FAQ - foreign adoption, domestic adoption, foster care, respite care, CASA, Ambassadors For Children

Foreign Adoption

Is it expensive to adopt Internationally? Grants available? Depending on the country and agency that you choose it can cost between $15,000 and $50,000. There are grants available and your agency can help you with that. Another idea is to have fundraisers!
Are the kids healthy? Absolutely! Most children adopted internationally are primarily orphaned due to poverty, and live in both government-run and privately established orphanages. We believe that every child is a gift from our Lord. Many are considered disabled due to small things such as cleft palate/cleft lip or birth marks. Also a child that is over 5 years old can be considered special needs simply because of his/her age.
Do I have to travel? Is it safe? Each country has a specific set of regulations that an adoptive family will have to meet. Some countries such as Ukraine the country requires that you stay from 4-6 weeks in the regions you intend on adopting from however there are countries that you do not have to travel. Your agency will educate you about the country and your safety.
Does my age matter? Most countries have age requirements as well as marriage. The most strict is China. Parents that intend on adopting from China have to be between the age of 30-50, married for at least 2 years, must be physically and mentally healthy, with body mass index under 40, with no history of drug/alcohol abuse or legal problems. Applicants should have at least a high school education, stable employment, and a net worth of at least $80,000. Applicants should have no more than 4 minor children at home. Each country is different!
Where is the easiest and quickest country to adopt from? Right now it is Ethiopia. It is always changing!
What country has the greatest need? Ethiopia and Rwanda are in great need for adoptive families as well as other African countries. Most agencies will work in Ethiopia.
What do we do first? Check out our list of International adoption agencies on cherishkids.org and pray about what agency to contact. Feel free to contact more than one and talk to them about your adoption. You need to feel comfortable with the agency that you choose to work with. They will be working to help bring your child home!!! What a great thought!
Are babies available? Yes, it depends on the county you adopt from. China, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Rwanda, Gambia, Nepal, Korea, and Hong Kong are a few that have children under the age of 24 months available for adoption.
What are the challenges post- adopt? Post adoption challenges come in varying degrees. Please speak to one of our team members to talk more about the subject.
What can go wrong during the process? Most of the time nothing goes wrong, however there have been times where the countries that we work with make mistakes. Sometimes adoptions can be slowed down or even stopped. Paperwork in other countries can take a lot longer than it does here in the US.

Domestic Adoption

Where do I start? The best place to begin is to contact agencies for information. Most people would not buy a house without touring it first, checking out the framework to ensure it meets community standards and researching the neighborhood, local schools, parks, etc. You probably even look at a dozen houses before choosing the perfect home for your family. Choosing an adoption agency shouldn’t be any different from the search for the perfect family home because the agency is guiding you in building your family. Research is key in helping you build trust in an agency. There are several ways you can research an agency such as contacting your State Licensing Specialist to determine if the agency is in good standing and if there have been any complaints filed against the agency. Check out their website, brochures or contact them directly to determine what services each agency offers, such as support groups, additional training, etc.. Join an adoption support group in your area and get first hand information from those who have experience with the agency. First hand knowledge is the most helpful information as it allows you to learn from the experience of others.
Can the biological parents come take the child after the adoption is final? In the state of Missouri, the adoption process is a two-step proceeding. The first step involves the transfer of legal custody of the child to the adoptive parents and cannot take place without prior court approval. The second step is the actual adoption six months later. During the six month period following initial placement, the court will ask that a home study be completed to update the court on the progress of the child and the adoptive parents. Before the Court may enter a final decree of adoption, the petitioners must have had lawful and actual custody of the child for a period of at least six (6) months. After the six (6) month period, a hearing is held for approval of the adoption. The consequences of the adoption are that are relations and rights between a child and its biological parents are terminated and the child is viewed legally as if it were the natural child of the adoptive parents. Specifically, there are no distinctions in the law between an adopted child and a biological child.
How much does it cost? The cost for a domestic adoption can vary depending on the circumstances. There are many children currently in foster care that are available for adoption. These adoptions are paid for by the state plus the child is covered by Medicaid until age 18. Concerning private adoptions, in Missouri there are strict regulations governing the types of expenses adopting parents may pay. You will be required to give an accounting when you file a petition for adoption asking you to disclose all fees and expenses related to the adoption. These expenses may include:

