Adoption Foster Care

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Adoption and Foster Care in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, adoption and foster care is a coordinated effort between multiple agencies to ensure each child receives the loving care they deserve. Overseen and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) serves children who currently need permanent homes. As a trusted resource for the advocacy of children, SWAN is made up of foster and adoptive parents, private adoption agencies, the Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange, county children and youth agencies and juvenile court judges that work together to find suitable homes for the children who need them the most.
If you are interested learning more about these children, or how you can help, …show more content…
While there are some significant differences between fostering and adopting, the children involved will need legal and emotional preparations either way. The following is a comprehensive explanation of what you can expect as a prospective adoptive or foster parent.
Once a child enters the system, the county agency makes their best efforts to resolve any issues that led to the child’s removal from his or her home. However, when there is an inability to reach a reasonable resolution, the agency may recommend the child for adoption. Ultimately, a judge makes the final determination of whether to place the child for adoption or in a foster home. It is important to understand that the termination of parental rights must take place before any child is considered available for …show more content…
If you are looking to adopt, you will have plenty of opportunities to spend time with the child and begin the bonding process before an adoption takes place.

If you and the child fit well together and you choose to move forward with an adoption, the county agency with custody of the child will arrange a time for him or her to move into your home. At that point, you will need to hire an attorney to file a “Report of Intent to Adopt” and allow the child to remain in your home for about six months before finalization of the adoption can occur.

Costs for Adoption in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania foster care system receives financial subsidies through SWAN to minimize expenses for families who wish to adopt a foster child. Although adoption fees vary by agency, in most cases, there are little to no costs to adoptive families.

Foster Parent Associations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association (PSRFA) 1-800-951-5151 www.psrfa.org
Adoption Resources
Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) Helpline

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