What are some guidelines for adoption in Indiana?

There are several steps to go through before adopting a child, explains the Indiana Department of Child Services. These include training, background checks and a home study.

Individuals and couples seeking to adopt a child should take their financial situation into account before initiating the process. There are also several legal issues to consider when adopting a child. Before beginning the adoption process, the Indiana Department of Child Services recommends the prospective parents speak with an attorney. They can also call 1-888-25-ADOPT for more information about the process.

When completing the home study portion of the pre-adoption procedures, Indiana residents must be approved through the Special Needs Adoption Program, or SNAP. A regional SNAP specialist can provide information about acquiring a recommendation from the program. For a full list of adoption guidelines and requirements, visit the website for the Indiana Department of Child Services.

To view a list of children awaiting adoption, prospective parents can visit the AdoptUSKids website, which is a project of the U.S. Children's Bureau. Basic information such as name, age and gender is provided for each child or sibling group along with a brief description of their personalities and needs. To learn more about a specific child, click "Make an Inquiry."