American Adoptions works solely to complete private domestic adoption in Nevada, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t passionate about foster care adoption as well. Since foster care systems vary by state, it can be difficult to find a compilation of resources focused specifically on adopting from foster care in Nevada.

You can always contact us online or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get information.

Below, we’ve compiled a guide to Nevada foster adoption.

Who can adopt a foster child in Nevada?

 If you’re considering adopting from foster care, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Have enough income to cover all your financial needs.

• Be able to provide a supportive and loving environment.

• Be at least 21 years older as well as 10 years older than the child you wish to adopt.

• Be of good character. Any records of arrest or criminal convictions may prevent you from foster care adoption in NV.

If you meet all these requirements, you’ll also have to undergo a home study before adopting from foster care in Nevada. A home study will call for references, fingerprint and background clearances, interviews and a home visit with a home study provider in your area. 

How do you complete a foster care adoption in Nevada?

Once you’ve settled on adopting from foster care in Nevada, the steps to completing a foster care adoption are similar to those in other states.

Step 1: Contact a foster agency in your area.

Step 2: Complete parenting classes. Your agency will have you take either PS-MAPP (Permanence and Safety-Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) or PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information Development and Education) classes.

Step 3: Complete an application to adopt from foster care in Nevada. This will include information about yourself, your home environment and why you’re interested in adopting from foster care. You’ll also indicate to your foster care agency what you’re willing to accept in terms of an adoption situation, such as the child’s age range or potential special needs.

Step 4: Complete a home study, just as you would if you were completing a private domestic adoption.

Step 5: After your home study is complete, it will be time to wait for placement. Depending on where you are and what you’ve said you’re open to in terms of adoption situations, this could happen almost immediately, or it could take a few months.

Step 6: After your child has been placed with you and you have satisfied any post-placement requirements, you’ll attend a finalization hearing, in which the judge deems your child legally and permanently yours.

How much does it cost to adopt from foster care in Nevada?

Adopting from foster care usually comes with very few expenses. You should plan to pay for costs like medical exams, court filings and safety classes, although these usually don’t add up to more than $300 and in some cases may be reimbursed upon finalization. Your foster care adoption agency may charge a small fee, although it’s not unusual for them to waive it or not charge it at all.

Foster Children for Adoption in Nevada

In June of 2016, Nevada had 4,275 children in its foster care program. Of those children, 547 of them had already gone through the termination of parental rights and were able to be adopted. To look at a foster care adoption photolisting or to learn more about foster children for adoption in Nevada, contact your local foster care agency. 

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.