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Adoption Related Services

Or come to an orientation meeting

Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m.
Department of Family Services
Pennino Building
12011 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Virginia 22035

For Information call
703-324-7639
TTY: 703-222-9452

Foster Care and Adoption

Fairfax County's Adoption Program offers a variety of programs and services.

The application and home study services are offered at no cost to those applying to adopt a foster child through this agency.

Information & Referral

Information about adoption in Virginia and referrals to adoption resources within the state .

Adoption Counseling

Counseling services for birth parents (and their families) who are considering placing their child or children for adoption.

Home Studies

Agency Adoptions

Families wishing to adopt a child in the agency's custody. Training and support are also provided.

Independent adoptions

(also called parental placements or private adoptions) Involves families who have identified a specific child or children they wish to adopt and have made arrangements directly with the birth family.

Training and Home Study Process

It is completed by all applicants is designed to promote self-assessment in prospective adoptive parents. It focuses on preparing them for their adjustment in becoming adoptive parents and their future role in raising an adopted child. Because of the serious commitment they are making, prospective families are encouraged to consider their decision at each step, particularly before meeting a child.

Components of the home study as required by state law include:

a background check of national, state and local police records
background check of child protective services
a medical/physical examination
marriage and divorce verification.

Other components of the home study include an assessment of the financial stability of the family, a brief autobiographical sketch, individual interviews, feedback from references and a home visit.

Special Needs Adoptions

Adoption of children considered to have special needs for one or more of the following reasons:

they are school-aged or older
they have one or more siblings
they have special physical, mental or emotional needs
there is a hereditary tendency, congenital problem, or birth injury that could lead to future disability
they are members of a minority race or of mixed racial heritage which may make it difficult to locate an adoptive home.

These children are eligible for ongoing support from the department and a subsidy to assist with the costs of ongoing treatment, services, or special accomodations. Each family receiving an adoption assistance subsidy works with a social worker to access subsidy assistance and obtain supportive counseling, information, and referral services for needed community resources.

Post-Adoption Services

Including:

assistance for adults adopted in Virginia wishing to search for their birth parents
consultation services to other adults interested in the search process
general information about adoption subsidies
ongoing assistance to families who adopted in Fairfax County and who are applying for or are receiving an adoption subsidy
a support group
Special Needs Adoption Family Exchange (SAFE) Newsletter