How to Adopt a Child in Pennsylvania

Deciding that you want to adopt a child can bring your family enormous emotional rewards, but the process is not without its challenges. As a resident of Pennsylvania, it is important that you be aware of the specific requirements of the state as well as the unique resources available to you. Arming yourself with information is the safest way to ensure that the adoption process remains smooth and efficient.

Instructions

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      Evaluate the current fiscal and emotional stability of your family. Consider the impact that retaining the services of a lawyer or paying an adoption agency could have on your family savings when undergoing the adoption process. Ensure that your family is both prepared for the journey of adopting a child as well as the realities of caring for that child once she is part of your family.

    • 2

      Review adoption guidelines and regulations specific to Pennsylvania. Access information from the National Adoption Agency to determine whether you have the background and means that will allow your family to adopt. For residents of Pennsylvania, the basic prerequisites for adoption are: being 21 years of age, having no criminal history that involves children, and possessing a housing and financial situation that provides suitable conditions for a child.

    • 3

      Select a Pennsylvania adoption agency that fits your location, budget and comfort level. Browse resources like Adoption.com or the Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network in order to compare and contrast agencies in Pennsylvania. Visit agency websites or go in person in order to verify professionalism as well as the level of service offered.

    • 4

      Complete an application form with your desired agency, and provide it with all relevant details pertaining to your home situation as well as employment details for your family. Pennsylvania law requires that this application include both state and federal criminal record checks, details on any alcohol or drug arrests for you and your spouse in the last five years, evidence of financial stability in your home, and details on the composition of the family in your home, including names and ages of any children already living there. Since this adoption agency will be acting as an intermediary between your family and the government, it's important that the information provided in your application be accurate and thorough.

    • 5

      Complete a home study with your Pennsylvania-based adoption agency. This is a series of meetings with your family, your adoption agency and a social worker. It is in an ongoing dialogue about the realities of your home situation and a way to prepare for a new child arriving into your life. In Pennsylvania, you are required to provide official documentation such as a birth certificate, marriage license and personal references during this home study. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions to the social worker about your upcoming adoption and how you should better prepare.

    • 6

      Search for a potential child through the adoption agency. Information you provide to the adoption agency will be shared with a child's case worker. If the child reacts positively to the details you provide as well as the results of your home study, she may choose to pursue a placement with your family. Keep note that in Pennsylvania a child over the age of 12 must consent to be being placed with a potential family. Additionally, any spouse or guardian that currently cares for a potential child must consent to the adoption.

    • 7

      Welcome your new child into your home. This will be a large adjustment for both your new child and your family, but your Pennsylvania adoption agency will work with you in a series of post-adoption interviews and evaluations to finalize the suitability of your adoption.

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