Adoption in the state of Georgia can involve different pathways. Options for adoption in Georgia are domestic adoption through foster care, adopting an infant through an independent agency, and international adoption. International adoption laws and steps vary depending on the country you chose to adopt from. This article will discuss the adoption process in Georgia, adoption through foster care, and adoption of infants from an agency.
To become an adoptive parent in Georgia, you must:
- Be at least 25 years of age.
- Be at least 10 years older than the child you wish to adopt.
- Be physically and mentally competent to raise a child.
There are many laws in Georgia pertaining to the various types of adoption. When adopting through foster care, training classes are mandatory as well as a background check and a home study. This process is similar when adopting through an agency. When a foster child is in need of a home, you will be called with information on that child, and you get to decide whether or not you want to foster that child. If the rights of the birth parent are terminated while the child is in your care, you will be the first choice for adopting him or her.
When adopting an infant from an agency, once you are approved, the birth parents will choose an adoptive family for their baby. Usually, the agency takes care of all of the legal paperwork that goes into the adoption. In the state of Georgia, birth parents have up to ten days to change their minds once they surrender the child. After the ten days are up, the birth parents are no longer legally allowed to revoke their surrender. The adoptive parents must file a petition for adoption within 60 days of the surrender. The agency will continue conducting home studies after the adoption to ensure the safety of the child. These types of adoptions can be open or closed, usually with the birth parents deciding what type of adoption they want.
Some adoption involves family members adopting children. The biological parent can surrender the child to another family member provided that person is legally able to adopt. Children over the age of 14 have to consent to an adoption.
The following article lists the adoption laws in Georgia. This covers the various types of adoptions. If you wish to adopt in the state of Georgia, contact an attorney to speak to an adoption agency to understand the process and all of the laws.
Are you and your partner ready to start the adoption process? Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98 to begin your adoption journey. We have 130+ years of adoption experience and would love to help you.
