The Adoption Process

Adoption is a BIG decision—it can be exciting, scary and happy, or unbelievable—all at the same time!  We promise to explain the process to you, and help you every step of the way. 

1. Gather Information and Ask Questions

You’ve taken the first step! As you continue through the process, we encourage you to collect information from various sources. Check adoption web sites and libraries. Ask questions…and if you don’t understand the answers…ask again! It’s important that you choose the agency best suited to meet your specific needs. We encourage you to move at a comfortable pace. We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to feel confident in your adoption decisions. NOAS regularly holds Open Houses throughout our service area. Free and open to the public, they provide a great opportunity to ask questions in an informal atmosphere.

2. Attend Pre-Placement Classes

One of the first and most important steps you will complete is pre-placement training. Required by the State of Ohio, the classes are designed to educate you about the children available for adoption, and to prepare you to parent them. We offer the classes throughout the year at various times and locations. Click Here for a list of scheduled classes

3. Submit Your Adoption Application

On the first night of training you will receive an application packet. Fill in the application form as completely and accurately as possible and return it to Northeast Ohio Adoption Services. If you have questions we are available to assist you—ask your pre-placement trainer or call our office.

4. Home Study (a.k.a Family Assessment)

Once your application has been approved, a NOAS social worker will be assigned to begin your Home Study. The process, which usually takes 4 to 6 months to complete, is designed to help us gain an understanding of you, your family, and your environment. Throughout the study we will be working with you to determine what type of child (or children) will be the best match for you

. 5. Matching Process - Finding Your Child(ren)

Once your social worker has completed the home study, you are ready for the next step. Keeping in mind the preferences you expressed during your home study, and working closely with you, your NOAS worker will begin the search to find a match for your family.

6. Placement - The Child Moves In

This stage begins after you/your worker have identified a child for your family, AND after the child’s custodial county has selected you as the adoptive parent(s). A typical placement begins with a meeting at a restaurant or park, followed by an afternoon visit to your home, then builds to weekend visits, and overnight visits, until eventually the child moves into your home.

7. Legalization

When you are ready to make your adoption permanent (usually 6 to 12 months after placement) we will be there to help. Completing documents and working with probate court, we will also accompany you to the legal proceedings on your very important day!

8. Post Adoption Services - We’re a Phone Call Away

Now that your adoption is legal, our required involvement with your family is over. However, we are committed to you—we will assist you whenever there is a need.

The staff of Northeast Ohio Adoption Services is here to support you every step of the way!