Who can adopt?
Families Through Adoption only works with prospective adoptive parents who are Michigan residents, and who are at least the age of 21, and upper range will be determined on a case by case basis. They must also demonstrate the ability to provide financially and have the emotional support of both the immediate and extended family. FTA is a licensed child-placing agency in the state of Michigan and meets all of the state of Michigan’s requirements, including the financial, legal, psychological, and physical requirements. We are an equal opportunity provider, and we do not discriminate because of ethnicity, creed, and religion. When allowed by country law, we place children in homes comprised of married or single individuals, either heterosexual or homosexual. For more information in this area, please contact the agency, or for country-specific requirements, go to the Department of State’s Website:
When can the mother of the baby start the adoption process?
At any time after she is pregnant.
What expenses can the adoptive parents pay to or on behalf of the birth mother and child?
Expenses that can be paid for by law include Medical, hospital, nursing, or pharmaceutical expenses, living expenses of a mother before the birth of the child and no more than 6 weeks after birth, counseling and traveling expenses necessitated by the adoption.
I’m ready to begin the adoption process. What should I do first?
Families and individuals interested in adoption must be approved through a family assessment (also known as the adoption home study) before a child can be placed in their home. The family assessment must be completed by a licensed child-placing agency.
Do I have to be married to adopt?
No. A single parent is perfectly acceptable if all other criteria are met and the parent is assessed as capable of meeting the needs of the child.
Can the birth mother communicate with the adoptive parents and child after the adoption?
Only if the adoptive parents are willing and they can change their minds at any time. There is no legally binding “open” adoption.
What are the requirements to become an adoptive parent?
Agencies are most interested in a person(s) parenting ability and commitment to adoption. A person must be at least 18 years old to adopt and if legally married, both partners must be parties to the adoption. Contact us for more information.
Do I have to own my own home to adopt?
No. A rented house or apartment is fine as long as there is adequate bedroom space per child, a safe play area and no health and/or fire hazards. Again, all other criteria must be met as well.