The Adoption Process

It's a good question: How long does the adoption process take?

The answer is a lot harder. The time from first call for information to training and homestudy to child placement can be short for some, longer for others.

That's because careful coordination is necessary between all of the players - recruitment, assessment, adoption staff, a child's legal representative and the courts. Background checks, for example, can take longer for a variety of reasons that are beyond our control.

You can potentially complete your pre-service training in six weeks if you do not miss a training class.

Completing your application and homestudy paperwork in a timely fashion also reduces delays. However, it is VERY hard to know the length of time needed to match an available child to the Child Characteristics Checklist you complete during the process.

Every aspect of the adoption process is governed by laws and regulations designed to protect the child. HCJFS takes its responsibility toward the children and adoptive families seriously. We work hard to ensure that the adoption process is completed as quickly as possible.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Adoption through Hamilton County

Step 1: Call or e-mail to request information about adoption

After you receive the packet and review the information, you can call us to schedule your Orientation class. You are always welcome to register when you call for a a packet, too! Call (513) 632-6366 or e-mail us at adoption@jfs.hamilton-co.org to have a packet sent to you.

NOTE: The policy of our training agency, the Southwest Ohio Regional Training Center (SWORTC), does not allow children at pre-service training due to the nature of some material discussed. Please call SWORTC for more information at 946-1263.

Step 2: Attend an Orientation

Orientation is a mandatory first step in the adoption process. During the Orientation, you authorize a local police check and a Children's Services involvement check. Completion of both takes approximately one to two weeks. If your police check meets state standards you will be invited to pre-service training. A letter will be sent to you inviting you back for Class 2 of pre-service training.

Step 3: Attend pre-service training

Training consists of several classes to prepare you for adoption. You can choose between three-hour sessions two nights per week, or six-hour Saturday sessions.

NOTE: Both you and your partner or spouse must complete all courses before your adoption application will be approved.

During future pre-service training classes:

  • You will receive an adoption application. You must complete the application and return it on a timely basis. Incomplete applications cause delays in the adoption process.

  • HCJFS will obtain your fingerprints. After training, your fingerprints are submitted for a state criminal background check.

Step 4: The home study process

Once you complete and return the formal application, the home study process will begin. This involves several items:

  • An extensive questionnaire
  • A home safety inspection
  • Multiple interviews with all members
    of the family
  • A medical evaluation form
  • A credit check
  • An employment reference check
  • A Clerk of Courts check
  • Personal references

State law stipulates that the home study must be completed within 180 days from the date of application. The process can take a shorter time, but is dependent upon you and the assessor assigned to your home study to keep all scheduled appointments. They will arrange these with you.

If you believe there may be concerns with your credit history, you might consider requesting your credit report from one of the three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax or Experian) and review it for any errors.

Contact your local Clerk of Courts office for information about any concerns you may have about past or current court cases and how they might impact your application to become an adoptive parent.

Step 5: Matching the family and child

Once your home study is complete, HCJFS prepares a match chart about your family. Children waiting to be adopted are typically scheduled for Match Committee every 90 days.

Thirty days prior to Match Committee, adoption caseworkers review potential adoptive families' files. These files contain the individual's or family's home study and Child Characteristics Checklist. If a potential match is determined, the potential parents and their caseworker are notified. The family caseworker may be asked to participate in the scheduled Match Committee to present their family under consideration for that child.

Remember: the Match Committee must keep the child's best interests first and foremost in mind as it reviews potential adoptive families for a child.

Step 6: Presentation and Pre-placement Visits

Once a match is determined, your adoption worker discusses all information HCJFS has about the child with you and your family. You and your family will be encouraged to thoroughly discuss all information with other family members and consider the child, his/her inclusion in your family and your family’s ability to parent that child. Pre-placement visits are scheduled.

Step 7: Placement

After a period of time, the child will move into your home. Your adoption worker will visit on a regular basis.

Step 8: Finalization

Finalization is the legal proceeding at which you, as the child's adoptive parent, accept the rights and responsibility for the adopted child. HCJFS can file for adoption finalization anytime after the child is living in your home for six months.

At that time, your adoption worker, your family and the adopted child will meet with a Probate Court magistrate. If the magistrate approves, the adoption is finalized.

Step 9: Post-Adoption Services (if needed)

Adoptive parents are encouraged to use a variety of support services available through HCJFS such as training and support groups. Call 241-5437 (241-KIDS) to arrange a referral.