Purpose

Adoption is the method provided by law to establish the legal relationship of parent and child between persons who are not so related by birth, with the same mutual rights and obligations that exist between children and their birth parent. The primary purpose of adoption through our agency is to help children whose parents are incapable of assuming or continuing parental responsibilities to become part of a new family.

Eligibility

Children who are separated from or being cared for away from their families; 

Families who want children who are separated from or being cared for away from their families; 

Families who cannot care for or must be separated from their children.

Criteria for Families who want to adopt:

• Between ages 21 and 65 with a drug-free stable home and income
• Willing to be fingerprinted and have criminal record check
• Complete all required training and be licensed by the State of North Carolina
• Have physical examination (including TB test)
• Submit to a septic/environmental inspection of the home
• Participate in an adoptive home study

Financial Guidelines

• There are no fees for a family who wishes to adopt a child that has been in DSS custody.
• A one-time fee (contact DSS for details) is charged by DSS to complete relative or step-parent adoptions.
• A one-time fee (contact DSS for details) is charged by DSS to complete "independent" adoptions (when the birth family chooses to release their child to someone other than relatives).

Special Information

Families who adopt children that have been in DSS custody are eligible for Adoption Assistance Benefits, when needed.

For more information: Foster Child Adoption in North Carolina