A public adoption allows you to add a new child to your family, but it takes commitment and investment. You have to connect with the right child and be in a position to commit to their care. Not everyone who wants to adopt even qualifies under California rules.
There are numerous steps involved in the process of qualifying for adoption, and one of those is a family assessment performed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Only those who successfully complete a family assessment will ultimately be eligible for public adoption.
What does a family assessment involve?
A review of your personal background
Although the CDSS recognizes that people from many situations can become excellent parents, the background of an applicant will still matter. You can expect the CDSS to perform a criminal background check and to look into your personal history.
You will have to provide information about your medical history, finances and marital status, as well. All of that will help the state determine if you are capable of providing a stable home environment for a child. You do not need to be wealthy or married, but you do need to be stable socially, emotionally and financially.
A home assessment
Your personal situation, marriage, health and finances aren’t the only matters that influence adoption. Where you live also matters.
It is common for a home study to occur as part of the family assessment. A professional comes to where you live to evaluate the space and possibly even learn about your daily routine as it would apply to an adopted child.
If the family assessment determines that you are capable of meeting the basic needs of a child, you may then be able to proceed with an adoption. Learning more about California adoptions can make the process easier to manage.
