Montgomery County Georgia Web Portal

Adoption is defined as a social and legal process that creates a new family, giving adopted children the same rights and benefits as those born into the family. to children without a permanent family, adoption represents the hope fopr a better life.

The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) is dedicated to finding loving homes for the numerous children in permanent state custody who are available for adoption. These children are often suvivors of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Due to the harsh circumstances of their livbes, most of these children fall in the adoptive category of Special Needs. As defined for the purpose of adoption, Special needs include:

• African-American children older than one year of age

• Three or more brothers and sisters who need to be placed together

• Children age eight or older

• Children with documented physical, emotional, or mental disabilities

• Two brothers and or sisters, one of whom has a special need

The Adoption Process

The process of adoption is exploratory for both the parent and the state. Through a partnership with the family, DHR evaluates the family’s strengths in parenting a Special Needs child. During this time, the family can ready themselves for this major life change.

From Parent to Parent

The decision to adopt involves much self-reflection and serious planning. For firsthand insight on the adoption experience, you can view videos of parents who went through the adoption process successfully.

Private Agencies

Children who are not in the custody of DHR may be adopted through a private agency.

Independent Adoptions

If you wish to adopt a relative, you will need to go through the court and file an adoption petition.

Adopting Across State Lines

To adopt a child outside of Georgia, you must follow the regulations of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).

Adoption Assistance

Assistance is available to help meet the costs of caring for children with Special Needs, as defined above for the purpose of adoption. The amount of the assistance depends on the child's needs.
Adoption is a social and legal process that creates a new family, giving adopted children the same rights and benefits as those born into the family.

Who are these children? Why are they being adopted?

At any given time, there are hundreds of children in permanent state custody of the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) due to unresolved family crises. Most of the children come from difficult situations and live in foster homes. If the child is available for adoption, the parents may have volunteered to give up their parental rights, but usually these rights were terminated by the court system due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Many of the children are in the adoptive category of Special Needs. To view a photo and description of children currently in need of a permanent home please visit the My Turn Website at www.myturnnow.com

A Message from the Adoption Unit Manager, Debra C. Lookabill, MSW

The Division of Family and children Services, State Adoption Unit is committed to educating the public, private partners and DFCS field staff in regards to best practices in adoption and to facilitate and support the adoption of children in the permanent custody of the Department of Human Resources. I hope you will find this website informative, my staff knowledgeable and courteous in responding to your questions.

 

Mission

Recognizing that children deserve safe, loving and nurturing relationships with permanent families, DFCS and its partners will provide a continuum of available, accessible and effective services that enable and support the placement of children in adoptive families.

• African-American children older than one year of age
  

• Three or more brothers and sisters who need to be placed together

• Children age eight and older
  

• Children with documented physical, emotional or mental disabilities