Many parents choose to expand their family through adoption. Others are interested in adopting, but think that they must have a lot of money to do so. While the expenses for a private adoption can reach $30,000 or more, adoption through the public foster care system can be very inexpensive and, in some cases, free. While you may have some fees up front, most states reimburse expenses up to $2,000, explains Baby Center, and if you adopt a child with special needs, you may be eligible for subsidies to assist with his ongoing care.
Step 1
Talk to current and former foster parents and read information about how the foster care system works in your state, suggests the National Voice of Foster Parents. Find out about the requirements for fostering a child in your state, including the amount of space that you must have in your home.
Step 2
Contact your state's Department of Children and Families or the equivalent, and let them know that you are interested in adopting through the foster care system. Ask when the next informational meeting is, and plan to attend. They may send you additional information to look over in the meantime.
Step 3
Complete the paperwork and assessments required by your state. This may include a background check, fingerprinting, a letter from your employer attesting to your good character and a medical exam, says AdoptUsKids.
Step 4
Attend the pre-placement training and orientation programs offered in your state and have a home study done. The classes will begin to prepare you for the reality of parenting a child who may have been abused or neglected, or who has special needs. The home study helps the agency to be sure that your home is safe and appropriate for a child, and that your family is well-suited to the experience of caring for a child who has been removed from her natural parents.
Step 5
Accept foster children as desired when the agency refers them to you. Let the agency know that you are most interested in children who are likely to be eligible for adoption.
Step 6
Complete the adoption process as required in your state. AdoptUsKids states that you will most likely need an attorney to complete the process, but that it varies from state to state. Your local foster care agency can give you more information on how to adopt your foster child.
