There are specific guidelines determined by the Department of Family and Protective Services that govern your ability to foster or adopt children in the State's care. Please refer to Basic Requirements for more information.

You must be in reasonably good health. Documentation that you have had a physical exam by a medical doctor confirming that your health is sufficient to allow you to attend to a child or children is required.

You must be able to manage your income to meet the financial needs of your family. You don’t have to have a lot of money in the bank.

You must be 21 years of age or older.

The process to adopt a child or be a foster parent is not as hard as you (or they) might think. Accepting the responsibility to care for children is both rewarding and challenging. Our commitment is to help you every step of the way.

You don’t have to own your own home. You must have sufficient space for your family and any additional foster or adoptive children.

No. You can adopt or foster if you have other children.

You can adopt or foster if you are single.

You will not pay Advantage Adoptions-OCOC a fee for this process. We will provide your training, home study and license. You will need to pay for fingerprint checks, fire extinguishers, and some other small things, but a list of items WILL BE furnished so you will know what you need to obtain your license. If you are adopting, you will need to hire an attorney to complete your adoption AFTER placement and to represent you in court for your consummation. Advantage Adoptions-OCOC can refer you to experienced adoption attorneys who will work with you through the legal proces