Choosing the path of a foster parent isn’t easy, but it comes with incredible rewards. And if you bond closely with your foster child, it can lead to a happy forever for both of you… through adoption.

Because in some cases, a return to the family of origin or biological parents for the foster child isn’t feasible. When that determination has been made, and enough time has passed, considering adoption can be the next best step for both of you.

The foster-to-adopt process isn’t necessarily a complicated one for growing your family, but certain criteria must be met, and steps involved.

If you’ve been a foster parent for at least 3 months to a child you wish to adopt, and who wishes to be adopted by you, you are eligible for this program through Centerstone.

And, if your foster child has been with you for a year or more, you have the right of first refusal if another family expresses interest in adopting your foster child (such as through AdoptUSKids.org).

Adoptive Parent Requirements

The good news is that the requirements for adoption are the same as they are for becoming a foster parent. The process for adoption, though, is separate and will take time and patience to complete as all the steps are completed and details are worked out.

Pre-Adoptive Counseling

One desirable aspect of our foster-to-adopt program is access to pre-adoptive counseling to you and your family, including your foster child or children, through a referral to a qualified therapist. When you begin the foster-to-adoption process, you can engage with a Centerstone Adoption Specialist to help guide you through the options.

Having a professional to talk over this big step is an invaluable way to solidify your family’s decision to adopt and help to work out any existing or potential problems before adoption takes place. We provide adoptive guidance before, during, and after adoptions for our foster parents and aid in any way we can.
Your Centerstone Adoption Specialist will prepare you for the entire adoption process, and help prepare all necessary paperwork. The Adoption Specialist is in addition to your Case Manager and Foster Care Coordinator, so you will feel comfortable and supported during the entire process.

Supportive Services Offered at No Cost Through Centerstone

One of the most important aspects of the foster-to-adopt process is that all your supportive costs are already covered through Centerstone and DCS. Some private and international adoptions are cost-prohibitive for families seeking adoption, which is why our foster-to-adopt program is a strong and viable alternative. All costs for the adoption process, including document preparation, court and attorney fees are covered. For continued service needs post-adoption, most Centerstone foster children are eligible for the Adoption Assistance program offered in Tennessee, and your Adoption Specialist will assist you with the application.

Home Study Process

Before adoption, you will need to undergo a home study to establish your medical, financial, and legal fitness as a prospective adoptive parent. This would include detailed medical histories, financial statements, and a thorough background check. Once these have concluded, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) has taken place, and all the necessary paperwork is filed, your adoption can most likely proceed.

Insurance After Adoption

Once your adoption is finalized, you can opt to put your newly adopted child on your insurance or enroll them in Tennessee’s TennCare Kids, the state’s equivalent of Medicaid for children. Most children adopted through our program qualify to continue their TennCare coverage post-adoption.

Choosing Adoption Can Be Both Your Dreams Come True

For some children in foster care who are unable to return to their family of origin, the hopes of a permanent home and parents who love them unconditionally remain strong. By choosing to foster, you open your heart and home to foster children who need you, and if it’s right for you, to the possibility of adding new members to your family through adoption. When both child and parent looking for permanence find each other, which is an ending we can all celebrate together.