Fostering to Adopt

There is more than one way to adopt from foster care. If you know that your primary goal is adoption, you can apply for a straight adoption and be matched with an eligible child who is awaiting a forever family. However, some hopeful parents choose a different path.

Whether you set out as a foster parent with the intention to adopt, or initially intended only to serve as a temporary foster family, you may eventually have the opportunity to adopt a foster child who comes into your care. This process is often called “foster to adopt.”

It’s important to remember that not every child who enters foster care will ever be eligible for adoption, and foster-to-adopt is not right for everyone. It requires some thorough research and soul-searching to determine whether this path is right for you and your family.

To help you get started, we’ve gathered some information below about fostering to adopt: what it is, how it works, and what to do if you — or your foster child — is on the fence about adoption.