Adoption by Relatives

The process of placing a child for adoption with a blood relative is different from the process of placing a child in foster care or placing the child with non-related persons for the purpose of adoption.

The information below concerns placing a child for adoption with a blood relative of the birth mother or birth father.  Placing a child in foster care and placing a child for adoption with a non-relative are discussed in the respectively linked areas of this website.

Each State defines "relative" differently, including relatives through blood, marriage, or adoption.  Additionally, as relates to Native American Indian children, some states allow members of the child's tribe to be considered extended family members for placement purposes and all states must comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The first requirements for an adoption placement with a relative are that the relative be "fit and willing," able to ensure the child's safety, and able to meet the child's needs. In many states when the birth mother or birth father place their child with a relative, the law provides for a streamlined adoption process. 

If you are placing a child with a blood relative or are adopting a blood relative you may need a licensed adoption agency to complete a Home Study, but it is best to first check with an adoption attorney or family law attorney.

To see how your specific state of residence addresses the issue of placement and adoption with and by a relative, visit the website ChildAdoptionLaws.com or the Child Welfare Information Gateway website article Placement of Children With Relatives.

For additional information about placing a child for adoption, please visit Adoption Services and feel free to contact the developer of this website, Dr Vince Berger, directly by clicking on this link.