Step 1. Initial Contact
When you call VA One Church, One Child, you have taken the first step in the adoption process. After a few general questions, we will invite you to an orientation.

Step 2. Orientation
At the orientation session you will learn more about the types of children waiting for adoptive families and about the adoption process. This will most likely be a group meeting with other families who are interested in adoption. It may be an individual meeting with a One Church, One Child staff person. Feel free to ask questions. This is a time for you to get some of your questions answered.

Step 3. Application
You must complete an application. Application forms vary. However, most require names of all immediate family members, and ask information about employment, health and family history. Do not be put off by the personal questions on the application. This is a very personal process. Complete it, sign it and return it to us or the agency that will serve you. The social worker will explain during the homestudy how the information you provide will help to determine the kind of child that will fit best in your family.

Step 4. Home Study
During the home study, you will talk about your reasons for wanting to adopt and the type of child your family can best parent. The social worker will talk about the needs of children waiting to be adopted. All members of your family will be involved. The home study will be completed through a series of discussion and training sessions --individual or group. At the conclusion of the home study process, you and the social worker will decide whether you are ready to adopt and what type of child you can parent.

Step 5. Selection
The social worker will show you pictures of available children and tell you about each child. There are also listings of special needs children available on the Internet/Worldwide Web. We will also invite you to Adoption Parties and videoconferences so that you can meet and interact with waiting children.
When you identify a child you are interested in OR if staff becomes aware of a child that we feel is a fit for you, you and staff will together consider whether your family may be right for this child. Deciding against adopting a particular child will not prevent you from being considered for other children.

Step 6. Placement
The placement process will start with visits between the you and the child/children. The number of visits before actual placement depends on the child's speed in being able to move into a new situation. When the social worker feels that the child is ready to move and that the family is ready to receive the child, arrangements are made for the placement with the family.

Step 7. Supervision (Post Placement)
After the child is placed in your home, the social worker will visit you at least three times. The visits are to help you and the child adjust. The visits and the support tht we offer helps you in your new role as a parent. This is the time to talk with the worker about any concerns you may have. Initial adjustment concerns are to be expected. Talk about them early on; waiting too long may cause problems later. The Virginia law requires the child to live in your home a minimum of 6 months and be visited at least 3 times (or more), before the adoption can be finalized.

Step 8. Legal Procedures & Finalization
To finalize the adoption, it is best to get an attorney. The attorney will file a petition for adoption with the court. The court will require a report from the agency. The agency sends the report and the judge enters the final order of adoption.

* All information on this page adapted from the Steps to Adoption,
Published by The Virginia Department of Social Services.