Adopt a Child in NC

In North Carolina, adopting from foster care requires being at least 21, completing a home study, and undergoing 30 hours of training through a local county DSS office or private agency like CHS.  Some families adopt directly from foster care, while others foster a child who later becomes available for adoption. CHS helps families explore which path best fits their goals and capacity.

Yes. North Carolina allows adoption from foster care across state lines. These placements must meet the requirements of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which ensures the adoptive home is approved, both states’ laws are followed, and the child’s safety and well‑being are protected. ICPC approval is required whenever a child or adoptive family lives in a different state. If you do not live in North Carolina, you must partner with a licensing agency in your home state to start the process.

Adoption from foster care is typically low‑cost or no‑cost. Many services, such as training and home studies, are provided at little or no expense.

There is a $120 clerk filing fee per child, due during the time of adoption. Should you elect to retain an attorney, the attorney with whom we partner charges $500 per child. Both fees are often reimbursable. There are also incidentals during the foster care licensing process.

Many children qualify for adoption assistance, medical coverage, and post‑adoption services. These supports help families meet ongoing needs and promote long‑term stability.

At CHS, matching is a child‑centered process focused on finding the family best able to meet a child’s long‑term needs. Each match is guided by a careful understanding of the child’s age, strengths, medical or emotional needs, history of trauma, cultural identity, and important relationships, including siblings.

CHS believes adoption is a lifelong journey. Post‑adoption support may include counseling, education, referrals, and advocacy to help families thrive beyond finalization.

There are several paths to adoption, and each family’s journey looks different.

At CHS, we  primarily work with children and youth, who at no fault of their own, are in the child welfare system.  Primarily, the plan for these children is reunification, but when that isn’t possible, the plan sometimes changes to adoption.  When that plan changes and/or permanent families are identified, the process of termination of parental rights begins.  Once parental rights are terminated, these children may be adopted out of the child welfare system.

Other types of adoption may include:

• Kinship Adoption – When relatives or close family friends adopt a child they have been caring for.
• Private Domestic Adoption – Adoption of an infant through a private agency or attorney.
• International Adoption – Adoption of a child from another country.

No matter the path, adoption is about helping a child find safety, belonging, and lifelong connection.

Children in foster care whose plans have changed to adoption typically range from middle childhood age to teenagers. Sometimes, adoption may be the plan for younger children; however, the majority are school aged, may be part of sibling groups, and have experienced trauma or loss and need families prepared to support their healing and growth.

CHS welcomes individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including single adults, married couples, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, and families with or without children. The focus is on safety, stability, and commitment.  Parents with a proven track record of handling needs related to trauma are a great start for children looking for a forever home from the child welfare system.

No – all families looking to adopt a child through CHS must become licensed foster parents to start.  Families who pursue a private adoption do not have to become licensed foster parents but do have to complete assessments and other paperwork throughout the process.

Becoming foster parents first builds parenting capacity and skills, develops natural supports and relationships, and provides opportunities to support children who need temporary care while remaining open to adoption if reunification is not possible.

The biggest difference is the goal.

Foster care is designed to provide a safe, temporary home for children while their family works toward reunification or another permanent plan.

Adoption is a permanent legal commitment. When reunification is not possible, adoption is an alternate plan that is sought for children in the child welfare system. Once an adoption is finalized, the adoptive parent assumes the same legal rights and responsibilities as a biological parent.

Think of it this way:

• Foster care focuses on temporary care and support while bio-families work through resolving issues in the home that led to the child being removed.
• Adoption focuses on lifelong permanency, belonging, and family for children when reunification is not possible.

Both play an important role in helping children heal, grow, and thrive.

Yes. North Carolina allows adoption from foster care across state lines. These placements must meet the requirements of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which ensures the adoptive home is approved, both states’ laws are followed, and the child’s safety and wellbeing are protected. ICPC approval is required whenever a child or adoptive family lives in a different state. If you do not live in North Carolina, you must partner with a licensing agency in your home state to start the process.

Adoption is not the end of a journey; it is the beginning of a new chapter.

After adoption, families make all major decisions for their child, including:

• Medical care
• Education
• Extracurricular activities
• Religious involvement
• Daily parenting decisions

At the same time, many adoptive families continue to benefit from support services, counseling, trauma-informed resources, support groups, and community connections.

As children grow, new questions may emerge around identity, family history, relationships, and belonging. That’s normal.

