Home » Adoptions by State » How to Adopt in Minnesota » Rochester Adoption & Foster Care Resources Rochester Adoption & Foster Care Resources Prospective adoptive parents and expecting mothers in Rochester may have questions about how to pursue an adoption in the area. If you live in Rochester, Minnesota, or are looking to adopt from there, you can find resources and professionals right in your area. More information on adoption laws and processes in your state can be found on the Adoption in Minnesota web page. The information here will offer you resources that can help you with your adoption in Rochester, Minnesota. Adoption Agencies and Professionals in Rochester Adoption agencies are professionals that provide full pre- and post-adoption services to birth parents and adoptive families. By working with an agency, you can receive counseling, education, assistance with finding a match, and guidance through each step of the process. If you are interested in working with an agency or professional near you, you can contact one of the following Rochester professionals: New Life Family Services Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona Dilaveri Law Firm Ryan & Grinde, Ltd. Become a Foster Parent in Rochester Foster parent qualifications are determined by the state. To become a foster parent in Minnesota, you must fulfill the following requirements: Complete foster parent application Pass a background check and home study Attend mandatory foster parent training Obtain foster parenting license 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 these nearby agencies: Olmsted County Child & Family Services NEXUS Completing the Home Study in Rochester The home study is an important step in every foster care and adoption journey. The Rochester home study process includes personal interviews with all members of the household (as age appropriate), criminal records and child abuse registry checks, a safety inspection of the home, and collection of important documents. For more information about home study requirements in Minnesota, visit our state adoption page. When you are ready to begin the home study process, contact a legally qualified home study provider in Minnesota: In Minnesota: New Horizons Adoption Agency 507-526-3518 Along with its home study services, this Minnesota-licensed agency can provide you with any adoption-related guidance you need. Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about Minnesota home study providers. Hospitals in Rochester If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you will eventually need to create a hospital plan. This tells your adoption specialist, your healthcare provider, and the adoptive family what kind of hospital experience you want to have when it is time to have the baby. As you consider your hospital plan, you can find information about some Rochester hospitals below: Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus 201 West Center Street Rochester, Minnesota 55902 507-266-7890 Olmsted Medical Center 210 Ninth Street SE Rochester, MN 55904 507-288-3443 Minnesota Adoption Laws and Qualifications Many local adoptive and birth parents have questions about Rochester adoption laws and regulations. These laws are determined by the state of Washington and are the same in Rochester as they are in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and anywhere else in the state. The following provides an overview of the types of laws regulating Minnesota adoptions. Adoption Laws for Birth Parents: As the parent to your unborn child, you must legally consent to the adoption by signing relinquishment papers after giving birth. The state of Minnesota does not allow your parental rights to be terminated until at least 72 hours after giving birth; this protects you from making a decision in a compromised state. The father of the child may give his consent up to six months prior to the adoption. In certain cases, a court may be able to terminate a father’s parental rights without his consent. If you are unable to obtain his consent for any reason, speak to your adoption specialist or attorney about your options, and visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway for more details. Laws for Adoptive Families: Each state has a unique set of basic requirements that families must meet before they can pursue adoption. Adoptive parents in Minnesota must have resided in the state for at least one year before they are eligible to adopt. Additionally, you must meet the requirements put in place by your adoption professional. Adoption agencies and other professionals may have more stringent eligibility criteria, so make sure to take this into account when choosing who to work with in your adoption. County Court Information If you adopt a child, you will need to finalize the adoption in court. When the time comes for you to make a court appearance, your adoption professional will give you more information and help you coordinate the process. As you await finalization, you can learn more about the Olmsted County District Court. Things to Do in Rochester If you are adopting a child in Rochester, you might find yourself in the area for an extended period of time. During your stay, here are some of the places you can visit: Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo Apache Mall Plummer House Silver Lake How to Adopt in Minnesota Rochester Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesIf you live in Rochester, Minnesota, or are looking to adopt from there, you can find resources and professionals right in your area.Learn MoreMinneapolis Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesThe following guide provides all the Minneapolis adoption information you need, from finding a professional to finalizing your adoption.Learn MoreSaint Paul Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesThis page will provide you with the information you need to pursue an adoption in Saint Paul, Minnesota.Learn MoreBloomington Adoption & Foster Care ResourcesLying just south of Minneapolis, the city of Bloomington has a lot to offer for everyone, including adopting parents and expecting mothers.Learn More