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Adoption Services
The decision to add a child to your family whether by birth or adoption is life-changing! The added responsibilities mean a new life for you and the child. Richmond County Department of Social Services wants to find just the right family to meet the particular needs of each of our children who are available for adoption.
Requirements for Adoptive Parents
Most people who can provide an adequate and loving home are eligible to adopt. As an adoptive parent you must be 21 years of age or older, can be single, married, divorced or widowed. You must be able to meet your own financial needs; although there are no specific income requirements financial assistance and Medicaid are available for families who adopt a child who has special needs, an older child, or sibling group of 3 or more. You must have room in your home but do not have to own a home. An interested person shall have no criminal history within the last 5 years. This includes all convictions and/or outstanding criminal charges. Each person's case will be reviewed and the final decision will remain at the discretion of the Department of Social Services (DSS).
Potential Adoptions
These children are of all ages, and races, and genders. The majority of the children are African-American and there are more boys than girls. We are especially looking for homes for sibling groups, which may be 2 or 3 children, and occasionally more. Many of the children have emotional needs; some have medical or other special needs.
Location of Children
Most children waiting to be adopted are living in foster homes. A few are in residential facilities. Richmond County Department of Social Services maintains information on children within our county who are available for adoption and in need of a family. We also have access to information about children who are legally free for adoption around the state and out side of North Carolina.
Requirements for Adoptive Parents
Most people who can provide an adequate and loving home are eligible to adopt. As an adoptive parent you must be 21 years of age or older, can be single, married, divorced or widowed. You must be able to meet your own financial needs; although there are no specific income requirements financial assistance and Medicaid are available for families who adopt a child who has special needs, an older child, or sibling group of 3 or more. You must have room in your home but do not have to own a home. An interested person shall have no criminal history within the last 5 years. This includes all convictions and/or outstanding criminal charges. Each person's case will be reviewed and the final decision will remain at the discretion of the Department of Social Services (DSS).
Potential Adoptions
These children are of all ages, and races, and genders. The majority of the children are African-American and there are more boys than girls. We are especially looking for homes for sibling groups, which may be 2 or 3 children, and occasionally more. Many of the children have emotional needs; some have medical or other special needs.
Location of Children
Most children waiting to be adopted are living in foster homes. A few are in residential facilities. Richmond County Department of Social Services maintains information on children within our county who are available for adoption and in need of a family. We also have access to information about children who are legally free for adoption around the state and out side of North Carolina.