The first step in the adoption process is to complete an application.  You can obtain an application by calling or emailing our office to request one.  The State of Ohio requires that families complete a series of trainings.  ACTION offers these trainings on Friday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.  Staff can give you a better idea of when it will be best for you to begin training.  During your training, staff will assist you in completion of necessary paperwork.  Finally, once you have finished your training requirements, a staff member will visit your home and conduct a series of interviews with all household members.  This information will be used in the homestudy document.  The homestudy is the document which is used to match families and children for adoption.

We heard that there are no children available for adoption. Is this true?

Is it expensive?

For many years fees we covered under a State program called AdoptOhio. Unfortunately the State discontinued the program due to fiscal concerns on June 30, 2003. The newly established fees are as follows:

·         Application fee $100

·         Homestudy fee $900

·         Recruitment fee $1,000

·         Placement fee $2,000

·         Expedited Homestudy fee $2,000

This represents just a fraction of what adoption actually costs the agency. The balance of the costs will be negotiated with the child welfare agency that holds custody of the children. This is called purchase of service. Agencies that do purchase of service will generally also cover the costs of a family's travel, visitation expenses as well as legal fees for the adoption. 

Do you place newborns?

ACTION works with birth parents to assist them in making a plan for their child that is best for all concerned. At times this plan is adoption. Perspective adoptive parents interested in newborns are asked to submit a "Dear Birth Parent" letter that will be presented along with the family profile to birth parents making an adoption plan. Families may possibly be interviewed by birth parents and will reach an agreement with them on the level of openness expected. Fees for newborn adoption are included in the policy that is sent to families when they request an Information Packet.

What if I am low income and can't afford this?

What kind of children does ACTION place?

ACTION places children from newborn through teens. We specialize in the placement of sibling groups. ACTION places children of all races and ethnicities. ACTION views children waiting in the child welfare system as "special" because of the abuse, neglect or dependency that brought them into care. While we do place children with extreme special needs at our family's request, the majority of our children have the potential to live happy productive lives with the love and support of a permanent family.

Will we be on our own after we adopt?

No! ACTION has a weekly adoptive parents support group that provides support, friendship and education. Several events are held throughout the year including a summer picnic and a national adoption month celebration in November. Our staff is also available for counseling needs 24 hours a day.

How long does the adoption process take?