Some questions you may have about adoption:

Q:  What are the general requirements to apply for adoption through Logan County Children's Services?

A:  You must be a mature, responsible adult who is a resident of Logan County.  You must not have a serious criminal record.  You are required by the State to complete training on becoming an adoptive home prior to approval and completion of an adoptive home study.

Q:  Is there a minimum income requirement?

A:  No, but the individual or couple must be financially stable and demonstrate how they would care for a child who would join the family.

Q:  What kinds of children are available for adoption?

A:  There is a wide range of children, from infants to teens.  Generally the children are special needs children who are school age and older.  Some children have mental, emotional, or physical problems and some are members of minority groups.

Q: If I would consider adopting a child with special needs, is there any financial or medical assistance available to me?

A:  Yes, Ohio has a subsidized adoption program to help bring about adoptive placement of special needs children.  Through subsidized adoptions, special needs children are finding permanent homes with families who might not have been able to pursue adoption because of financial limitations.

Q:  Will a caseworker from the agency visit my home?

A:  Yes.  There will also be other interviews with the applicants.  Information about the applicants will be written into what is called an Adoptive home study.

Q:  Is there a fee for a home study?

A:  There is no fee for a home study through us.  However, there will be legal fees and court costs at the time that the adoption is finalized. This typically occurs approximately six months after the child is placed for adoption.

Q:  What protection do I have that the biological parents won't change their minds and want their child back before the adoption is finalized?

A:  This cannot occur.  We do not place children with adoptive parents until the agency has permanent custody of the child.  This means that the rights of the biological parents have already been terminated by the Court.

Q:  What information will I be given about a child?

A:  We share all  information we have about the child with adoptive parents, but must protect the confidentiality of the child's biological parents.  The agency will share a profile of any medical information available on the child, including the child's physical and mental development and any behavioral problems that may exist.