Springfield Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Whether you live in the Springfield area or are planning to adopt a child from there, you may not know what adoption resources are available to you. Whatever stage you are at in your adoption journey, the following collection of information will help you adopt or place a child for adoption in Springfield, Massachusetts. If you would like information on the adoption process and related laws, visit our Adoption in Massachusetts page.

Springfield Adoption Agencies and Professionals

Prospective birth mothers and adoptive families have many options when choosing an adoption professional to work with, from national agencies to adoption attorneys. Adoption agencies can be beneficial for many families because unlike other professionals, they offer a full range of services. If you prefer to work with a local or regional adoption professional, here are some of the adoption professionals serving the Springfield area:

• A Full Circle Adoptions
• Israel, Van Kooy & Days, LLC
• Bohnet, Romani & Farrington, P.A.

Springfield Foster Parent Resources

Every state has different laws, processes and qualifications for becoming a foster parent. In Massachusetts, foster parents must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Pass a home study
• Attend state-required MAPP training
• Show proof of a stable income

The following foster agencies and resources can provide additional information about foster care and adoption near Springfield

• Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
• CHD Foster Care
• HopeWell

Home Study Professionals

Whether you choose domestic infant adoption or foster care, you will need to complete a home study that meets Massachusetts laws and requirements. The Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts page. For help with your Massachusetts home study, contact one of your state-licensed professionals: Near Springfield:

• Ascentria Care Alliance 774-243-3072 The professionals Ascentria can not only help you complete your home study, but provide you guidance and put you in contact with adoption support groups.

In Massachusetts:

• Alliance for Children 877-402-3678 A licensed, full-service adoption agency in the New England area, Alliance for Children also helps families who only need a home study.

• Adoption Resource Associates 617-492-8888 Whether you are adopting internationally or domestically, ARA will provide a state-compliant home study that meets your family’s needs.

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

Hospitals near Springfield

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 Springfield:

• Mercy Medical Center 271 Carew Street Springfield, MA 01104 413-748-9000

• Baystate Medical Center 759 Chestnut Street Springfield MA 01199 413-794-0000

• Cooley Dickinson Health Care 30 Locust Street (Route 9) Northampton, MA 01061 413-582-2000

Massachusetts Laws and Requirements to Adopt

If you are looking to adopt or place a child for adoption in Massachusetts, you will need to familiarize yourself with state adoption laws. The following guidelines provide information on basic laws and guidelines for adoption in Massachusetts. Laws for Birth Parents: In Massachusetts, a birth mother cannot legally consent to an adoption until four days after she gives birth. If you are considering adoption, this gives you time to recover from labor and delivery before making your final decision. The child’s birth father must also consent to the adoption or have his rights terminated. If you are unsure of how to proceed with terminating the father’s rights, speak to your adoption professional. More information on laws for birth parents can be found in our Massachusetts adoption information. Laws for Adoptive Families: Adoptive parents must meet their state’s basic eligibility criteria for adoption before they begin the process. In Massachusetts, any adult or married couple can adopt. In some circumstances, a married person can adopt without his or her spouse on the petition. If you plan to adopt in or from Massachusetts, you must also comply with other Massachusetts adoption laws, including birth parent expenses, finalization procedures, and more. Speak to your adoption professional for more information.

County Court Information

After you take your child home, you will need to wait about six months for your adoption to be finalized. During this time, a social worker will conduct a number of post-placement visits to ensure that you and your child are adjusting well. Afterwards, you will appear in court to finalize your adoption. For more information on the court proceedings in your area, visit the Hampden County Superior Court webpage.

Things to do in Springfield

Families adopting in Springfield from out of the state should plan for a trip lasting 7-10 business days. This is the time required for interstate clearances to process so you can take your child home. While you wait, here are just a few Springfield locations and attractions you can visit:

• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
• Six Flags New England
• Springfield Armory
• The Zoo in Forest Park
• Chicopee Memorial State Park