Frequently Asked Questions

About the Children

How old are the children available for adoption through NOAS?

NOAS places primarily older, school-aged children, ages 8 to 17. These are children of all races. We frequently have sibling groups.

What do you consider special needs?

The majority of the children NOAS serves have had very traumatic life experiences. They have been removed permanently from their birth parents due to abuse and/or neglect. Often they are in counseling.We also serve children with medical or developmental disabilities, and brothers and sisters who we believe must be kept together as a family. Many have mild to severe learning challenges that may improve with the support of a family.

About the Parents

I have adopted through another agency in the past. Can I work with NOAS?

You can transfer to NOAS. To start the process we will request that you sign a release of information so we can have access to your records. You need to work with one agency at a time.

How long from classes to placement?

Once an application is recieved we have up to 6 months to complete a home study. After a home study is approved, the type of child you are wanting to parent plays a large part in how long you will wait for a placement.

Can the biological parents take the child back?

No. The courts have permanently removed the children from their biological families.

Where do the children come from?

The waiting children are in the custody of public child welfare agencies and reside in foster homes or residential treatment centers.

Does it matter that I already have children?

No. In fact, parenting experience is a plus. If both parents work outside the home, can they still foster/adopt? Yes. Many adoptive/foster parents are two-income households. As with all families with dependent children, plans for child care are essential.

Do I have to own my own home?

No. It is not necessary to own your own home. Renters are welcome. Your home can be a trailer, an apartment, or a house. Can single people adopt/foster? Yes. Many single people or divorced men and women adopt children.

About the Adoption Process

Do you charge fees?

No. Northeast Ohio Adoption Services is a private, non-profit agency that does not charge fees to families. In fact, there may be subsidies available to help families meet the child's special needs.

Are there other expenses?

Yes. Families do pay for criminal records checks, required medical exams, and court fees associated with legalizing adoptive placements. (Many of these fees can be reimbursed when an adoption is completed.)

Are there income requirements?

No. There are no guidelines for what you must earn. We just want to make sure you are handling your resources responsibly and that adding children to your family will not create a financial hardship.

How long does it take to adopt a child?

It generally takes about six months from the time you make application to NOAS until your home study is approved. From that point, being matched with a child could take anywhere from one month to a year or more depending on what type of child your family is interested in adopting.

What does the family home study involve?

The social worker who is assigned to do your family homestudy will visit with you over several months in order to get to know your family, your background and your interests, strengths, and challenges in order to help you determine what ages and types of children you could best parent. There is some paperwork involved. Families must complete medical forms, income statements, and a criminal record check is required for all persons living in the home who are over eighteen.

Does NOAS do home studies for families who want to adopt elsewhere-another state or internationally, etc.?

No. Because we are committed to Ohio's waiting children, NOAS does not complete home studies for out-of-state, infant, or international adoptions. We are able to refer families to other agencies who do provide those services.

Does NOAS make transracial/transcultural placements?

Yes. NOAS does make transracial/transculturalplacements.

Can foster families share or transfer a license to or from NOAS?

Yes. A signed written agreement between the agencies involved and the family is required.

I have been approved as an adoptive family. Can I transfer to or from NOAS?

Yes. If you are interested in adopting any of Ohio's waiting children you may transfer to any AdoptOHIO agency.

Is NOAS licensed?

Yes. NOAS is licensed to provide adoption and foster care services by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.