Rochester Adoption and Foster Care Resources

Whether you are interested in adoption as an expectant mother or a prospective adoptive parent in Rochester, there are many resources available to you in your area.
Read on to learn more about local adoption and foster care agencies, home study professionals and other Rochester adoption and foster care services. To learn more about adoption laws, processes and qualifications throughout the state, visit our New York adoption page.

Rochester Adoption Agencies and Adoption Professionals

Throughout the adoption process, your adoption professional will provide the services and support you need. There are many adoption professionals to choose from, including national and local adoption agencies and adoption attorneys.
For some adoptive and birth parents, it is most convenient to work with a local adoption agency. Here are some of the local and regional professionals serving the Rochester area:

• Catholic Family Center
• Jewish Family Service
• Ashcraft Franklin & Young, Attorneys at Law

Rochester Foster Care Resources

Foster parent qualifications are determined by the state. To become a foster parent in New York, you must be at least 21 years old and complete the New York home study.
If you need more information or if you are ready to begin the foster care or foster-to-adopt process in Rochester, contact one of the following local agencies:

• Hillside Family of Agencies
• Monroe County Foster Care
• Catholic Family Center

If you are interested in adopting an older child from the foster care system in Rochester, the adoption process may vary from the domestic infant adoption process. Additional information about fostering and adopting from foster care is available through the Office of Children and Family Services.

Home Study Providers in Rochester

The home study is an important part of the process to become a foster or adoptive parent in Rochester. In New York, the home study evaluates prospective parents and ensures they are ready to adopt based on criminal records checks, financial information, personal interviews, and more. For a detailed overview of what to expect during the home study process, visit our New York adoption information page.
Your home study must be conducted by a legally qualified professional in New York. To begin the home study process, contact a provider in your area:

• Dr. Judith S. Lee, LCSW
  212-957-3938
  Dr. Judith S. Lee, LCSW provides home studies, home study updates and post-placement supervision reports for New York State residents.
• Adoptions from the Heart
  1-800-355-5500
  Adoptions From the Heart (AFTH) provides home study services for all types of adoption.

Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about New York home study providers.

Hospitals in Rochester

One of the final steps in the adoption process is the hospital stay and arrival of the baby. If you are an expectant mother making an adoption plan, you will have control over your hospital plan, including who is in the delivery room with you, how much interaction you will have with your baby, and more.
Your adoption professional can coordinate with your delivery hospital to ensure a smooth labor and delivery process. As you create your hospital plan, you may be able to work with one of the following Rochester hospitals:

• Highland Hospital
  1000 South Avenue
  Rochester, NY 14620
  585-341-8021
• Rochester General Hospital
  1425 Portland Avenue
  Rochester, NY 14621
  585-922-4000
• Strong Memorial Hospital
  601 Elmwood Avenue
  Rochester, NY 14642
  585-275-2100

Adoption Laws and Qualifications

Can I adopt in Rochester? What are the laws for placing a baby for adoption in Rochester? These are common questions for couples and individuals considering adoption. Adoption laws, qualifications and processes are determined by the state of New York. The following provides some information about the types of adoption laws and regulations in place in Rochester and throughout the rest of the state.
For Birth Parents
Many expectant parents have questions about the laws, rules and process of placing a baby for adoption in Rochester. An overview of New York laws regarding consent, relinquishment, and paternity is available here.
For Adoptive Families
If you have questions about the qualifications to adopt or foster a child, finalize an international adoption or use adoption advertisers or facilitators, visit our New York adoption page for more information.
County Courts
The final step in the legal adoption process is finalization. Your adoption attorney will guide you through the finalization process and ensure your adoption is completed in accordance with New York adoption laws. Find more information about your local court and adoption finalization in Monroe County.

Things to Do in Rochester

Many families adopting from Rochester end up spending some time in the city during the adoption process. Whether you are visiting prospective birth parents or waiting for ICPC clearances, here are some attractions to visit during your stay:

• The Strong National Museum of Play
• Finger Lakes Wine Country
• George Eastman Museum
• Seabreeze Amusement Park
• Geva Theatre Center
• Seneca Park Zoo