Rutland Adoption - Agencies, Foster Care, Home Study Info

Rooftops of houses with mountains in the background
Whether you are considering adoption as an expectant mother or hopeful parent in Rutland, Vermont, you are likely wondering what to expect through the adoption process.
Read on to learn more about Rutland adoption agencies, home study professionals and other local adoption and foster care services, and find more information about state adoption laws, processes and qualifications on our adoption in Vermont page.

Adoption Agencies and Professionals in Rutland

Whether you are considering adopting or placing a baby for adoption in Rutland, the professional you choose to work with can provide the guidance, services and support you need through the adoption process.
Some adoptive and birth parents are most comfortable working with a local or regional adoption agency. The following Rutland adoption professionals can help you complete your adoption:

Rutland Foster Care Resources

Parents looking to adopt an older child or provide temporary homes for children can pursue foster care in their home town. In order to be a foster parent in Rutland, you must meet the following Vermont requirements:

Be at least 21 years of age
Have a home with enough room for a child
Show proof of sufficient income

To learn more about foster care and available children, or to begin the process of becoming licensed, contact one of your local foster care professionals:

Vermont Department for Children and Families

Home Study Providers

If you want to adopt a child in Rutland, you must first find a state-licensed social worker to conduct a home study for you. When you find a home study provider, they will help you through the process of completing a background check, home inspection, and interview to make sure your home is ready for a child.
To get your home study started, contact one of the following Vermont home study professionals:

Wide Horizons for Children
800-729-5330
At WHFC, you can complete a domestic or international home study regardless of where you live in the country.

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

Hospitals near Rutland

If you are an expectant mother pursuing adoption, you will need to consider your hospital plan as your due date approaches. As a prospective birth mother, you can work with your adoption specialist and healthcare provider to determine the type of labor and delivery experience you want to have.
When you are ready to begin creating your hospital plan, here are some Rutland area hospitals that may be able to assist you:

Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen Street
Rutland, VT 05701
802-775-7111

Vermont 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 Vermont. For an overview on adoption laws pertaining to birth parents and adoptive families, read the sections below.
Birth Parents:
In order for a child to be legally adopted, the rights of both birth parents must be terminated. Vermont consent laws require 36 hours to pass after the birth before a mother can legally terminate her parental rights. This waiting time protects you from making a legal decision while in a compromised state.
The father of the child may consent to the adoption before the adoption takes place. If he cannot be located or you cannot obtain his consent for another reason, speak to your adoption professional about your options.
Adoptive Families:
In Vermont, the basic requirements for adoption eligibility determine who is allowed to adopt a child in the state. 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.

County Court Information

All adoptions must be finalized in court before they are legally recognized. This usually takes place about six months after you take your baby home, and your adoption professional will give you more information closer to the date of your finalization. In the meantime, you can visit your county court for more information on court proceedings in your area.

Things to Do in Rutland

If you adopt a child in Rutland from another state, you will have to remain in the state of Vermont for 7-10 business days to wait for legal clearance. In the meantime, you can find some of the following things to do near Rutland:

Rutland Adoption & Foster Care Resources