Adopting through foster care is one of the most popular ways to grow your family. Of the 2,509 children in foster care in Rhode Island, more than 300 are typically waiting to meet their new adoptive family. You can provide the loving and supportive home they need.

Children in foster care are usually older, and they can come from a background of trauma and neglect.  While it is possible that you can foster to adopt infants, it’s more likely that you will adopt an older child or sibling group through foster care. Similar to infant adoption, adopting a foster child will come with its own set of challenges and rewards.

American Adoptions is unable to provide Oregon foster care adoption services, as we specialize in newborn adoption in Rhode Island.

If you’re ready to talk to one of our adoption specialists, you can contact us today by calling 1-800-ADOPTION or filling out our free online form. But, if you're certain domestic infant adoption in Rhode Island isn't right for you, adopting a child from foster care can be a great way to expand your family.

Considering Foster Care Adoption vs. Domestic Infant Adoption 

At this point, you may still be wondering what type of adoption is best for your family, as it can be tough to decide between infant adoption vs. foster care adoption. Reading foster care adoption stories from people with different backgrounds can help make your decision easier. You can start by reading through foster adoption forums and foster adoption blogs, both of which can provide insightful information.

How to Become a Foster Parent

There are three different ways to grow your family through the foster care system. You will need to pick which option is best for you and your situation.

Your options are:

1. Foster Parenting: If you choose to foster parent, you will be providing a temporary home for a child until they can be placed with either their biological family or another permanent residence.

2. Foster to Adopt: The goal in this scenario is to adopt a foster child if they are unable to return to their biological family.

3. Foster Care Adoption: In this instance, you can adopt through the foster care system without becoming a foster parent first. By looking at a foster care adoption photo listing in Rhode Island, you can view children that are currently eligible for adoption.

Rhode Island Foster Care Adoption Subsidies

The amount of financial assistance that you are able to receive can vary depending on the needs of the child that you adopt. Generally, most families that are adopting a foster child are able to receive some amount of adoption assistance. If you are a working foster parent, you will receive free child care in addition to a weekly tax-free stipend and medical and dental coverage for the foster child. Adopting through foster care is the cheapest option for those looking to adopt a child, as costs are recouped by adoption assistance you receive.

Foster Care and Adoption Licensing Requirements for Rhode Island

Just like in a domestic adoption, there may be some additional licensing requirements to complete before you are able to adopt from foster care in Rhode Island. First, you will need to complete an application to become a foster parent. You can request this through the Adoption Rhode Island Website.  You will also need to complete your criminal background checks, a fire inspection, and fingerprinting.

A foster care home study will also need to be completed before you are officially licensed as a foster parent. This process is not too different from a domestic adoption home study, as it will typically require the following:

• Criminal background checks and clearances

• Recent medical history

• Current employment and financial history

• References letters from at least three individuals, two of which must be non-relatives

• A home inspection that will evaluate how suitable the environment is for foster children.

In addition to providing the above documents, you will also need to complete Foster Parent Orientation Training. The classes will last for 10 weeks and are mandatory in order for you to become a licensed foster parent. After your classes and home study are complete, you will be ready to continue your foster care journey.

Rhode Island does have some requirements when it comes to who can become a foster parent. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and a resident of Rhode Island. You can be either a single parent, married, or in a partnership as a foster parent.  Proof of income is required to demonstrate that you are able meet the needs of your foster child without any financial assistance.

The agency that you choose will explain what kind of additional acquirements they require. If you have any additional questions about becoming a foster parent, you should contact your foster care agency.

Choosing the Right Foster Care Agency for You

The right agency will help guide, educate, and support you during your foster care adoption in Rhode Island. Below, find some agencies that can provide you with more information on the foster care process in Rhode Island:

• Child and Family Foster Care

• Foster Forward

• The Department of Children Youth and Families

•  Family Service of Rhode Island

• Adoption Rhode Island

If you are still considering private domestic infant adoption in Rhode Island, please call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time to speak with a specialist about our agency programs.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.