Adoption Process

Michigan partners with private agencies to help families adopt children from foster care. Your agency will guide you through each step and support you as you’re matched with a child.

• Tip: Attend orientation with 2–3 agencies to find the one that feels like the right fit for you. Use our Agency Locator or contact an Adoption Navigator for help if needed.

Orientation is your first in-depth look at the adoption process. It covers the agency’s approach, what to expect, and how adoption from foster care works. It’s also your chance to ask questions and get a feel for the staff.

• Tip: Ask about training, support options, wait times, and how many children the agency placed last year. Also, ask how involved they are with youth photolisted on MARE and if they will help you inquire about them.

After orientation, you’ll fill out an application with your chosen agency. The application helps your agency learn more about you, your background, and the child you hope to adopt. Be honest and thorough on the application. There are no “perfect” answers. Agencies want to understand who you are and how to support your journey.

• Tip: Gather documents like references, financial information, and household details before starting. Being organized helps the process go smoothly.

All families must complete pre-adoption training. In most counties, this is the GROW curriculum; in Kent County, it’s Pressley Ridge. Sessions cover trauma, child development, attachment, and the realities of parenting a child from foster care.

• Tip: Use this time to connect with other adoptive families and start building your parenting resource library.

The homestudy stage includes paperwork, home visits, interviews, and reflective conversations. All these factors will help determine the needs and age range of the child or teen you'll be approved to adopt. It also allows the worker to assess your ability to provide a safe and stable home. Your worker will also get to know you better so they can help match you with a child who fits your hopes, strengths, and abilities. Be as open and direct as possible about your history, expectations, and values to facilitate this process.

• Tip: While you’re in this stage, you can:
  - Read books and articles on trauma-informed parenting
  - Identify local resources and providers
  - Talk with friends or family members who’ve adopted
  - Reflect on your parenting strengths and growth areas
  - Write down questions to discuss with your worker

Once your homestudy is complete and you’re approved for adoption, you can inquire about youth photolisted on MARE. Your inquiry is shared with both your worker and the youth’s worker, who connect to see if a match may be possible.

Michigan is a “worker-to-worker” state, so all communication happens between agencies. Workers have 21 days to respond to an inquiry, and your worker may reach out to you during this time for more details if the child’s worker has additional questions.

• Tip: While you wait, consider taking additional parenting classes, attending webinars, or preparing a welcoming space in your home for a child or teen. Visit our Inquiry Process page for more details about this step of the process, too.

If you're selected as a match for the child, you’ll receive detailed information about them. You’ll have 21 days to review it, ask questions, and share any concerns. It is essential during this time to honestly consider if the child is a good fit for you and your family, if you have one.

• Tip: Take your time reviewing the information. Write down questions and ask for clarification. It shows you’re thoughtful and prepared.

If everyone agrees to move forward, you’ll sign a Consideration to Adopt form and begin visits. They may be virtual, in-person, or both. Visits increase gradually in length and setting. Going at the child’s pace so they are comfortable. Slower can often be better. Focus on building trust and connection with the youth.

• Tip: Adoption Navigators can share great ideas for making visits fun and relationship-focused.

If visits go well and everyone agrees, the youth will move into your home. You’ll continue receiving support from your worker and the adoption team. Keep routines simple, predictable, and flexible. Adjustment takes time.

Michigan requires a minimum 6-month supervision period after placement. Workers will visit regularly to ensure stability and provide support. Be open and honest with them. They’re there to help, not judge. So, ask questions and seek guidance when needed.

• Tip: Contact MARE’s Match Support Program during this stage. They offer parenting strategies, help with attachment and behaviors, and can connect you with providers and resources. Their program is specifically designed to support parents during this time.

After the supervision period, and when everyone feels ready, your worker will file paperwork to finalize the adoption in court. Once complete, your child is legally and forever a part of your family!

• Tip: Celebrate this milestone with a meaningful ritual—like a family dinner, photo book, party, or even planting a tree. Invite your child to share their ideas, too. Also, remember that your child or teen may feel both joy and grief at this stage. Even as they are gaining a safe, loving family with you, they may feel the loss of their birth family even more during this time. Checking in on how they’re feeling and encouraging them to talk with you can help them to feel understood and further increase your bond.