And also, is there a period prior to adoption where they can get to know the prospective adoptive parents first?
I was just curious.
It just seems to me like it would be awful if they were sent to be adopted with people they really didn't like. It seems to me that they deserve a little bit of self-determination, after all they've been through, having their lives in upheaval all the time, having everything decided for them and nobody asking them what they want.
♥♥Rita♥♥2008-09-12T20:50:59Z
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In my experience older teens do have a say in who adopts them...they have to sign a consent at 12 years old and older when they go to court for the final hearing. Younger kids are typically listened to while the placement is being assessed and if the "match" is just not there, then other placement is sought.
There is a period of time, legally it is called the Interlocutory Decree and that is 6 months....it can be waived if in the best interest of the child or in cases of a relative adoption.
By policy-not law-, we supervise placement for approximately 6 months or more to make sure all is going well, bonding is happening, issues are worked through, etc.....During this time the child or children are still actually foster children but in adoptive placement and still in the custody of the state. If the children are being adopted by foster parents who already know them and vice versa, the process is much faster.......
Legal consent of the child over a certain age is normally required. For example, California requires the consent to the adoption of any child 12 or older.
California Family Code 8602. The consent of a child, if over the age of 12 years, is necessary to the child's adoption.
In my area, as of 12 years old the children have a say in any adoption plans. Thats not to say that they don't listen to them at a younger age but as of 12 it is legislated that they have a say and in fact they have a neutral advocate assigned to them when that time comes. Its someone outside the foster care system so that it's impartial. An "honest broker" as it were.
Friends of ours just adopted a 6 year old girl. She actually lived in a major city about 5 hours drive from where we live and they had to make numerous trips down there, at first for a couple of days and then longer, to meet with her and to spend some time before the match was formalized. CAS paid for the trips and the expenses involved with them so it made for a good vacation for all concerned, my friends and the child they adopted.
Older kids do but i am not sure in the age it starts. Also there is a period of adjustment. Once you have been picked if you are not the foster parent you meet them a few times then they come home for a night then a weekend then they just stay adoption finalized in a month or so