Adoption in the State of Idaho

• Adopting special needs children
• Who are special needs children?
• Who can adopt a special needs child?
• What does it take to parent this child?
• What steps do I take to adopt?
• What is Adoption Assistance?
• How do I apply for Adoption Assistance?
• Where can I get more information?
• What if I want to locate my birth parents?
• What is the Idaho Voluntary Adoption Registry?
• How does it work?
• How do I register?

Support Groups

Adopting special needs children
All children need permanent homes with loving families and the chance to reach their full potential. In Idaho, there are children waiting for the warmth and security of a home and family. They are in the guardianship of the Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Family and Community Services.

Most have suffered physical and/or sexual abuse and/or neglect. They may have physical or emotional disabilities; be part of a sibling group that should not be separated; over the age of 6; children of a race, color or national origin other than Caucasian; or have a combination of these characteristics.

These are children with "special needs." Like every child, they want nothing more than a family to call their own. This page provides information to help you adopt them.

You also will find information about Idaho's Voluntary Adoption Registry. The registry is a service to help parties involved in an adoption locate birth parents or children.  Adoptees who were born in Idaho and are 18 years of age or older, birth parents, birth children, birth siblings, and birth maternal or paternal grandparents may participate in this program.

Back to Top

Who are special needs children?
They may be:

• Boys or girls;
• A child 6 years of age or older;
• Siblings who must remain together; or
• Children of a race, color or national origin other than caucasian.

Back to Top

Who can adopt a special needs child?
People who are:

• Married or single;
• Any race, color or national origin;
• Any religion or no religious preference;
• Working outside the home;
• Renting or buying their home;
• Earning a low, moderate, or high income;
• Childless or who already have children.

Back to Top

What does it take to parent this child?
The same qualities required to parent any child:

• Commitment;
• Understanding;
• Good health;
• Patience;
• Optimism;
• Unconditional love;
• A sense of humor;
• Flexibility; and
• Support from family and friends.

Back to Top

What steps do I take to adopt?

1. Contact the adoptions unit at your local Health and Welfare office to indicate your interest in special needs adoption. See the table under "Where can I get more information?" for the location of the office nearest you.

Back to Top

What is Adoption Assistance?
Adoption Assistance is a Department of Health and Welfare program designed to encourage the adoption of children with special needs by removing barriers to their adoption and providing support services to the adoptive family.

Idaho attempts to locate the family who can best meet the special needs of a particular child or sibling group. When a family has been chosen to adopt a child, they may need extra help to meet the special needs of that child. Adoption Assistance offers help in three areas:

• Medical/counseling services;
• Limited reimbursement for non-recurring adoption costs; and
• Financial payments.

Eligibility for adoption assistance is based on the child's individual circumstances. The adoptive family's income is not used to exclude the child from these benefits.

Ask your worker for information about requirements for Adoption Assistance and non-recurring adoption costs.

Back to Top

How do I apply for Adoption Assistance?
You and your worker complete an application that documents the child's special needs. You may be asked to provide an evaluation from a physician or therapist about the child.

The amount and type of assistance is determined by considering the child's special needs and the circumstances of the adoptive family. An agreement is developed listing the assistance that the child and family will receive.

Federal and state laws require the Adoptive Assistance agreement be signed before your adoption is final.  Your worker will explain the program and help you submit the application. A final agreement will be sent for your signature and must be returned to Health and Welfare for signatures by Department representatives. The agreement is not final until all parties have signed and dated it.

Back to Top

Where can I get more information?
Some local Health and Welfare offices offer adoption preparation classes and many other resources are available. Visit your local library for books, articles, conference and training information, or call a Department adoption worker:

Back to Top

What if I want to locate my birth parents?
The Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Family and Community Services does not conduct searches. It may refer you to local and national adoption search and support groups.

Back to Top

What is the Idaho Voluntary Adoption Registry?
It is a confidential cross-reference file of people who are or were the principal parties in an adoption.  Certain close relatives also may be included. People who file with the Registry indicate they wish to make their identities known to other parties involved in the adoption.

Back to Top

How does it work?
Those eligible to register provide identifying information, current name, address and telephone number, and authorize its release. The registry will match individuals who have authorized release of information to each other and disclose the information accordingly. Release of information will occur only if two individuals have registered their identifying information and authorized its release to one another.