Adoption in Montana
Contemplating adoption can be overwhelming when there are so many options available. In Montana you may adopt and infant domestically, an infant or older child through an international adoption, or an older or special needs child through foster care.
Who May Adopt In Montana
How do you know if you are eligible to be an adoptive parent in Montana? The basic requirements are quite simple. You must be over the age of 18. A couple must have lived together for at least 24 months, but single parents are eligible as well. You will have to pass a criminal background check.
Montana Adoption Home Study
No matter what type of adoption you decide to pursue, a home study will be required. A home study is a bit like an investigation. You are required to submit to background checks, fingerprinting, financial means verification, as well as very personal discussions about your marriage or divorce (if applicable), your child hood, family relationships, and parenting styles, along with checking to make sure your home meets size and safety regulations.
International Adoption In Montana
While the minimum age in Montana for an adoptive parent is 18, this can vary with international adoptions. Each country has its own criteria for who is allowed to adopt, the age of the child that they place for adoption and how long you must be in the country before you are allowed to return to Montana with the child
When choosing an agency to facilitate your adoption, be sure that the agency is licensed in Montana, and has experience with adoptions in the country you are adopting from.
Infant Adoption In Montana
If you are interested in adopting an infant in Montana, it will be handled through an adoption agency or an adoption attorney. Just as with an international adoption, make sure that any agency or attorney that you use is licensed in Montana and has experience with infant adoptions.
If you are a birth mother and plan to place your child for adoption but are unable to make an adoption plan you may take advantage of Montana`s Safe Haven law. The law allows you to place your infant (up to 30 days old) with a staff member at a hospital, police department or fire department. They will find a safe home for your child.
Montana Older Child Or Special Needs Adoption
There is not a shortage of children who are waiting for adoptive families. Montana has children in foster homes or other out of home placements who are waiting for a forever family. The definition of special needs in regards to adoption is broader than expected. Special needs can mean a child who is older which makes placement more difficult, children who have suffered abuse or neglect, children with different ethnics backgrounds, siblings who need to be placed together, or children with physical or emotional disabilities.
Montana Child and Family Services requires and provides special training to all adoptive parents. The training is offered at various times and places around the State of Montana. If you live in Montana, information is available through your local Children and Family Services office.
Montana Adoption Registry
If you are a parent who placed a child for adoption in Montana or an adult who was adopted in Montana, you may file with the Montana adoption registry. This allows you to receive contact information about the other party if both parties have registered.
Montana does have a veto system which allows either party to file that they do not wish to have contact. If that is the case, the information will not be revealed to you.
Back to the main Montana Adoption page.
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