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Adopting in Georgia

Adoption is defined as a social and legal process that creates a new family, giving adopted children the same rights and benefits as those born into the family. To children without a permanent family, adoption represents the hope for a better life.

The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) is dedicated to finding loving homes for the numerous children in permanent state custody who are available for adoption. These children are often survivors of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Due to the harsh circumstances of their lives, most of the children fall in the adoptive category of Special Needs. As defined for the purpose of adoption, Special Needs includes:

• African-American children older than one year of age
• Three or more brothers and sisters who need to be placed together
• Children age eight and older
• Children with documented physical, emotional or mental disabilities
• Two brothers and/or sisters, one of whom has a special need

The Adoption Process
The process of adoption is exploratory for both the parent and the state. Through a partnership with the family, DHR evaluates the family’s strengths in parenting a Special Needs child. During this time, the family can ready themselves for this major life

From Parent to Parent
The decision to adopt involves much self-reflection and serious planning. For firsthand insight on the adoption experience, you can view videos of parents who went through the adoption process successfully.

Private Agencies
Children who are not in the custody of DHR may be adopted through a private agency.

Independent Adoptions
If you wish to adopt a relative, you will need to go through the court and file an adoption petition.

Adopting Across State Lines
To adopt a child outside of Georgia, you must follow the regulations of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).

Adoption Assistance
Assistance is available to help meet the costs of caring for children with Special Needs, as defined above for the purpose of adoption. The amount of the assistance depends on the child's needs.