Current through August 31, 2023
Each field office is responsible for compiling the names and
addresses of adoptive applicant(s), along with the dates of inquiry and
membership in an Indian tribe, if any. A database or register must be
maintained in order to assure the orderly completion of home studies.
(3-15-22)
01.
Initial
Application. Each adoptive applicant must: (3-15-22)
a. Cooperate with and allow the Department,
or certified adoption professional, to determine compliance with these rules to
conduct an adoption home study; (3-15-22)
b. Inform the Department, or certified
adoption professional, if the applicant has previously applied to become a
foster or adoptive parent, is currently licensed as a foster parent, or has
been involved in the care and supervision of children or adults;
(3-15-22)
c. Provide a medical
statement for each applicant, signed by a qualified medical professional,
within the twelve (12) months period prior to application for adoption,
indicating the applicant is in such physical and mental health so as to not
adversely affect either the health or quality of care of the adopted child;
(3-15-22)
d. Provide the name of,
and a signed release to obtain the following information about, each member of
the household: (3-15-22)
i. Admission to, or
release from, a facility, hospital, or institution for the treatment of an
emotional, intellectual, or substance abuse issue; (3-15-22)
ii. Outpatient counseling, treatment, or
therapy for an emotional, intellectual, or substance abuse issue.
(3-15-22)
e. Provide
three (3) satisfactory references, one (1) of which may be from a person
related to the applicant. Each applicant must provide additional references
upon the request of the Department or certified adoption professional;
(3-15-22)
f. All applicants for
adoption and other adult members of the household must comply with the
provisions in IDAPA 16.05.06, "Criminal History and Background Checks" and
IDAPA 16.06.02, "Child Care Licensing," Section
404. (3-15-22)
02.
Psychological Evaluation. An
evaluation by a psychologist or a psychiatrist can be required by the family
services worker or certified adoption professional when an applicant has
received or is currently receiving treatment for psychological problems or
mental illness or when the family services worker, or certified adoption
professional, in consultation with their supervisor, determines that there
appear to be emotional problems in the family that merit further evaluation.
(3-15-22)
03.
Orientation of
Potential Applicants. Initial meetings with groups of applicants, or
with individual families, must be scheduled promptly by the Department or the
certified adoption professional, whichever received the inquiry and initial
application from the family. These initial meetings must be used to explain
policies and procedures regarding adoptive placement, the kinds of children
available, and the nature of the home study. (3-15-22)
04.
Denial of Application.
Following an initial interview, an applicant who does not appear to meet the
Department's requirements at the time of initial application may be denied a
full home study. The family will be advised why they were ineligible for a full
home study and notice provided to the applicant of their right to appeal this
decision. Upon resolution of the factors leading to the denial, the applicant
may again file an application and receive a home study. (3-15-22)
05.
Application for Subsequent
Adoptions. Following the finalization of an adoption, a family may apply
to be considered for another placement. (3-15-22)
a. Adoptive parents who have experienced a
successful adoption and wish to reapply must complete an adoption application
and financial statement, complete a Criminal History and Background Check, and
submit medical reports and three (3) personal references. One (1) reference may
be from a person related to the applicant. When requested by the Department, an
applicant must provide additional references. (3-15-22)
b. The prospective adoptive family will
assist in amending the original adoption study to include information
concerning the acceptance and adjustment of the child previously placed in the
home and their request for another placement. (3-15-22)
c. Prospective adoptive parent(s) applying
for subsequent adoption with an agency with whom they have maintained a foster
care license since their previous adoption may have the requirement for a new
Criminal History and Background Check, medical reports and personal references
waived by the agency. (3-15-22)
