Are foster care records public?

Are foster care records public?

Child protective services (CPS) and foster care records are generally confidential and are not made public. Such records can include child identification information, information regarding the child’s biological family, condition reports on the child’s original...
How much do foster parents get paid?

How much do foster parents get paid?

Foster parents do receive a monthly stipend to cover the costs of child care, such as food, clothing, and other basic necessities. The payment structure for foster families varies depending on the payment rates established by their residing state, the age of the...
Adoption Process FAQs

Adoption Process FAQs

Are adoption records public? Adoption records are often sealed or only allow restricted or partial access in most states. However, there are exceptions, with some states having open adoption records. Can adoption records be sealed? Yes. Many states and courts seal...
How to adopt a child

How to adopt a child

The steps involved in adopting a child will vary from state to state, but here are the basic steps most states require. 1. Ensure you meet the basic requirements Prospective parents must: Meet basic requirements, such as age, state residency, and are financially...
How long does the adoption process take?

How long does the adoption process take?

The length of time varies based on the type of adoption and any adoption preferences, such as the child’s age, which can impact how long you’re on a waitlist. For instance, some adoptive parents wait for two or more years before being matched with a healthy infant....
What is the legal adoption process?

What is the legal adoption process?

The adoption process allows an adult to become the legal parent of a child who is not biologically their own. An adoptive parent accepts full custody and is legally responsible for the child’s support costs and obligations. As part of the process, the biological...