How to Adopt a Child in Indiana

At its very core, adoption is about not only giving a child a home, but giving him a permanent family, one he can feel he is genuinely a part of, something all children deserve. In Indiana, there is a statewide effort, known as Indiana's Adoption Initiative that seeks to find permanent homes for children in the foster care system. Adoptions can be domestic or international and can include step-parents who wish to adopt their stepchildren. Legally, you may need a lawyer to get through the process, but there are resources available to help you fully understand more about adoption.

Things You'll Need

  • Child ID number
  • Inquiry form
  • Adoption subsidy application form

Instructions

    • 1

      Select an attorney. Your attorney must be familiar with the adoption process and the foster care system, and should be aware that the child may be eligible for an adoption subsidy, which is the reimbursement of legal fees or nonrecurring adoption expenses (up to $1,500). If no one can refer you to an attorney, contact your county Bar Association.

    • 2

      Go through a home study. Prospective parents must complete a Family Preparation Assessment (home study) by a recognized agency, such as The Adoption Support Center of Indiana. If approved, a written approval will be sent by the agency to the county Department of Child Services, or DCS, or the Licensed Child Placing Agency, or LCPA.

    • 3

      Fill out the inquiry form. This form is found on the state of Indian's website (see Resources). Provide the child's ID number and your personal information (name, race, address and whether you already have children). You must also provide personal information on the child, such as age and race, and whether there are other siblings. The last section attests that you have passed the home study.

    • 4

      Pass the supervision period conducted by the adoption agency. Adoptions are only granted after a supervision period to evaluate the relationship between the child and the adoptive family, which is conducted by the DCS or LCPA. While the duration is decided by the court, most require six months.

    • 5

      Obtain the consent of the parents of the child you would like to adopt, if necessary. By law, both the child's mother and father (the father is determined by established paternity or by a signed paternity affidavit) must give their consent. But if DCS has taken action and ended the parent-child relationship, then a child may be legally free for adoption. Your attorney must check with the DCS to ensure that all consents have been obtained, or to determine if the child is legally free for adoption.

    • 6

      File adoption fees. Send the adoption history fee --- $20 at the time of publication --- and the putative father registry fee of $50 to the State Department of Health for maintenance of the records. Send the county clerk's office fee of $100 as well, if necessary. The court may not require payment of this fee if you are unable to pay based on an affidavit of your income and expenses.

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