Medical expenses in connection with the birth or illness of the child
Counseling services for the biological parent or child
Cost for the suitability and placement studies (homestudy)
Legal expenses, court costs, travel expenses, and administrative expenses
Reasonable living expenses for the biological parents
Any other services or items the court finds reasonably necessary

What kind of assistance is available? We recognize that private domestic adoption can be a costly matter. Please see helpful links and details in upcoming blogs on our website for information and fundraising ideas. As previously mentioned, there are many children currently in foster care that are available for adoption. These adoptions are paid for by the state plus the child is covered by Medicaid until age 18.
How long does it take? Each adoption process varies. Before a child is ever placed in your care, it may take months to prepare or meet the requirements of your state. This would include finalizing a home study or waiting for the referral from a birth family/mother. However, keep in mind that Missouri has the required six (6) month actual custody period once the child is placed in your home. This means that even after the child is living in your home and you have actual custody, it will be an additional six (6) months before the final adoption hearing can be hear to complete the process.
Do all adopted children have severe long term emotional problems? While it is important to recognize that abuses and traumas can occur prior to adoption that negatively affect a child, it is also important to remember the positive effects that permanency, love, and stability bring to a child. Examples of successful, happy adoptees may prove helpful- Aristotle - philosopher Art Linkletter - comedian Dave Thomas - entrepreneur: founder of Wendy's Eleanor Roosevelt - First Lady Faith Hill - country singer George Washington Carver - inventor Jesus - adopted by Joseph the carpenter (Bible) Melissa Gilbert - actress Nancy Reagan - First Lady Nat King Cole - singer Nelson Mandela - politician President Gerald Ford - politician Steve Jobs - entrepreneur: co-founder of Apple computer Victoria Rowell - actress
Will I have to interact with biological parents? In Missouri, when a child is adopted all relations between a child and its biological parents are terminated. The child is viewed as if it were the natural child of the adoptive parents, and the biological parents no longer have any rights to have contact with the child. However, some adoptive parents will agree to maintain some forms of contact with the biological parent.

What is foster care?
It is a temporary placement for children without parental care due to abuse or neglect. Foster families provide a safe and nurturing home while the parents receive supportive services to regain custody of their children.
When does it lead to adoption?
Adoption is the permanent option for children who have been in foster care. Children are legally free for adoption after the court has terminated the parental rights of the birth parents.
Do I have a choice about the children placed in my home?
Yes, together with a casemanager, you will discuss preferences and capacities.
Do I pay for everything the child needs?
What about their healthcare? A maintenance payment is made monthly to help provide for the child’s food, clothing and personal needs. The amounts vary depending on various factors. You should be financially viable without these payments. Medical and dental insurance is provided to children in state’s custody at no cost to you. When a child in custody needs counseling, that is paid for through a Medicaid provider also.
What are the requirements to become a foster parent?
In Missouri, you can be single OR married, be 21 years old, be able to pass a child abuse neglect check and other background screening, be in good mental and physical health, have a stable income, and be willing to attend training.
What are the costs of becoming a foster or adoptive parent?
There is no cost involved. The homestudy and training is provided by the state free of charge.
How do I get started?
Contact Children’s Division—Greene County, Connie Quinn at 895-6708; Christian/Taney County, Nita Puchta at 581-7511 ext 230; MBCH at 831-2342; Lutheran’s Children and Family Services at 862-1972. Please let them know you are calling as a result of Cherish Kids!

