Embarking on the adoption process takes time and patience. In addition to 27 hours of pre-service training, adults must submit an application and undergo an extensive home study with references and background checks before they can even be considered as an adoptive party. From there, the process can vary greatly depending on whether a child has already been placed in your home as a foster child or if you have to wait for a suitable match; when parental rights are terminated; and legal proceedings. Adoptions can take anywhere from several months to a year or longer. And, all adoptive families must complete post-placement supervision of at least six months before the adoption can be finalized.
Remaining open and flexible about your adoption options and opportunities can dramatically reduce your wait period, and being prepared—especially financially—can help expedite things like the home study and assessment.