Adoption Services

Children Need Permanent Homes

Adoption is the legal and social process by which a child born to one set of parents becomes the child of another parent or set of parents who then assumes all the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the birth parents. Adoption is a permanent plan offering the most stability to a child that cannot return to his/her parent(s). Adoption by relatives must be considered as an option in order to preserve the child’s sense of identity and family history. Adoption by foster parents may be an appropriate option if the child has developed a close relationship with the foster family. If neither of the options is available, individuals that have completed a home study and specialized training may be considered.

 The majority of children that DSS has eligible for adoption are considered special needs children. They range in age from newborns to adolescents. These are all children that are considered to be abused, neglected or dependent. The state maintains a registry of children that are available for adoption. Pictures and information about the children are located at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/adopt. The information about these children is also available from the adoption social worker at DSS. The agency conducts specialized classes for foster and adoptive parents. These classes must be completed before being a foster or adoptive parent. The agency provides adoption assistance for all agency children with a documented need.

Adoption Application
Financial Worksheet

For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent or to set up an informational meeting for your group or club contact Jovan Baccus at (828) 287-6401.