Step 1: CHA Application (Step 1 Application)
Step 1 allows our agency to get to know the prospective Adoptive Family and determine if they meet the requirements for adopting through Choosing Hope Adoptions. To apply, all application documents must be returned a week before the first Education Session class. Choosing Hope will review the application documents and notify the Adoptive Family in writing within 30 days of receiving the Step 1 application if they have been approved. If so, they will be invited to pre-adoptive education.
Step 2: Education Classes
We require that all families attend our 2-hour classes for 6 weeks. These are usually (but not always) held on Monday or Tuesday evenings. You must attend these classes in person at our Springfield location. Adoption education is required for Choosing Hope Adoptions families to be better educated on the journey of ethical adoption. Topics covered in these classes include: Adoption Introduction, Trauma and Loss in Adoption, Culture, Openness in Adoption, Special Needs Adoption/Drug and Alcohol Exposure, and the Home Study Process.
Step 3: State Application (Step 2 Application)
The next step is the collection of documents required by the state of Ohio. We will review the application and notify prospective Adoptive Families of approval/disapproval to begin the next stage within 30 days.
Upon approval of the application steps, the collection of documents required by the state and federal government will start. These documents are also used by the social worker to assist in preparation of the Adoptive Family’s home study. Choosing Hope Adoptions will supply applicants with forms and instructions on how to obtain required criminal and background records checks. *Note: Documents provided to Choosing Hope Adoptions must be from most recent months and not expired.
Step 4: Home Study
Choosing Hope Adoptions will provide domestic home study services to prospective Adoptive Families residing in Ohio. The home study is an evaluation of the prospective Adoptive Family required by state and federal regulations, as well as a time to help educate the family. A social worker makes at least two visits with the prospective Adoptive Families on separate dates, with at least one visit occurring in the home. The applicants and all household members will be interviewed together and separately. The social worker will schedule the first interview within 30 days of the Step 2 Application approval.
After the completion of the home study visits, the social worker will complete a written assessment of the prospective adoptive home including a determination as to whether or not the couple meets the eligibility requirements for their state of residence and Choosing Hope, and to ensure they will provide a safe, secure and loving environment for a child. The narrative will meet the requirements set by the state of Ohio. The written assessment is placed in the Adoptive Family file and a signed copy will be provided to the family.
Home Study Approval: A decision in approval of an Adoptive Family shall be made within 60 days of the last contact with the applicant or Choosing Hope Adoptions will supply documentation on the record and to the family to explain the delay. Applicants will be notified in writing within (10) working days following the agency’s decision to approve.
Home Study Disapproval: If a prospective Adoptive Family cannot adequately prove that they can provide a safe, loving and financially secure environment, or if they have been untruthful in any of their interviews, applications, or forms, they will not be approved. A written statement will be placed in the unapproved applicant’s file as a record of the disapproval and the applicants will be notified in writing within (10) working days following the agency’s decision to disapprove them as an Adoptive Family.
Changes to Existing Home Study (if applicable): A home study in Ohio is valid for two years. A ‘Home Study Update’ allows the home study to be renewed for another two years without doing the entire home study process over. The Update must include at least (1) in home visit, updated employment status, updated medical reports, changes in family composition, and changes in the type of children requested. Home study changes can also occur if an active home study needs an Amendment. An Amendment is needed for a change of address, new household member, etc. There is a $300 fee for an Amendment, and it may require an additional social worker visit.
Step 5: Family Profile Book Preparation
You will prepare your Family Profile during the application and home study process in collaboration with Kindred & Co. Adoptive Families are required to use their services to prepare a Family Profile for expectant families. Your family will work directly with their team, which includes a birth mother, to draft, review, and print 10 copies of a profile book for Choosing Hope to present to expectant families.
Step 6: Waiting to be Chosen
After all required fees have been received, and the home study and background check processes are completed, Choosing Hope will use your family profile book to share with expectant families. It is very important to hold appropriate expectations as an Adoptive Family. Choosing Hope Adoptions cannot guarantee if, when, or how often the Adoptive Family profile will be presented. Preferences and limitations set by the Adoptive Family may limit how often profile books can be presented. Although an Adoptive Family could be chosen as soon as their home study is approved, the approximate time to placement is 1-2 years. By agreeing to be presented for a situation, the Adoptive Family agrees to honor Expectant Parent requests, if present.
Step 7: Chosen to Adopt
Once the prospective Adoptive Family verbally accepts being chosen by the biological mother, Choosing Hope Adoptions will prepare paperwork for the family to officially accept and move forward with the adoption. At this time, Choosing Hope staff will discuss the adoption of the specific child(ren) and the estimated medical expenses of the Birth Mother.
Step 8: Placement
The Adoptive Family will need to be present at Placement to receive the baby/child. The family will be required to complete paperwork at the time of placement. (If the family is receiving the child from a state outside their state of residence, they will need to remain in that state until ICPC paperwork has cleared, giving them permission to transport the baby/child to their home state. This could take a couple of weeks.)
Step 9: Post Placement and Finalization
The state of Ohio requires post placement visits and reports to be conducted at the Adoptive Family home after placement of the child. Your Choosing Hope Social Worker will make at least (6) required home visits after placement of the child. The first visit must be within 7 days of placement and the second visit must be within 30 days of placement. Choosing Hope Adoptions will submit social worker visit reports to the appropriate attorney, agency, and Interstate Compact as required. Your attorney (whom you select) will advise you on finalization. The process for finalization differs between states and sometimes varies depending on your county of residence. In Ohio, finalization cannot happen until 6 months post placement. All Choosing Hope Adoptions finalizations will take place in Clark County, Ohio.
Get Started with the Adoption Process
The process of adopting a newborn in Ohio can feel overwhelming. Choosing Hope Adoptions is a non-profit Christian adoption agency helping families navigate the adoption process for over 10 years.
Take the first step in the adoption process by completing the Contact Us form below to give us all of the information we need to reach out.
Springfield
616 N. Limestone St.
Springfield, OH 45503
Dayton
359 Forest Avenue
Dayton, OH 45405
Cincinnati
4222 Hamilton Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45223
Columbus
3600 Olentangy River Rd Columbus, OH 43214