Terminating a parent’s rights and moving a case toward adoption involves many variables - it’s hard to provide an exact answer. The process could take as little as 6 to 18 months or more.

Adopting from foster care is free. There may be some minimal associated costs that are often reimbursable.

Yes. The Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) is a federal program of financial assistance available to all children adopted through the foster care system. After you adopt a child, you will receive a monthly stipend through the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) that is usually equal to the amount you were receiving for your foster care stipend.

An adoptive child that qualifies, is eligible to receive AAP until age 18. Children with mental or physical disabilities may be eligible for AAP Program benefits until age 21. A child who qualifies for AAP benefits is also eligible for health care services through the Medi-Cal program. Medi-Cal can be used for most necessary medical services including medical, dental, and mental health needs. When the adopting family has private medical insurance, Medi-Cal can be used as a supplemental plan.

Some children, who are adopted at an older age (late adolescence) may be eligible for college tuition assistance.

No, you do not need to be married! Many single people are successful foster and adoptive parents.

You don’t need to own your own home, be wealthy, or be a stay-at-home parent to adopt. However, you do need to demonstrate that you have enough time and resources to be a caregiver and can support yourself without any additional income, such as adoption assistance.

You must reside in LA, Orange, or surrounding counties within a reasonable driving distance for AFFI and County social workers to visit. You may choose to go through a foster to adopt approval process with your local county agency and share your approval information with AFFI if you decide to do a private adoption.