How Does Centerstone’s Foster-to-Adopt Program Work?
Foster-to-Adopt Checklist
- You’ve fostered the child you wish to adopt for at least 3 months
- The child wishes to be adopted by you or
- You are interested in adopting a Centerstone foster child already in full guardianship
- You may be eligible for the Foster-to-Adopt program at Centerstone!
Why Foster-to-Adopt with Centerstone?
- Access to Pre-Adoptive Counseling: Receive guidance for your family, including your foster child, through referrals to a qualified therapist. They can help you navigate the emotional and practical aspects of adoption, address existing or potential problems before adoption, and solidify your decision.
- Dedicated Adoption Specialist: In addition to your Case Manager and Foster Care Coordinator, you will receive the additional support you need throughout the adoption process, including paperwork preparation, planning meetings, etc.
- Covered Adoption Costs: All costs for the adoption process, including document preparation, court, and attorney fees, are fully covered through DCS. The foster-to-adopt program provides a cost-effective option compared to private and international adoptions.
- Post-Adoption Service: Post-adoption support is available through Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP) through DCS and Harmony Services.
Foster families often find deep purpose and fulfillment knowing they are part of a child’s path to reunite with their family. However, for some children, returning to their family of origin isn’t possible.
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.
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 Make 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.
Have questions about the foster-to-adopt process?
Our adoption specialists are here to help.
If you’re interested in getting started or simply have questions, a member of our team will reach out with the answers and support you need.
Ready to TalkFrequently Asked Questions
What is adoption?
Adoption is becoming the legal parent of a child. Many of the children we serve have adoption as their permanency goal due to their birth parent’s being unable to meet their children’s needs. Once a child is adopted, they become a legal member of your family.
Who is eligible to adopt?
Any approved Centerstone foster parent is eligible to adopt children from foster care. You must have a current home study completed at no charge to you. If a child has been in your home for at least 6 months and is available for adoption, you will be given the first opportunity to adopt if you wish to do so.
How long will the child be placed before adoption can occur?
A child must be in full guardianship prior to being eligible for adoption. This means that the child’s birth parents rights were either surrendered or terminated, taking away any legal rights to the child. After they are in full guardianship, the child must be in the foster home for a total of 6 months before adoption can be completed.
How much does adoption cost?
Most adoptions completed by Centerstone are fully paid for by DCS Adoption Assistance. This includes all court costs and attorney fees.
Will the child be able to keep their insurance?
While in foster care, the child will receive TN Care insurance through the state. During the adoption process, the adoptive family will have the option to apply for adoption assistance which could include continuing to receive insurance through the state. The adoptive parent may also put the child on their own insurance.
Can I foster without the plan to adopt?
Yes, many of our foster parents choose to just be foster parents for children without the plan to adopt. If a child placed in your home becomes eligible for adoption and you choose not to adopt, the team will begin to look for another home that will be a good fit for the child.
What does the adoption process look like?
Once the child is in the full guardianship of DCS and in your home for six months, the adoption process can begin. You will receive a full disclosure with all known information regarding the child presented to you. After full disclosure you will sign an intent to adopt and complete an application for adoption assistance. You will also select an attorney to help guide you through the adoption process. Your attorney will file a petition with the court of your choosing and an adoption date will be selected. On your adoption day, your team, family, and friends are invited to the courthouse to celebrate the joyous day!
What is adoption assistance and will I be eligible?
Adoption assistance is financial compensation after an adoption is finalized. Similar to a foster care board payment, the child may qualify for a daily stipend to help the adoptive family offset some costs the child adds to the home. Not all children who are adopted are eligible for adoption assistance, but due to the population Centerstone foster homes primarily serve, most of our children will be eligible to receive adoption assistance. Some factors that may impact eligibility include sibling group size, child’s age, child’s race, behavioral needs, and how long they have been in foster care.
What if another family wants to adopt the child I am fostering?
If your foster child has been in your care for a year or more, and another family expresses interest in adopting in the child in your care, you have the opportunity to be considered first to adopt the child. This “right of first refusal” honors the bond you’ve built and recognizes the love, stability, and connection you’ve established.
