What Are the Requirements for Adopting a Foster Child in Michigan?

 Posted on November 23, 2020 in Family Law

There are many reasons why a person or a couple may choose to adopt a child. Parents may be unable to have children biologically, or they may simply want to pursue other options for expanding their family. Adoption can also be a way to provide a loving home and supportive environment for a child who needs it. In the state of Michigan, there are thousands of children in the foster care system who are waiting to be adopted. Parents who are looking to adopt a child may want to ensure they meet all of the necessary requirements, and they can work with a family law attorney to address any legal issues that may arise.

Foster Child Adoption Requirements

In many cases, children who are in the foster care system are temporarily placed in the homes of foster parents, with the goal of reuniting them with their birth parent(s). However, there are some situations where parental rights are terminated, and these foster children will be looking for adoptive parents who will assume permanent legal guardianship and responsibility for them.

Parents who are looking to adopt foster children can work with a private adoption agency that is authorized to approve adoptions by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. These agencies will handle the adoption application process, and they will complete a home study that will look at the parents’ personal history, the health of everyone who lives in the home, and any other issues that may affect a family’s ability to provide a good home for the child in question.

Adoptive parents must be at least 18 years old, and all adult members of a household will need to pass a criminal background check. Parents will also be required to provide at least three references and submit proof of income and other relevant financial records. The completion of at least 12 hours of Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) classes will also be required. 

Parents can be married, single, or in an unmarried relationship, and they do not need to own their own home to adopt, as long as they will have room in their home for the child to live comfortably. In many cases, financial assistance is available to ensure that parents can provide for a child’s needs.

Contact Our Novi, MI Family Law Attorneys

If you are planning to adopt a child, you may want to consider providing a home for a child or group of siblings who are looking for a permanent family that can give them love and support. While adopting a foster child can be very rewarding, it also has its share of challenges, and you may need to address a variety of legal issues and financial concerns. The compassionate Oakland County adoption lawyers at Elkouri Heath, PLC can provide you with legal guidance during this process, and we will work with you to make sure you have the resources you need. Contact us today at 248-344-9700 to arrange a complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mare.org/For-Families/New-to-Adoption/FAQs

https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/how-to-adopt-and-foster/state-information/michigan