Adoption Services
585.268.9316
Adoption Assistance
Sometimes the Court determines that a child can never be safely returned to his or her parents. Such children are freed for adoption. The Department then seeks adoptive families, finding the children new permanent homes where they will be loved and well cared for.
Foster and Adoptive Parenting
On any day of the year, at least 70 Allegany County children are living away from their birth parents. Most of these children are placed in the homes of trained, caring foster parents, who sometimes become adoptive parents.
There are a variety of children in foster care who need safe homes until their family challenges are resolved. Some children may have special behavioral or physical challenges. About half of Allegany County children enter foster care with their brothers or sisters; we usually try to place siblings together. All children in foster care need love, affection, and guidance from a dedicated, nurturing caregiver.
Foster and adoptive parents may be single or married, homeowners or renters. They may have room for one child or several. They may be willing to children of any age and ability level, or have a more limited capacity.
How to become a foster or adoptive parent
- Call us to express your interest. Attend an informational meeting to see if becoming a foster or adoptive parent is right for you.
- Complete an application.
- Provide personal references and current medical reports.
- Attend pre-certification training classes.
- Participate in a home study.
We will help foster and adoptive parents in the following ways
- Provide ongoing training.
- Offer 24-hour emergency services.
- Arrange for individualized services for the children in your care.
- Provide financial and medical support to meet the needs of the child.
- Offer assistance through a Foster and Adoptive Parent support group.