FAQs

Q. Who can adopt a child?
A. There are no specific requirements for adoption other than to be at least 18 years of age. You do not have to be married, own your own home, have a certain level of income, etc. What you do have to be is ready to welcome a child into your family and provide them with a loving, safe, and permanent home.

Q. How do I begin the adoption process?
A. Just call 1-800-632-1400 and ask for Adoption Services. We will discuss the process with you personally and answer your specific questions.

Q. How long does it usually take to adopt?
A. The length of time depends upon how quickly the home study (pre-placement assessment) proceeds, a family’s flexibility regarding the type and number of children they can potentially parent, and the actual children that need adoptive or foster/adoptive homes.

Q. What is a home study?
A. According to North Carolina law, a home study is legally called a pre-placement assessment. It is an agency’s structured process for getting to know a family and assessing their potential for adoptive parenting, which is different from parenting birth children. The CHS process consists of interview, information gathering, and some training.

Q. How much does adoption cost?
A. There are no fees to adopt children from the foster care system in North Carolina. For other children, fees may apply.

Q. What kind of preparation for adoption is available?
A. MAPP-PGS is the group process in which CHS adoptive and foster families participate. This stands for Model Approach to Parenting – Group Preparation Process. It is educational and experiential. It provides insights into the feelings, losses/gains, and experiences of children in foster care. It helps families and professional staff assess the strengths and needs of potential adoptive families.

Q. After our adoption, what kind of support is available?
A. Once a child is placed, a CHS social worker works with the family and child as they go through adjustments, finding local resources, and assisting the family in finalizing the adoption legally. If a family needs additional assistance, they may be referred to our Family & Post Adoption Services.