Adoption Process and Services

What is the purpose of Adoption Services?

The County Adoption Service helps a child become a permanent member of another family. This becomes necessary when the birth family is no longer willing or able to function satisfactorily as parents.

Who are the children waiting for adoption?

Many children await adoption in foster homes. Most of these children have been removed from their birth families because of abuse, abandonment, severe neglect or the inability of parents to provide a safe home. Other children have been voluntarily relinquished.

These children vary in age, ethnicity, and religion. Many have special needs because of one or more of the following conditions:
They are members of a sibling group to be adopted by one family.
They have a mental, physical, medical or emotional disability.
They are three years old or older
They come from an adverse parental background (i.e., drug addiction, mental or physical illness).

What does it take to become an adoptive parent?

It takes love and more to parent an adopted child. To be successful, adoptive parents must be patient, tolerant, flexible, energetic, competent individuals with a good sense of humor. They must posses or be willing to develop special skills and abilities.

Successful adoptive families must understand that adoption is a life-time process and must commit through words and action to help the children rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.

You can adopt a child if you are a resident of San Bernardino County, single or married, 21 years or older, in good physical and mental health, and approved by the County Adoption Service.

How do you get started?

1. The first step towards adopting a child in San Bernardino County is to call the County Adoption Service and let them know of your interest.
2. Attend a parenting orientation held on a monthly basis throughout the county to obtain general information.
3. Complete an application with the County Adoption Service. Meet with a social worker to discuss the adoption process.
4. Participate in an adoptive home study group that will prepare you for parenting a waiting child.

GET INTO THE PICTURE... ADOPT A SPECIAL CHILD

For more information, call the San Bernardino County Adoption Service at:

(909) 891-3300 or 1-800-722-4477

or write to:

County Adoption Service
412 Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92415