Our attorneys are familiar with the DFCS adoption process.
According to recent statistics, 3 out of every 1,000 children born in the United States will enter the foster care system before they reach legal adulthood at 18 years old. While reunification is typically the goal for a foster situation, in some cases, a child cannot return to their biological family and will need to be adopted into another one that can provide them the care, support, and safe environment that they need to thrive. Here at Hildebrand Law Office, P.C., we specialize in adoptions and are intimately familiar with the DFCS adoption process. If you want to welcome a child into your home from the foster care system but need assistance navigating the complex legal process, we’re here to help.
The DFCS adoption process is designed to thoroughly assess a potential adoptive family to ensure that they can provide a suitable environment for their adoptive child. It is an intentionally rigorous process since relocation is extremely stressful for a child. Therefore, the goal is always to minimize the number of times they will have to go through that process. While the DFCS adoption process is fairly straightforward to understand, everything must be done correctly to make the process as efficient as possible.
Because we are so familiar with adoption procedures, our team can help you make sure you have filled out the required paperwork, are prepared for the various visits and evaluations you will need to complete and provide other legal insight to make the process as smooth as possible.
If you want to provide a loving forever home for a child from the foster system, contact our office to learn more about the DFCS adoption process in LaFayette, Georgia and the surrounding areas. We look forward to helping you in your efforts to expand your family and provide a safe, nurturing home for a child.
FAQs About the DFCS Adoption Process
If you are a DFCS foster parent, you’ve most likely learned about the adoption process during your training. However, you might not remember everything you’ve been told, which brings about questions when you find yourself needing to decide if you will adopt the child in your care. The first thing to do is to talk to DFCS. They can tell you what steps come next and answer questions about continuity of care, continued agency support, and more. The next thing to do is talk with an experienced legal team, such as ours at Hildebrand Law Office, P.C. Our adoption attorneys have helped countless DFCS families see their adoption dreams become a reality, and we’ve answered several questions along the way.
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What are the formal steps I need to take to adopt a child?
Once you’ve decided to adopt a child from DFCS, we can start the legal steps, including filing necessary paperwork, such as an adoption petition. If you’re just starting, contact our team for a detailed look at the process and to learn how we can help.
How long does it usually take to adopt a child?
The amount of time it takes depends on many factors, including how many children you’re adopting and what paperwork has already been filed by DFCS. Once we look at the file, we can provide you with a better range for your particular case. In general, adoptions can take anywhere from a few months to a year.
What rights do birth parents have when their child is adopted?
When adopting through DFCS, the birth parents’ rights have been terminated, leaving them no legal right to the child. The relationship you choose to continue with them is up to you at that point. When making this decision, it’s a good idea to talk with our team and your DFCS support system.
At Hildebrand Law Office, P.C., we assist clients with the DFCS adoption process in LaFayette, Kensington, Rising Fawn, Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe, and Trenton, Georgia.