Adoption allows families to expand, sometimes through step-parent adoption.
Adoptions are undertaken for different reasons. Step-parent adoptions allow the spouse of a birth parent to take on the same legal responsibilities. However, adoption of any kind is an expensive process, especially if lawyers are involved. In Connecticut, you can cut out one of the costs associated with adoption by filing the paperwork yourself.
Termination of Rights
A child can only be adopted if she is "free" for adoption, either because of the death of her parents or the termination of parental rights. Termination of parental rights is sometimes ordered by the courts, if the parents have been determined to be unfit. Otherwise, you will need to file Connecticut Application/Termination of Parental Rights, form PC-601. This form is used to request that a parent agree to terminate his rights to the child and allow you to adopt the child. This form must be completed and filed with the probate court in the county where the child or the petitioner resides. A court date will be set and a hearing will be held unless the parent agrees to the termination by filling out the Affidavit of Consent to Termination of Parental Rights, Form JD-JM-60.
Adoption Application
Once you have decided that you would like to adopt a child, you will need to submit your request in writing to the probate court in the county where you reside in Connecticut. Application Form PC-603 can be obtained from the probate court office or online. The application should be submitted with a copy of the adoption agreement, Form PC-681, that has been drafted between the two parties (if you have a copy of the form). The court will review the documents and use these in the adoption process to determine your eligibility.
Home Study
All adoptions require a home study. In the state of Connecticut, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) does not have enough staff to do the home studies themselves. Therefore, you will need to arrange a home study by a private institution. The cost of this study also lies on your shoulders. If you are unable to pay for this study, you can petition the court as indigent and ask for DCF to complete the study. This study is used to evaluate the needs of the child and your ability to meet those needs. The institution will submit the study results to the court.
Hearing
After the application has been received and reviewed by a Connecticut probate court and the home study has been completed and submitted, a hearing will be scheduled. At this hearing, you will go before a judge to determine if the adoption is in the best interest of the child. Things such as the parents' race, religion, marital status and sexual orientation will not be taken into account for this judgment. Be prepared to make a statement as to why you are looking to adopt this child and what you have to offer her.
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