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About Adoption

Adoption through the Department of Child Services (DCS)

Adoption is the legal and permanent process of a child becoming a member of a new family who will care for them, love them and guide them through life.

An adoption done through DCS is a public agency adoption. A public agency adoption is one facilitated by a state department or county social service department. It is limited to the adoption of children within an agency's custody.

Private or International Adoption

Families interested in private adoption or international adoption would need to contact an adoption agency. Click here for a list of agencies in Indiana.

The Indiana Adoption Program

When a child cannot be reunified with their birth parents, the court may terminate parental rights, making the child available for adoption. Children who don’t have an identified adoptive home are referred to the Indiana Adoption Program.

The Indiana Adoption Program is an initiative of DCS to recruit parents willing to work with the agency to provide a committed and loving home for children that come from hard places. To learn more about the children in the Indiana Adoption Program you can view some of the children that are legally free for adoption at https://www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/indianas-waiting-children/.

Learn More

The Adoption Journey

Preparing to Adopt

Adoption is a huge decision for a family, and we want you to be prepared. We encourage families to do their own research around adoption issues to ensure they understand the issues along the way.

If you are interested in pursuing adoption through DCS, we ask that you start by attending an orientation session. To attend an orientation session, sign up here.

After your orientation session, you will be contacted by an adoption consultant that will help walk you through the process.

We also ask that you consider becoming a licensed foster parent. Foster parents work with children through the reunification process, while providing a safe and loving home. Learn more about becoming a licensed foster parent here.

Matching and Transition period

Children that are not adopted by their current caregiver will enter the child recruitment program to seek an adoptive family.

The matching and transition period assists families with understanding the needs of the child and ensures the family has access to the services  needed to successfully become a family. Once a child has been placed in your home for the purpose of adoption, families are eligible for pre-permanency services, which are available to assist with transitioning a child into your home.

Adoption Resources

The Adoption Subsidy Program is intended to promote permanency for a child with special needs by helping cover costs an adoptive parent cannot cover with their own financial resources. The Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) is available to the adoptive parent(s) of the child who meets the eligibility requirements. DCS will determine the child’s eligibility for the Adoption Subsidy Program once the adoptive parents apply.

  • AAP/SAS—a monthly subsidy that may be available should the child be eligible. The subsidy is available until the child turns 18. The AAP must be determined before the adoption is finalized.
  • Non-Recurring Adoption Expenses (NRAE): Funding to assist with payment of adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees and other expenses which are directly related to the legal adoption of a child up to $2,000 per child (adoptive parents will be responsible for adoption fees over $2,000). Reimbursement may only be requested after an adoption is finalized.
  • Medicaid

Sometimes, adopted children have needs that require specialized services and skills but don’t become apparent until after adoption. Often when families reach out for help, they are in crisis mode and don’t know how to re-stabilize their family. This is where post-permanency services can help.

DCS and its service providers offer strengths-based, family-centered services that promote family stability and allow for consistent progress toward actionable goals. To learn more about having this support in your home, please complete this form and an Adoption Consultant from DCS will contact you to review your request. [https://www.indianaadoptionprogram.org/post-permanency-services/]

Eligibility for Post-Adoption Services:

  • Any family that has adopted a child and currently resides in Indiana.
  • Any family that has guardianship of a child and currently resides in Indiana.

To get services started, email PAS@dcs.in.gov.

Prospective adoptive parents should consult an attorney for legal advice and as they prepare to adopt a child. You can read about some of the legal aspects of adoption here.

View all Resource and Adoptive Parent Trainings here.