Adopting a TN Foster Child: Questions to Ask

Adoption is a leap of faith in any circumstance. This is especially true when adopting a child from foster care who is not an infant and therefore, has a past to consider. As an adoptive or foster parent, you want as much information as you can get about the child. Having this information will help you determine if it is a good match and will assist you in raising the child. There is typically a placement meeting before a child is placed with you. This is a good time for you to ask questions and gather information. Below are some questions to ask when adopting a child from Tennessee foster care.

●     Ask about previous placements. Why were they disrupted and how long did they last? Why did previous foster parents choose not to adopt the child?

●     Who is the current care-giver, and can you speak with them? This is helpful to understand the child’s schedule and routine.

●     Why were the parents’ rights terminated?  Are there siblings, and if so, where are they?

●     Where do the biological parents and extended family reside? Does the family have expectations for contact with the child?

●     Get a list of any health, psychological, or learning diagnosis. Find out who gave the diagnosis and when. See if you can learn what led to the diagnosis.

●      Are there currently any behavioral or health concerns that require ongoing treatment or therapy?

●     Is the child currently taking medication, and what medications has he or she taken in the past?

●     Has the child ever acted out sexually? If so, when and what were the circumstances?

●     Can the child make and maintain age appropriate friendships?

●     Does the child understand what adoption means, and does he or she want to be adopted?

●     Ask to examine the child’s file in its entirety. They often just give you a summary, but you should set aside a time to thoroughly review the whole file.

●      How does the child perform in school? What is his or her attitude toward school? Does the child have an IEP? (individualized education plan) Which school is the child currently attending, and which has he or she previously attended?  

●     If the child is of a different race than your family, ask how he or she would feel about being part of a family of your ethnicity.

TN Foster Child Adoption Assistance

If you want to adopt a Tennessee foster child, we can help. It is sometimes challenging to navigate the foster-care system. We developed a program for this precise reason. Our adoption professionals are experienced in foster child adoption, and will help you every step of the way. Learn more about our TN foster child adoption service.

 It’s crucial to gather information about a child before placement. A great match will result in a happier child and family. We encourage you to ask questions before placement to make sure you and the child are a good fit. If the child has problems, ask yourself, “If the child doesn’t improve, can I still commit to raising him or her?”

Contact Destiny Adoption for more information and assistance 865-392-6261.