The Meigs County Department of Job and Family Services is dedicated to providing a safe and permanent family life for all children.
 

Adoption is the method by which adults become legal parents of children not born to them. Adopting parents can be married or single; homeowners or non-homeowners; with or without children; or parents who work outside the home. You need to be over the age of 21, and if you are married, you need to have been married for at least one year.

The entire adoption process can take six months to one year to complete. This process includes a home assessment. The adoptive home assessment is designed to help families reach a better understanding about why they want to adopt a child. This is a time to develop acceptance and expectations of a child. They can explore their attitudes toward biological parents, and the needs of children waiting to be adopted. They can decide which child could best benefit from becoming a part of the applicant’s family. It is our desire for the family to enhance their experience with children, and develop effective parenting skills. After the home assessment is completed the process of matching a family with an appropriate child takes place. Once a child has been found, they will spend up to six months with that family before the adoption is finalized. The state requires this period of supervision by the agency and a report to the court on the process of the child’s placement. A social worker will visit the home several times to assess the child’s progress and prepare a written report for the court.

Children available for adoption come into permanent custody of Children Services when a court determines that their birth parents cannot care for the child’s needs and will never be able to. Many of the adoptable children today are Special Needs children. They may be over the age of six. They may be sibling groups. They may have been abused or neglected. They may require special services. Financial assistance may be available based upon the individual needs of the child and the family.