WHAT IS ADOPTION?
Adoption is different than foster care because it establishes a legally recognized, lifelong relationship between adoptive parents and the child or children being adopted. Adoption is permanent and can occur in different ways. The adoptive parent becomes legally and morally responsible for the child’s safety, education, health care, value development, development of life skills, as well as the day-to-day care of that child.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT?
Prospective parents in Maryland can be single, married, or part of a same sex couple. Some families have birth children, and some don’t. Maryland families don’t have to be wealthy to be approved to adopt or provide foster care for a child. All that is necessary is for them to have sufficient financial resources to provide adequate care for a child and to meet the family’s financial responsibilities. Families don’t have to own a home either; they can be renters.
Adoptive parents must:
- be 21 years of age
- complete a 27 hour training
- work with social services or private agencies to be matched
ARE THERE FEES TO ADOPT?
There are no fees involved when adopting or fostering a child through your local department of social services. However is you are working with an agency, or use an attorney, you will be responsible for the fees charged by each.
CAN MY CHILD BE ADOPTED BY A FAMILY MEMBER?
Yes. Family members can adopt children of their relatives as long as the family member meets the state requirements.