The Process of Adopting from Foster Care in Tennessee
National Adoption Awareness Month, celebrated each November, is dedicated to raising awareness about the need for adoptive families for youth in foster care. While the goal of foster care is reunification, it isn’t always possible. For children who enter “full guardianship” in Tennessee, an adoptive home is needed. If you are interested in exploring adoption from foster care in Tennessee, read below to better understand the process, find answers to common questions and discover resources to help along the way.
We also encourage you to consider becoming a foster parent. In Tennessee, 80% of children adopted from foster care remain in the homes of individuals who are and have been their foster parent(s). If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, start HERE.
1. Learn and Educate Yourself
Start by researching adoption. Read articles, follow adoptive parents online and ask your community. Identify if you are ready to care for a child who may have experienced trauma and loss. Visit the DCS website for more information about adopting in Tennessee.
We invite you to attend Tennessee Kids Belong events in your area. Register for in-person Next Step Panels or our statewide virtual calls. When attending our events, you’ll hear actual experiences from foster and adoptive parents, former foster youth and experts in the field. There is always time set aside for Q&A so you can get all your questions answered as you begin your journey.
2. Complete Training and Home Study
Training classes, like those offered by DCS, provide insight into trauma-informed parenting, therapeutic approaches and the unique dynamics of adopting from foster care. Training begins with an informational session. The orientation covers what to expect throughout the process with either TN Department of Children’s Services and/or licensed agencies.
You must have an approved home study to adopt from foster care in Tennessee. Home studies assess readiness to foster/adopt and include background check(s), interviews and home visits.
If you are considering adoption only, the document linked below has been compiled by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and lists contact information and anticipated fees for a variety of placement agencies across the state.
3. Inquire about a Child
We invite you to get to know kids waiting to be adopted in Tennessee through our I Belong Project™ – a program that uplifts the stories and voices of kids in foster care who are legally free for adoption. During pop-up photo and video shoots designed for youth to have fun, play and just be kids, we capture their stories and personalities in the hopes that the resulting videos connect children with a family.
4. Transition and Placement
Once a match is made, you can expect to arrange visits as kid(s) transition into your home. This period allows for bonding and adjustment. It’s crucial to have a support network during this phase for new parents and the child(ren).
Tennessee Kids Belong has resources from the private, public and faith sectors ready to support you! Be sure to learn about WRAP and download the Foster Friendly App to access a statewide network of support.
5. Finalize the Adoption
After placement and required waiting period, you’ll finalize the adoption in court. You will legally become the child’s forever family.
As a new family unit is created, it is critical to recognize and honor all other significant relationships, memories and potential trauma in your child’s life. Adoption is not the end of a chapter, but the continuation of a story filled with ups, downs, moments of growth, seasons of struggle, questions about identity, boundary testing – and so much more. Remain committed as they find their place to belong.
Resources and FAQs
If you have questions, be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive about foster care and adoption in Tennessee.
Be sure to keep us updated on your progress. As a foster, kinship or adoptive parent, we’d love to provide resources to support you!
Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for alerts about upcoming events, new I Belong Project Videos, opportunities to get involved, and more!
Scroll below to meet kids in Tennessee waiting to be adopted.
