Help a child find their forever home
Adoption changes the world for youth in foster care
In Georgia, more than 10,000 children and teens in foster care are waiting to be adopted. And every year, more than 500 youth age out of foster care without the safety and security of a family.
The power of foster care adoption
Imagine growing up without the stability of a permanent family.
Children enter foster care after being removed from their biological families due to neglect or abuse. The goal of foster care is to reunite them with their biological families as soon as it’s safe to do so. But when this isn’t possible, children and teens need a family to call their own.
Young adults who leave foster care without a family’s support face a difficult future. Many are instantly left homeless. And without a family’s care and guidance, they are more likely to experience substance use, mental health disorders, and ongoing instability.
You can help break this cycle by giving children the security of a stable, nurturing family.
You don’t have to be perfect to adopt from foster care
The most important quality you need to be an adoptive parent is a deep commitment to children who have been through life-changing trauma and loss.
Adopting a child from foster care is all about opening your heart and home to a child who needs a family. Great adoptive families are flexible, patient, and able to go with the flow. They are committed to their child’s well-being, no matter what.
The process of adoption
1. Orientation
1. Orientation
The first step is to fill out our contact form. Staff at your closest Bethany branch will reach out and invite you to a free orientation.
Contact Us2. Learning and training
2. Learning and training
Our training on trauma-informed parenting will teach you how to build trust and give you new strategies for correcting and regulating behaviors that will encourage deeper connection with your child.
3. Background check and home study
3. Background check and home study
Your home study includes descriptive information about your childhood, adult life, family and community, marriage and children (if applicable), parenting style, discipline strategies, understanding of trauma, and other critical elements.
4. Matching and adoptive placement
4. Matching and adoptive placement
Your home study will help workers assess whether your family is equipped to care for the specific needs of an available child. Once your family is matched with a child, there’s a transition period that includes multiple visits with the child before an adoptive placement occurs.
5. Post-adoption support
5. Post-adoption support
Bethany will provide training and support throughout your journey. At any time following your adoption, if you or your family encounter adoption-specific questions or challenges, we will provide ongoing expertise and support.
Frequently asked questions about adopting from foster care
What’s the typical age and background of children in foster care waiting to be adopted?
Children in Georgia waiting to be adopted from foster care are generally 13 years old or older. They may be part of a sibling group. Because of childhood trauma, they often have additional physical, emotional, or learning needs.
Can I adopt a baby from foster care?
When infants are adopted from foster care, they are almost always adopted by relatives or families who were already serving as their foster family. The overwhelming majority of children in Georgia waiting to be adopted from foster care are teenagers.
It’s natural to have questions about adopting an older child. Our staff would love to talk with you about your questions, concerns, and expectations.
Can I adopt more than one child?
Yes! Many waiting children want nothing more than to be adopted together with their siblings. This is a great need and opportunity.
What relationship will I have with my child’s biological family?
Openness is possible and encouraged to keep your child connected with their biological family. This could include grandparents, extended family members, and the child’s siblings. Depending on the child’s history, openness will look different from family to family. Your adoption specialist can help you take the first steps to maintain important relationships in your child’s life.
What is the cost of foster care adoption?
The amount of financial assistance provided to families varies from state to state. In Georgia, Bethany’s contract with the state alleviates many adoption costs, making fees minimal. At Bethany’s first orientation, you’ll learn about adoption costs.
When adopting children with special needs from the child welfare system, you may qualify for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. We’ll help you understand the financial assistance options in your state.
It’s normal to have concerns about the potential cost of adopting a child. While actual costs differ by state, foster care adoption expenses are often minimal.
Will there be challenges along the way? Of course. But your team of Bethany experts will provide training, resources, and support to answer your questions and help you navigate the ups and downs. For over 25 years in Georgia, Bethany has guided families through the foster care adoption process, and our experience is one reason why we’re one of the largest adoption agencies in the U.S.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us
When you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, we’ll connect you with a foster care adoption specialist.
Discover the kids
Meet children waiting for forever homes in Georgia.
Attend orientation
Join us for a free, no-commitment meeting to explore if foster care adoption is right for you.
Contact us to learn more
Your help—now more than ever—is critical to show kids and families they’re not alone. Take the first step toward foster care adoption.
