Steps to Adoption
Adoption can be one of the most meaningful decisions a family ever makes—and Carly’s Hope is here to help ease the financial burden. We offer grants to help offset the cost of adoption, so more children can find loving, permanent homes.
01
Decide adoption is right for you
Take time to explore, ask questions, and reflect on whether adoption is the right path for your family. Talk with others who have adopted, attend information sessions.
02
Choose Your Adoption Path
There’s more than one way to adopt. You’ll want to explore and decide which type of adoption fits your family best: Kinship Adoption, Foster Care Adoption, Agency Adoption, Independent (Private) Adoption
03
Complete a home study
The home study is a detailed process to help ensure a safe, loving environment for a child. It includes: Interviews with family members, Background and child abuse clearances, Home safety checks, Health and financial reviews.
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How Carly’s Hope Can Help:
Our grants can be applied toward your home study fee, helping to make this step more affordable.
04
Apply for a Carly's Hope Grant
After you have successfully completed your home study Carly's Hope wants to help you on your journey to grow your family. Complete the application on our website
05
Matching, Visits & Placement
Once your home study is complete, you’ll begin the process of being matched with a child. If a match is found, you’ll have the opportunity to connect through visits and calls before moving forward. If everyone agrees it’s the right fit, the child will be placed in your home as a “pre-adoptive placement.”
06
Supervision Period
For about six months after placement, an adoption worker will check in regularly to make sure the transition is going smoothly and to support your family’s needs.
How Carly’s Hope Can Help:
Our adoption grants can help with costs related to agency fees, legal support, and finalization during this stage.
07
Finalize the Adoption
Once the supervision period ends, a final court hearing makes the adoption official—and your child becomes a legal and permanent part of your family.
How Carly’s Hope Can Help:
Legal fees and finalization costs can add up. If you’re eligible, our grants can help with these expenses, too.