When starting the adoption or foster care process, many prospective parents have questions.

To get most of the answers you need, AAAA has compiled answers to frequently asked questions.  If you need more information or do not find the answer you are looking for, contact us.

1. Who can adopt or be a foster parent?

2. How long does adoption take?

3. How long does foster care licensing take?

4. I would like to adopt my foster child, how do I get started?

5. I would like to adopt a relative, how do I get started?

6. I would like to adopt a child I saw on the Internet or in a Waiting Child flyer. How do I get started?

7. How much does it cost to adopt?

8. What is a criminal background check?

9. What is a home study?

10. How much space must I have in my home to be a licensed foster care provider?

11. Can I be a licensed foster care provider with more than one agency?

12. How much money will I receive as a foster parent?

13. Can a birth parent reclaim an adopted child?

14. Can an adoption be reversed?

15. I want to place my unborn child for adoption. How can AAAA help me?

With AAAA you don't need to be young, married, wealthy or a homeowner to adopt or become a bridge foster parent.  AAAA does not discriminate based on race - we gladly help African American, Caucasian or any race or nationality identify children they can successfully parent.

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2. How long does adoption take?
AAAA's Waiting Child adoptions are generally completed between six and 18 months.  However, it is important that parents understand the intense physical and emotional preparation required to successfully transition a child. Parents are encouraged to be patient and flexible.

Parents may wait longer if they are interested in an infant, private or interstate adoption.  The process may also take longer, for example, if there are inconsistencies in the home study, or if parents have limited criteria for children they will parent.

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3. How long does foster care licensing take?
AAAA's bridge foster parents are generally licensed within six months of completing the initial application.  During this time a complete foster care home study must be completed in addition to intensive training.

The process may take longer if the necessary paperwork is delayed.

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4. I would like to adopt my foster child, how do I get started?
In order to adopt a foster child, parental rights must be terminated.  If they are, the process involves attending adoption orientation and training, filling out application materials and completing the home study process.  This process closely mirrors the Waiting Child adoption process and generally takes between six and 18 months.

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5. I would like to adopt a relative, how do I get started?
In order to adopt a relative child, parental rights must be terminated.  Once parental rights are terminated, a county agency will begin a kinship search.  You can present yourself as an adoptive candidate at that time.

Once a preliminary criminal background check is performed to ensure you are an eligible adoptive parent, you will begin the Waiting Child adoption process.

You will be required to attend adoption orientation and training, fill out application materials and complete the home study process.  This process generally takes between six and 18 months.

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6. I would like to adopt a child I saw on the Internet or in a Waiting Child flyer. How do I get started?
Please remember that photo listings of children are often outdated - the child you are interested in may no longer be available.  However, a trained AAAA resource worker will work to evaluate a particular child's availability.  If they have found an adoptive home, the worker will proactively find a child of a similar age, gender, etc.

If the child is available, the worker will contact the county or state in which that child resides to determine if your parenting strengths match the child's individual needs.  Once eligibility is confirmed, the Waiting Child adoption process applies.  This process generally takes between six and 18 months.  If the child lives outside the state of Minnesota, interstate processes and fees may apply, for more information visit interstate adoption.

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7. How much does it cost to adopt?
AAAA charges no fees for the adoption of Waiting Children.  For more information, visit Waiting Child adoption.

When it comes to private adoption, AAAA asks prospective parents to cover the costs of completing a home study and legal processing.  These costs can range from $4,150 to $13,000.  However, help to offset these costs can be researched.  For more information, visit private adoption expenses.

The cost of interstate adoption depends on the state with which the adoption is being conducted.  For more information, visit interstate adoption expenses.

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8. What is a criminal background check?
The Minnesota Department of Human Services requires prospective families submit written authorization for a background assessment to screen for select criminal offenses or maltreatment of vulnerable adults or minor children.

AAAA will need permission to review your criminal history, social history, local police record and when applicable, your driving record.  AAAA also evaluates juvenile records of children 11 years and older that reside in your home.

It is important to note that minor criminal offenses do not preclude you from adopting.  Criminal histories are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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9. What is a home study?
A home study is a process in which prospective adoptive or foster parents work with a trained resource worker to evaluate their parenting strengths and determine the kinds of children they can parent.

On average the AAAA home study process takes 12 to 20 weeks to complete.  In general, the following information is included in AAAA's written home study report:

• Personal and family background-including upbringing, siblings, key events, significant associations, etc.
• Marriage and family relationships
• Motivation to adopt and expectations for the child
• Parenting and integration of the child into the family
• Family environment
• Physical and health history of the applicants
• Education, employment and finances-including insurance coverage and child care plans if needed
• References and criminal background clearances
• Summary and social worker's recommendation

10. How much space must I have in my home to be a licensed foster care provider?
As a foster parent, children must be provided their own beds.  Up to two children of the same sex can share a bedroom.  Children of different genders may share the same room up to age 5.  An AAAA resource worker will evaluate how many children can be fostered in your home; space need not be a prohibitive factor.

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11. Can I be a licensed foster care provider with more than one agency?
No, unfortunately if you would like to become an AAAA foster parent, your license with any other agency must be terminated.  An AAAA resource worker can help you with this process when necessary.

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12. How much money will I receive as a foster parent?
There is no set rate on the funds provided to foster parents.  The state regulates and manages the foster care payment system on a case-by-case basis.

A flat rate for room and board will be provided based on the age of the child.  A difficulty of care (DOC) assessment will also be performed to evaluate each child's behaviors and special needs.  DOC is assessed and quantified to determine the total monthly foster care payment.  Visit foster parent support for more information on the provisions AAAA foster parents receive.

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13. Can a birth parent reclaim an adopted child?
In the case of a Waiting Child adoption, parental rights have been terminated.  Thus, biological parents no longer have legal rights to the child and cannot reclaim them.

In the case of private adoption, the birth parent has 10 business days after the consent to adopt has been signed to rescind that decision.  After 10 days, legal rights are officially terminated and a biological parent can no longer reclaim the child.

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14. Can an adoption be reversed?
Prior to arriving at adoption dissolution, AAAA will develop and implement a crisis case plan to try to keep your family in tact.  If a resolution cannot be achieved, county child protective services must become involved in the case.  Just as with a biological child, the only way an adopted child can be removed from your home is if the courts terminate your parental rights.

Adoption dissolution is not a simple process; AAAA will do everything necessary to help support your family in order to avoid permanent fissure.  Please visit support services for more information.

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15. I want to place my unborn child for adoption. How can AAAA help me?
AAAA's services will help walk you through your options and decision.  A trained adoption resource worker will provide pre-birth counseling, help you identify the right family for your child and ensure you are supported through the adoption process.

Visit private adoption for more information or contact Renita Wilson, AAAA's private infant adoption program manager at 651.659.0460, ext. 105 or toll-free at 888.840.4084.

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