Adoption

The Ontario County Department of Social Services certifies prospective adoptive families according to criteria set forth by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (a department of the Division of Family Assistance) and this agency. The Ontario County Department of Social Services requires a homestudy, which is a written document describing you, your environment and the specific skills you will be able to utilize in raising your adopted child.

New York state and local regulations require that prospective adoptive parents complete a precertification training program and cooperate with a background investigation. Our agency provides "Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting" (MAPP), an interactive group process through which prospective adoptive parents will be introduced to the many issues of child welfare. Through our agency, adoptions occur because children come into foster care. When a child can not return to the birth family (e.g., when their parents’ rights have been terminated or when the parents surrender their child), the child becomes freed for adoption. At that time, we look for a permanent placement for the child with a certified adoptive family.

Each prospective adoptive family is recertified annually and the Homefinder who visits your home for that purpose will update your homestudy.

If you are interested in providing a structured and nurturing permanent home for a child who is already available for adoption, please call Homefinding at 1-877-814-6907 (toll free), 1-585-396-4111 or write to us at ontahf@dfa.state.ny.us

More about foster parenting.
Other links: , Adoption Album and Foster Care/Parenting

Responsible person: Carol Welch