Adoption is a wonderful way to build your family, but how do you know where to start? In North Dakota you may adopt an older or special needs child from foster care, an infant domestically, or an infant or older child internationally.

Who May Adopt In North Dakota

You do not have to be a perfect parent or rich and famous to be able to adopt a child. Average people age 21 or older may be adoptive parents. You may be single or married and home ownership is not a requirement.

North Dakota Adoption Home Study

No matter what type of adoption you decide to pursue, you will have to have a home study completed. Home studies include back ground checks, a check of your financial status to be sure that can financially provide for a child, a safety inspection of your home, discussions about your marriage or divorce (if applicable), your child hood and parenting style, any resources or supports that you already have in place, along with many other questions.

North Dakota Older Child Or Special Needs Adoption

North Dakota does not have a shortage of children available for adoption. There are many children in foster care who are waiting for a forever family. While the program is called special needs adoption, it is not only children with a physical or emotional special need that are waiting to be adopted. Children who are part of a sibling group that need to be placed together, children of different ethnic backgrounds, and children who are older and have a difficult being placed because of their age are all considered special needs.

Potential adoptive parents are required to complete a series Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) training classes. The classes help to educate you on the potential needs of a special needs child and give you resources to handle these situations.

North Dakota Infant Adoption

If you are interested in adopting an infant you can do so through an adoption agency or adoption attorney. Make sure that the agency or attorney is reputable and licensed in North Dakota for adoption.

If you are unable to care for your child, or unable to make and adoption plan the Safe Haven Law in North Dakota allows you to leave your unharmed infant (up to one year old) at a hospital. The hospital staff will help to find a safe home for your child.

International Adoption In North Dakota

One adoption option in North Dakota is international adoption. Each country has various regulations about who is allowed to adopt, how long you must stay in the country with the child after taking custody, and what age children they allow to be adopted. Research the countries for their regulations, then select an agency that has experience in adoptions from that country.

North Dakota Adoption Registry

If you are a parent who placed a child for adoption in North Dakota, or an adult who was adopted in North Dakota, it is now easier to gain information. Under North Dakota`s current law, an adoptee may initiate a search at the age of 18 or a birth parent or birth sibling may initiate a search when the adoptee reaches the age of 21. Both parties must consent in order for identifying information to be released.

Back to the main North Dakota Adoption page.