- Education requirements
- Can singles adopt?
- Criminal background?
- Do you have to own your own home?
- How closely are your family finances scrutinized?
- How much does it cost?
- What are the usual costs?
- How does the Adoption Tax Credit apply to adoptions from foster care?
- What is the process for someone wanting to adopt from foster care?
- How much education or training is required?
- Do you have to use the state agency or can you use a private agency? What is the difference between the two?
- What types of kids are available for adoption from foster care? Gender, race, sibling group?
- Can you adopt a child from foster care across state lines?
- What are the special needs that these children might have? Trauma, prenatal exposure, ADHD, etc.
- What should prospective parents think about when considering different ages of children to adopt?
- What should prospective parents think about when considering a sibling group for adoption?
- Is an adoption subsidy usually available?
- What can this subsidy be used for?
- Is there negotiation for this subsidy?
- What happens if we think the child might have problems in the future do to things, such as prenatal exposure, but is not currently showing any issues due to age?
- Is it possible to adopt a very young child or baby from foster care?
- How to transition a child into your home for adoption (if you aren't the foster parent) in the most child-centric way?
- Post adoption contact with birth parents, siblings, or birth grandparents.
*This course includes a 1-hour conversational audio lesson, a 10-question quiz, and a certificate of completion with the successful completion of the quiz at 80%.
Your course will remain active for 180 days from purchase date.
This course aligns with the following regulatory requirements.
Illinois Licensing Standard §401.520
*Important Information for agencies on Illinois Adoption Requirements.
