As a private domestic adoption agency, American Adoptions works only to complete private infant adoptions in New Mexico. However, the foster system is a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts, and we’re passionate about making sure you get the information you need regardless of the type of adoption you ultimately decide to pursue.

To help you in your research, we’ve compiled some information below about foster care adoption in New Mexico. We're also available to answer any of your questions when you call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our free online contact form.

How do you complete a foster care adoption in New Mexico?

While every adoption situation is different, the following is a general outline of the steps you can expect to follow in a New Mexico foster care adoption:

Step 1: Decide which interests you more: foster parenting or adopting an older child from the foster care system. When someone becomes a foster parent, they are providing a temporary home for a child in need while that child’s biological parents (or other relatives) work to regain custody. The goal is always to reunite the child with their biological family, if possible. When adopting from the foster care system, this is the adoption of an older child whose biological parents have already had their rights terminated and is legally free for permanent adoption.

Step 2: If you do decide that you want to adopt from foster care in NM, you’ll need to contact the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. They will help to connect you to foster resources in your county.

Step 3: Complete parenting classes. You will most likely be required to take either PS-MAPP (Permanence and Safety-Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) or PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information Development and Education) classes.

Step 4: Fill out an application to adopt from foster care. This will include information about your family, your home, and your desire to pursue a foster care adoption in New Mexico. You will also indicate what you’re open to in an adoption situation by stating preferences on factors like gender or age range.

Step 5: Complete a New Mexico adoption home study. Just as you would in a private adoption, the home study assesses your readiness to adopt and ensures that you can provide a safe and loving home for a child.

Step 6: After your home study is complete, a child will be placed with you. This may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how flexible you are in your application. After the child has been placed with you, you’ll undergo a post-placement study and finalization hearing to receive your final decree of adoption.

Who can adopt a foster child in New Mexico?

To adopt from foster care, you’ll have to meet the same requirements as you would to adopt privately. You must also:

• Be 21 years old

• Attend your local adoptive parent orientation program

• Attend parenting classes

How much does adopting from foster care in New Mexico cost?

One of the benefits to adopting from foster care is that the costs are very low. You should plan to pay for medical examinations, safety classes and court filings, but these costs typically do not exceed $300. Some adoption agencies will even reimburse the costs when an adoption is completed.

Foster Children for Adoption in New Mexico

While there isn’t necessarily a comprehensive foster care adoption photolisting in New Mexico, you can learn about the children in the foster system nearest you by reaching out to the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department.

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