Successful adoptive families often view adoption as a lifelong journey of learning, connection, and growth – not a one-time event.

An open adoption involves some level of ongoing communication or connection between the adoptive family and birth family.

This might include:

• Letters or emails
• Phone calls
• Photos and updates
• In-person visits

A closed adoption involves little or no ongoing communication after placement.

Today’s adoptions often fall somewhere in between, with families creating arrangements that meet the child’s needs while supporting healthy boundaries.

The most important question is not how much contact exists, but whether the relationships involved support the child’s well-being, safety, and sense of identity.

The honest answer is it depends.

Every child’s situation is unique, and timelines vary based on:

• The type of adoption
• Licensing and home study requirements
• Matching considerations
• Court processes
• The needs of the child

Some families may move through the process relatively quickly, while others may wait longer for the right match.

Rather than focusing solely on how long it takes, we encourage families to focus on preparation, flexibility, and finding the right fit for both the child and family.

Costs vary depending on the type of adoption.

Adoption from foster care is typically low-cost or no‑cost. Many services, such as training and home studies, are provided at little or no expense.

Some adoption-related expenses may be reimbursed or offset through available assistance programs, depending on the family’s situation and the child’s eligibility.

Private and international adoptions costs range widely and can be very expensive.

The most important thing to know is that financial concerns should never stop you from exploring adoption. Our team can help you understand the costs, resources, and support available so you can make an informed decision.

Many children qualify for adoption assistance, medical coverage, and post adoption services. These supports help families meet ongoing needs and promote long‑term stability.

When appropriate and safe, ongoing connections with birth relatives is encouraged to support a child’s identity and wellbeing. CHS prioritizes the child’s best interests and supports families in navigating these relationships.

Some adoptive families maintain ongoing communication with birth relatives, while others have limited or no contact.

When contact occurs, it is typically based on:

• The child’s best interests
• Safety considerations
• Mutual agreement between families

Once an adoption is finalized, adoptive parents become the child’s legal parents and make decisions regarding contact and communication.

Many families find that healthy, well-supported relationships with important people from a child’s past can help children better understand their story and identity. At the same time, adoptive families can establish boundaries that support safety, stability, and well-being.

At CHS, matching is a child centered process focused on finding the family best able to meet a child’s long‑term needs. Each match is guided by a careful understanding of the child’s age, strengths, medical or emotional needs, history of trauma, cultural identity, and important relationships, including siblings.

Child-Focused Recruitment (CFR) emphasizes the child’s input in their adoption, and any pre-existing relationships in their life. That network could include relatives, neighbors, mentors, teachers, former babysitters, a best friend’s parents, previous foster placements, or others connected to the child.

Instead of working to find the right child for a family, CFR recruiters strive to find the right family for the child. By utilizing existing connections and talking to people who already know and are known by these children, recruiters can increase the child’s (and family’s) comfort and openness to adoption.

While every journey is unique, most families can expect these general steps:

• Learn About Adoption – Attend an information session, ask questions, and explore whether adoption is the right fit for your family.
• Apply – Submit an application and begin the licensing or approval process.
• Complete Training and Licensure- Learn about trauma, attachment, child development, and parenting children who have experienced adversity.
• Home Study and Assessments – A social worker gets to know your family, your strengths, and your hopes for adoption.
• Matching – Families are considered for children whose needs align with their strengths and abilities.
• Placement – A child joins your family, often through a gradual transition process.
• Finalization – A judge legally finalizes the adoption, making your family permanent in the eyes of the law.

Throughout the process, families receive guidance, education, and support.

CHS looks for the right fit, not a perfect family. Matching considers how a family’s strengths align with a child’s needs, including their ability to provide stability, support emotional or medical needs, and maintain important connections. Families receive clear, honest information to help them make informed decisions.

When a match is identified, CHS supports a planned transition, which includes:

• Preplacement visits
• Gradual increases in time together
• Ongoing support and check-ins

Once a child is placed, CHS continues providing guidance and post placement support leading up to adoption finalization.

That is okay. CHS prioritizes the child’s best interests and does not move forward with a match unless it feels right for everyone involved. If a family is not a good fit, CHS continues the search and supports families as they wait for the right opportunity.

CHS believes adoption is a lifelong journey. Post adoption support may include counseling, education, referrals, and advocacy to help families thrive beyond finalization.