Factors that Influence Adopting a Child

4. Petitioning the Court

Before an adoption is considered official, hopeful adoptive parents must petition the court. First, they have to meet the eligibility requirements in their state. Then, an investigator performs an in-depth inspection, looking at factors such as social history, mental and physical fitness, financial status, and criminal background.

Typically, the adoption agency considers the results of this investigation and makes a recommendation to the court. Natural parents have the opportunity to speak to the court, too. In some cases, they are supportive of the adoption and willingly sign over their parental rights. If they cannot be found, the court must make reasonable attempts to notify them of the adoption procedures.