Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions, if you have any more questions or need some clarification- please feel free to reach out to us!

What are the qualities you look for in adoptive parents?

Qualities for successful adoptive parents are similar to all parents. We look for people who can provide a loving and safe home for the child or children. Being an advocate for your child, try new parenting techniques, and having humor and flexibility in your adoption journey. Being a successful adoptive parent is understanding the challenges these children have faced and being able to adapt and respond loving and appropriately.

What are the qualifications to adopt? 

For Infant Adoptions:

  • Must be at least twenty five (25) years of age or fifteen (15) years older than the child they are adopting;
  • The maximum age for adopting an infant is fifty-five (55) years of age;
  • Parents cannot have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against children, animal abuse, or homicide;
  • Parents must be able to pass an enhanced criminal background check;
  • Adoptive parents can be single, married or divorced. Married or coupled adoptive parents must have been in cohabiting relationship for no fewer than two years prior to the date of the application;
  • Be able to financially support their family (including the child/children whom they hope to adopt) and;
  • Own, rent, or reside in a safe residence with space for adopted child/children, and;
  • Have lived in Idaho for no fewer than six (6) months prior to the application and to have obtained Idaho residency (verified by a State of Idaho Driver’s License);
  • Be healthy emotionally, physically, and mentally as evidenced by an evaluation provided by a medical professional.

For Older Child and Foster Adoptions:

  • Must be at least twenty five (25) years of age or fifteen (15) years older than the child they are adopting;
  • The maximum age is sixty-five (65) years old;
  • Parents cannot have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against children, animal abuse, or homicide;
  • Parents must be able to pass an enhanced criminal background check;
  • Adoptive parents can be single, married or divorced. Married or coupled adoptive parents must have been in cohabiting relationship for no fewer than two years prior to the date of the application;
  • Be able to financially support their family (including the child/children whom they hope to adopt) and;
  • Own, rent, or reside in a safe residence with space for adopted child/children, and;
  • Have lived in Idaho for no fewer than six (6) months prior to the application and to have obtained Idaho residency (verified by a State of Idaho Driver’s License);
  • Be healthy emotionally, physically, and mentally as evidenced by an evaluation provided by a medical professional;
  • Children currently in the home must be at least six (6) years old at the time of application.
Can I adopt a child who I know through friends, family, church or neighborhood?

Yes, the child’s assigned caseworker will look into other support systems for the best possible match.

Can the biological parents come back to take the child?

In order for the child to be adopted, the biological parents rights must be terminated. With foster adoptions, these rights have already been terminated. With infant adoptions, there are cases where the biological parent changes his/her mind but they are infrequent and we do our best to prevent these scenarios. After finalization, there is no legal tie to the child, therefore they can not return to take back the child. 

How long will it take to adopt?

There are two stages in the adoption process: pre placement and post placement. Pre placement is before the child enters the home, and post placement is after. The cost and timeline all depend on the type of adoption and circumstances. Usually infant placements take two to seven years, while older children and children from the foster care system can be completed in under two years. 

Is there financial assistance to help me adopt?

We offer our adoptions on a sliding scale to help ease the costly burden of adoption. There are some state and federal programs for parents who are adopting special needs children, they are eligible for a payment to cover non-recurring adoption expenses. These expenses may include: adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees and other expenses.

The Hope for Children Act that took effect on January 1st 2002 provides an adoption tax credit of $10,000 for all adoptions from 2002 and thereafter. You can learn more about this tax credit and others by reaching out to your local tax representative or the IRS.