The Adoption Process

Orientation:

Ariel Clinical Services offers orientation meetings at which you can learn more about our specific program, services, and requirements. At this meeting we will provide you with our application packet.

Home Study:

After you submit your application, we will complete background checks and a home study, which must occur before you can be approved to adopt. The process of conducting a home study is our agency’s way of getting to know you and ensuring that your home is safe and appropriate for a child.

Matching:

Once your home study is approved, we will start looking to match you with a child. We will help you develop a profile that can be shown to birth parents or the Department of Human Services with custody of the child (depending on the type of adoption you are pursuing). We will provide you with all available information about the child and his or her family background before you decide whether to accept the child for adoption.

Placement and Post-Placement Supervision:

We will be with you every step of the way and will be there to support you when your child is placed with you. After placement we will continue to support and stay in contact with you to ensure that the placement is successful.

Adoption Finalization:

There are legal requirements for finalizing the adoption, including relinquishment or termination of the birth parents’ rights. Ariel and/or the placing county will provide you with information and forms required to finalize the adoption, and we will attend your finalization hearing with you.

Post-Adoption Counseling:

Adoption is a life-long process. We provide counseling and support services (directly or through referrals) to you, the birth parent and you child for as long as services are needed.