Newark Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Whether you are considering adoption as an expectant mother or prospective adoptive parent in Newark, you likely have questions about local adoption laws and processes. The following information provides an overview of local adoption and foster care agencies, home study professionals and other adoption and foster care services available in your area.

Read on to learn more about starting the adoption process in Newark. For additional information, see our adoption in Wilmington page.

Adoption Agencies and Professionals in Newark

Adoption agencies are licensed, full-service adoption professionals, meaning that they are equipped to help you with every stage of your adoption. Whether you are a prospective birth parent or adoptive family, an adoption agency can be a beneficial and convenient resource.

See the links below for information about Newark adoption agencies:

• Bethany Christian Services
• Rahaim & Saints LLP

Newark Foster Care Resources

To be a foster parent in Newark, couples and individuals must meet the requirements of the state and their chosen agency. For prospective foster parents in Delaware, that means you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Pass a background check
• Have approved home, health, and safety inspections
• Attend 27 hours of foster parent training
• Provide references

If you are interested in becoming a foster family, contact a local foster care organization:

• Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families
• A Better Chance for Our Children

Home Study Providers

Whether you choose domestic infant adoption or foster care, you will need to complete a home study that meets Delaware laws and requirements. The Delaware home study process includes personal interviews, home visits, criminal history checks and more. A complete list of home study requirements and additional information about the process can be found on our Adoption in Delaware page.

The person or agency conducting the home study must be legally qualified. When you are ready to begin the home study process, here are some trusted providers in Delaware:

• Adoptions from the Heart
  302-658-8883
  AFTH is licensed in several states, including Delaware, to provide home studies and other adoption services to families and birth mothers.
• Madison Adoption Associates
  302-475-8977
  This agency works in domestic, international, and foster care adoption, and they are licensed in Delaware to complete your home study and post-placement assessments.

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

Hospitals near Newark

As expecting mothers approach their due date, they must also begin considering their hospital plan, which includes where they would like to give birth, who they want to be with them, and how much time they would like with their baby. If this describes your situation, you can begin working with your adoption specialist and healthcare provider to ensure that you have a positive labor and delivery experience.

Follow the links below for more information on hospitals and maternity wards near Newark:

• Christiana Hospital
  4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road
  Newark, DE 19718
  302-733-1000

Delaware Adoption Laws and Requirements

If you are pursuing adoption, you should become aware of the laws that regulate the adoption process and protect the rights of everyone involved. To learn more about the details of adoption regulations and requirements, visit our page on How to Adopt in Delaware. For an overview on adoption laws pertaining to birth parents and adoptive families, read the sections below.

Birth Parents:

As the child’s mother, you must give written consent to the adoption before it will be officially recognized. Each state has unique laws regarding when a birth mother can terminate her parental rights and how it must be done, which you can read about in our Delaware adoption information.

The father of your child also has rights that must be properly terminated. Like you, he can give his written consent to the adoption. If he cannot be contacted, or you cannot obtain his consent for another reason, speak to your adoption specialist.

Adoptive Families:

In Delaware, the basic requirements for adoption eligibility outline who is legally allowed to adopt. Additionally, your adoption professional may have its own set of requirements that you must meet in order to work with them. Other criteria for eligibility can include age, marital status, or religious affiliation. If you have any concerns about your adoption eligibility, speak to your professional or visit our Delaware adoption page.

County Court Information

At the end of the adoption process, every adoption must be legally finalized in court. If you are adopting in Newark, Delaware, find information about finalizing your adoption New Castle County.

Things to Do in Newark

If you are traveling to Newark to adopt, you should expect to remain in the state of Delaware for 7-10 business days. During that time, here are some things you can do in and around Newark:

• Newark Resevoir
• Middle Run Natural Area