What is a respite care provider?
Respite providers offer temporary care of children from resource homes in times of need. There is a great need for respite care providers who will care for children with a variety of special needs, including medical issues, and physical and behavioral challenges.
If you are considering becoming a resource parent, respite care is also a great way for you to meet parents who have already worked with our agency and the children we serve. You will gain first-hand experience working with the children and youth in state care. You will develop relationships with resource families you can turn to with your own questions as you explore the world of foster and adoptive care.
How do I become a respite care provider?
Persons wishing to provide respite care must:
- Contact their local Children’s Division Office to express their interest
- Complete and return the application provided by the agency
- Complete a child abuse/neglect screening and criminal background check
- Understand that a home assessment will be complete to ensure your home meets licensing standards, including sleeping arrangements and fire/safety requirements
- Read and sign the required agreements for discipline and confidentiality
Other Requirements:
- Fingerprints of all household members age 17 and over
- Copies of Social Secureity Cards of all household members age 17 and over
- Walk through of the home and discussion of the following safety items:
  - Storage of chemicals, cleaning products, medications, weapons, and ammunition
  - Location of smoke detectors, cabon monoxide detector
  - Observation of housekeeping standards
  - Five pound fire extinguisher stored in the kitchen
  - Bed space and sleeping arrangements

What does a CASA worker do?
A CASA is the communicator. They listen, learn, and share. After learning everything about the child, they report all information and findings to the judge and appropriate system in place so that good decisions can be made for the child.
Is it dangerous to be a CASA worker?
No. Once a child is in the system and requiring a CASA, all safety precautions have been met. There has never been an incident reported in our area in the past 20 years.
Do you need any special education or degree to be a CASA worker?
The CASA office will provide you complete education at one of their facilities. All classes are held at night and last approximately 3 hours each. There is a total of 10 sessions.
How much time and finances should the volunteer be prepared for?
Approximately 8-10 hours per month is the typical time spent by volunteers. The minimum requirement is a 1 hour visit with the child two times a month. There really is not any cost involved. CASA provides all of the forms, etc needed.
If you can’t be a volunteer but would like to help financially, what will the money be used for?
90% of the money collected goes towards the service of children. The remaining 10% is used towards staff salaries. All of the money stays local.

What is Ambassadors for Children?
Ambassadors for Children provide resources to GREENE COUNTY CHILDREN through the following programs.
- Adopt-a-Caseworker
- The Kid’s Clothes Closet
- Tutoring Scholarships
- Project Self-Esteem
- Pack-a-Bag with Love
- Foster & Adoptive parent Recruitment
What is Adopt-a-Caseworker?
This is usually an organization that is matched with a foster care case. It is designed to provide for the needs of children in the way of clothing, birthday items, car seats, etc. This is a one year committment for the caseworker, and usually requires $75-$100 per month.
What is The Kid’s Clothes Closet?
The Kid’s Clothes Closet is for foster children and is located inside The Ronald McDonald House. The children can go twice a year to get various items such as clothing, socks and shoes, hair cuts, winter coats, etc. 420 kids per year go twice a year and 3500 children have been helped by The Kid’s Clothes Closet since 2001. In 2009 there was a 63% increase in the number of kids that used the facility. You can either donate new clothing to The Ronald McDonald House or donate to whatever category you choose.
What is involved with the Tutoring Scholarships program?
Volunteers tutor kids in foster care 2 days a week. They are looking for 40 new tutors this year. A teaching degree is typically required. However, as an alternative the Ozark Literacy Council does offer 3 classes for $25. There is also a $9 background check required for all volunteers.
What is Project Self-Esteem?
This program provides children with items and opportunities that will raise their self esteem. This includes funding for special classes, glasses, school trips, and prom expenses.
What is Pack-a-Bag with Love and what can I donate for it?
Bags are made for children that are sent to foster care very quickly. A list of appropriate items can be obtained from the director.
What is Foster & Adoptive parent recruitment?
This program helps those considering adopting or becoming a foster parent by providing them with information and directing them to the appropriate agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Foreign Adoption

Domestic Adoption