Steps Leading to Adoption

Below are the basic steps needed if you are interested in adopting a child.

1. Once you make the decision to proceed, contact a local private adoption agency or a local Health and Welfare adoption representative. Additional information and contact information can be found at www.idahochild.org or by calling the Idaho CareLine at 211.
2. The next step is the Home Study.  This is where you gather and submit required information such as proof of income, marriage, employment, etc. You are assigned an adoption worker who will help determine what type of child you are most interested in adopting, assist you in completing your adoption application, and prepare you and your family for the transitions that will occur. A Home Study generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete.      
3. Once the Home Study is successfully completed, your adoption caseworker will help you learn about state and national registries that list children who are available for adoption through the state foster care systems.                                                                               
4. We recommend you attend adoption/foster-care training sessions. PRIDE training is an excellent place to start. For information on PRIDE training, go here.