For adopting families and expecting mothers alike, the most confusing part of adoption can be figuring out where to start. If you’re in Fargo and wondering what adoption resources are available to you, then the following page will provide you with information on adoption agencies, foster care professionals, home study providers, and more.
Adoption Agencies and Professionals in Fargo
Whether you are considering adopting or placing a baby for adoption in Fargo, 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 Fargo adoption professionals can help you complete your adoption:
- The Village Family Service Center
- Catholic Charities North Dakota
- Melinda Weerts Law, PLLC
- O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss Attorneys
- Oster Law Office, PLLC
Fargo 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 Fargo, you must meet the following North Dakota requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Show proof of financial stability
- Have a home or apartment and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
- Have a steady income
- Complete a background check
- Provide references
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:
Home Study Providers
If you want to adopt a child in Fargo, 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 North Dakota home study professionals:
- All About U Adoptions
605-770-2357
AAU Adoptions has offices in both Fargo and Minot, and they will travel to you to help with your adoption.
- The Village Family Center
1-800-627-8220
Susan Grundysen helps families in North Dakota complete their home study for adoption.
Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about North Dakota home study providers.
Hospitals near Fargo
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 Fargo area hospitals that may be able to assist you:
- Essentia Health – Fargo
3000 32nd Avenue South
Fargo, ND 58103
701-364-8000
- Sanford Family Birth Center
801 Broadway North
Fargo, ND 58122
701-234-5661
North Dakota 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 North Dakota. For an overview on adoption laws pertaining to birth parents and adoptive families, read the sections below.
For Birth Parents:
In order for a child to be legally adopted, the rights of both birth parents must be terminated. North Dakota consent laws require a mother to wait until after the baby is born before she 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.
For Adoptive Families:
In North Dakota, 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 view the Cass County courts page for more information on court proceedings in your area.
Things to Do in Fargo
If you adopt a child in Fargo from another state, you will have to remain in the state of North Dakota for 7-10 business days to wait for legal clearance. In the meantime, you can find some of the following things to do in Fargo: