City of Chesapeake - Human Services

Human Services Department

Adoption Program

Adoption occurs when a child is placed with a parent or parents who have not given birth to the child and a court order has been issued making the parent or parents the new parents for the child. The child’s birth parents parental rights must be legally terminated (ended) before a child can be placed for adoption.

Our agency provides the following services regarding adoption:

Counseling and services to birth parents who are considering placing their infant/toddler for adoption. Adoption and alternatives to adoption are discussed with the birth parent(s). Parents may give up their parental rights to the agency by signing a legal form called an entrustment agreement.
Placement of children whose parental rights have been terminated and our agency has custody of the child in an approved adoptive home placement taking into consideration the needs of the child and the ability of the adoptive parents to meet the child’s needs. Foster parents with whom the child has developed a significant relationship over a period of time are given first choice when an adoptive placement is considered.
Complete an adoptive home studies for the court on adoptive parents who may be relatives or non-relatives of a child placed in their home directly by the parent(s) of the child. The parental rights of the birth parents must be terminated. These are called parental placements. Fees are charged for these home studies based on income and family size.
Complete an adoptive home studies for the court on stepparent adoptions. A stepparent adoption is when the spouse (husband or wife) of a birth parent is adopting their spouse’s child. The parental rights of the other birth parent must be terminated. Fees are charged for these home studies based on income and family size.
Complete an adoptive home studies on parents who are interested in adopting children over the age of five and any aged child with a physical or mental disability.
Share non-identifying information from adoption records when requested by an adult who was adopted in Chesapeake, Virginia as a child.
Search for the birth family of an adult who was adopted in Chesapeake, Virginia as a child when such a request is received from the Virginia Department of Social Services. The adult must go through the Virginia Department of Social Services to begin this search. This agency completes the search for the birth family to determine if they are willing to share information regarding them with the adult searching and to determine if the birth family is willing to have contact. If the birth family does not wish to share information or to have contact then the request by the adult who was adopted is denied. Fees are charged based on income, family size, and time spent.
Conduct adoptive home studies on parents residing in Chesapeake, Virginia when requested by an agency from another state for a specific child in the custody of a state agency. This request must come from our interstate office in Richmond, VA.

How do I become an adoptive parent?

You must first talk with an adoption social worker. The social worker will ask you some basic questions and answer any questions that you may have. This can be done on the telephone or in person.

After the conversation with the social worker you will have to attend training classes. The social worker will send you a letter informing you of when the training classes will be held.

We offer adoption training classes twice a year.

After completing the classes you must have an adoption home study completed on your home. Once your home study is approved you will be available to adopt. Your social worker will register you with the Virginia Adoption Resource Exchange.

What are the basic requirements to become an adoptive parent?

To become an adoptive parent you must meet the following criteria:

a man and a woman walk together - photograph

21 years of age or older
Married or single
Physically and mentally healthy
Income to meet your own needs
Safe, loving and stable home
Space for a child in your home

What is required for the home study?

The home study includes the following: home visits to your home, three or more interviews, three references, criminal checks, child abuse and neglect checks, DMV checks, TB tests on adult household members, physicals on adult adoptive parents, financial paperwork, background paperwork, fire escape plan, proof of marriage and all divorces, animal shot records and license, and other information.

Who are the children waiting to be adopted?

group of children - various ages Most of the children available for adoption are:

6 years of age and older;
groups of brothers and sisters;
African American children,
bi-racial children,
children of other minority groups;
and physically, mentally, or emotionally disturbed children.

There are few normal, healthy, white children from birth to five. Anyone interested in a normal child from birth to five should contact a private agency.

Can I specify what age and sex of child I prefer? Can I choose if I want a sibling group? Can I state what disabilities I will accept?

black & white photo - two boys Yes, you can inform your social worker during the home study process what type of child you prefer to adopt or if you will consider a sibling group. The social worker will find out what disabilities, if any, you will accept. The social worker will obtain very specific information from you.

Will I receive financial assistance if I adopt a child?

If you adopt a child who is 6 years of age and older; groups of brothers and sisters; African American children, bi-racial children, and children of other minority groups; and physically, mentally, or emotionally disturbed children you will be eligible to receive financial assistance for the child based on the child’s special needs. You will need to talk with your social worker for specific information.

How long does it take to adopt a child?

The time period varies based on the child that you desire to adopt. It could take months or years to be selected for a child.

Do I get to visit the child before the child is placed in my home?

Yes you will have several visits with child. The number of visits will be determined by the age and the situation of the child.

What happens after a child is placed in my home?

small child eating food. There is a mandated six month supervisory period. During this time a social worker will visit your home on several occasions. After the six month period if the social worker and you feel the adoption is in the child’s best interest then the agency will give you consent to adopt. You will need a lawyer to finalize the adoption in circuit court. Your social worker will provide you more detailed information when this time comes.