Skip to content

Who Can Be a Foster Adoptive Parent?

Who Can Adopt Foster Children?

Different types of families are needed for different types of children.

  • Single or married parents
  • Families with or without children

Adoptive families must:

  • Be willing to complete training and become a licensed home
  • Demonstrate emotional and financial stability
  • Love children, be flexible, resourceful and have room in the home for the child
  • Must be at least 21 years of age

 

Why do I need to become a foster parent in order to be an adoptive parent?

In order to become an adoptive parent for a foster child, you must become licensed foster home. The State of Nebraska has requirements in place to ensure that every adult who wants to foster or adopt children fully understands what it is like to care for a child who may have been abused and/or neglected. Providing education to potential parents ensures fewer disruptions and gives parents the opportunity to make an informed decision on if foster-adoption is the most appropriate form of adoption for them. Once a family has made the decision to become a licensed foster home, children who are legally available for adoption can be placed in the home. It is important to understand that just because you become a licensed foster care provider, this does not mean that you will have to take in children who are not legally available for adoption, however, if you choose to do so, you may.

 

How long is the process?

The entire process can take anywhere from 4 months to a year or more from the time of training to the placement of a child. These children have been through so many changes that great care is taken to find the right match between a child and family. A slow transition of the child to their prospective adoptive home is important.

 

What are the fees to adopt a foster child?

There are no fees charged to families adopting children in the foster care system. In most cases, a financial subsidy is made available to assist the family with day-to-day expenses of parenting. Ongoing medical insurance through Medicaid is usually available for the child as well.