Monthly orientations are offered to families who are exploring the idea of adoption or foster care. These helpful meetings explain the adoption process, and provide an understanding of the children we serve.

The next step is training for families who have attended the orientation and wish to proceed with the process. Usually the trainings are offered on Saturdays or evenings to fit around work schedules. In this training, families participate in an in-depth exploration of adoption issues and learn how to be a successful parent of a child with a history of losses. There are no fees for the orientation or training.

You may submit your application to adopt any time during or after the training. Your social worker will meet with you in interviews, as well as help you complete the paperwork process required by law.

A homestudy document is written at the end of the training and application process. It describes your family and your abilities to parent adopted children. The completion of training and the homestudy document takes an average of 6 months. After a family is approved for the placement of a child, actual placement times vary.

During the "matching period" your family will be presented to social workers throughout the state, through regional adoption exchanges and an extensive network of public and private adoption agencies. The children’s social workers look for families with strong skills and experience with children. The time it takes for a placement will depend on your skills and experience and your openness to school-aged children or children with special needs.

Waiting for a child can be a frustrating time for families eager to adopt. Children’s workers who make placement decisions are always looking for the family with the greatest skills to meet the child’s needs. Waiting families are encouraged to attend SAS support/training groups during this time. This is also an important time to strengthen your parenting skills and increase your experience with the sort of children waiting to be adopted by volunteering with local child welfare agencies. Patience and willingness to use this time for further training will help you as well as the children.

The Adoptive Family Resource Center is a valuable source of support for new adoptive families. All families adding new members go through an adjustment period. SAS provides strong support to help you have a successful experience. Most children placed through SAS receive the benefit of our Therapeutic Adoption Program. After finalization, our Adoptive Family Resource Center is open to all adoptive families on a space-available basis. Therapists are specially trained in adoption issues. This is a fee-for-service program.

Adoption Assistance may be arranged for most children needing therapy after finalization.

Most families do not pay any fees to SAS. Fee-based programs are available at the family’s option (usually for intercountry services or healthy infant placements).