Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. For any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Q:

The Adoption Home Study process is basically the same whether you are doing Fost/Adopt, Independent or International adoption. Although some of the paperwork may be slightly different the general principles are the same. The Adoption Home Study regulations are mandated by the State of California. The Adoption Home Study is a chance for the Social Worker to get to know you and your family. It consists of a series of interviews with all family members living in your home, both individually and jointly. Prospective adoptive parents must complete paperwork that deals with issues such as health, finances, employment, family of origin and parenting. Documentation such as marriage certificates, divorce documents, military discharge and child support information will be requested. Prospective adoptive parents have to give permission to have criminal and child abuse clearances and they have to provide the Social Worker with personal references. All family members have to complete a physical examination and be free of TB. Once all of the interviews have taken place and the documentation is complete a written assessment is prepared with a recommendation regarding the family and their ability to parent an adopted child.

Southern California Foster Family & Adoption Agency provides home studies for international and independent (private/domestic) adoptions in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Santa Barbara County.

Q:

SCFFAA charges $2,000.00 for the Adoption Home Study. Once an adoption is finalized the full fee is reimbursed to you. A payment schedule can be implemented if necessary. There may be other incidental costs, such as live scan (criminal clearances) costs or ordering necessary documents, such as a marriage certificate. Up to $400.00 of non-recurring adoption expenses are reimbursed to you by the county after the adoption is finalized. Additionally there is a $10,000.00 tax credit for everyone who finalizes an adoption that your accountant can explain further.

Q:

Once you are a certified foster parent a child can be placed in your home immediately. The child is placed as a foster child. The characteristics of the child you would like to have in your home plays a large part in how quickly a child will be placed with you. The more open you are to older children, sibling groups and different ethnicities the faster you will be matched with a child. Additionally, the amount of risk a family is willing to take regarding the reunification plans of a child affects the time frame.

Q:

There are many factors involved in a case moving through the fost/adopt process. Once parental rights are terminated an adoption can finalize in approximately 6 months. However, a child can be placed with you on a foster care basis for as long as one - two years before parental rights are terminated. Much of that depends on how far along the case is in the legal proceedings when a child is placed with you.

Q:

No. A child may be released from the hospital directly to the adoptive parents.

Q:

The birthparent(s) choose the adoptive parents for their child.

Q:

The cost is $2,000.00.

Q:

The cost varies depending on a variety of factors, such as attorney fees, medical costs of the birthmother and whether or not the birthmother needs living expenses. There are State guidelines about what can and cannot be paid for and the amount of support that can be given. The attorney you choose to work with will be able to give you more detailed information.

Q:

Whether or not there is continued contact is at the discretion of the adoptive parent(s) and the birthparent(s). Legally there does not have to be contact, however it is important to assess what is in the best interest of everyone involved.

Q:

The cost is $2,500.00.

Q:

There are additional fees for Post-Placement Supervision. Depending on what country you are adopting from and what their requirements are, a Social Worker will have to visit your home at least once after you return with your child.  There are also additional fees if you are doing a re-adoption once you return to the States.  This is needed so your child can obtain a U.S. birth certificate.