Frequently Asked Questions
September 17, 2012
Adoption | Child Abuse & Neglect | Guardianship | Legislation | Foster Care | Program Funding | Grandparent Rights & Visitation
Adoption
- How do I adopt a child who is in foster care? How can I adopt my foster child?
- Adoption Assistance (also called adoption subsidy): Who is eligible, when does it end, and where do I find more information?
- What is an adoption home study? How do I get one?
- What are the adoption laws in my State? How do I find out about my State laws governing adoption (e.g., consent to adopt; who can adopt, etc.)?
- How do I adopt my relative’s children? What if they live in another country?
- I can’t afford to adopt. Where can I get help with adoption costs?
- I want to adopt. Where do I start? How do I find a reputable adoption agency?
- How can I find my birth parents or birth relatives?
- How do I adopt a child from a non-U.S. country? What are the laws regarding intercountry adoptions?
- How do I adopt a child living in another State? How do I adopt across State lines?
- Is my adopted child eligible for a scholarship for post-secondary education (college, trade school, etc.)?
- My new spouse wants to adopt my child. How do we do this?
- What/When is National Adoption Month?
- What postadoption services are available?
Child Abuse & Neglect
- I am an adult survivor of child abuse. Where can I find help with emotional, mental health, or legal issues?
- Can I make an anonymous report of abuse?
- What are the laws on child abuse and neglect in my State?
- I don’t like the way CPS handled my case. What can I do?
- At what age can a child be left home alone?
- Is this child abuse or neglect?
- How many children are abused and neglected each year?
- How can I prevent child abuse in my community?
- What are the signs or symptoms of child abuse or neglect?
- What can I do if I suspect child abuse and/or neglect?
- Who typically abuses children?
Guardianship
- What are the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect?
- I want to change my child custody agreement due to illness, a move out of State, etc. How do I do this?
- My former spouse won’t let me visit with my children. Please help.
- A family member asked me to be a legal guardian for her children because she is having some serious problems and cannot care for them, but I’m not sure exactly what that means. Can you explain?
- I am concerned about my child when he/she is visiting with the other parent. What can I do?
Legislation
Foster Care
- How do I become a foster parent? Will I receive any financial assistance to care for a child(ren)?
- How is the decision to terminate parental rights made?
- Can I get financial help to open a foster or group home?
- I need help to care for my niece while her parents are in jail or unable to provide for her care due to other circumstances. Is help available?
- I'm having problems with foster care services in my State. What should I do?
- How long do children stay in foster care?
- What/when is National Foster Care Month?
- How many children are in foster care in the U. S.? In my State?
- My parental rights were terminated. Can this decision be reversed?
Program Funding
- How can I learn about grants funded by the Children’s Bureau? How can I apply for a discretionary grant?
- How can I locate specific information about discretionary grants funded by the Children’s Bureau? Where can I locate documents related to discretionary grants funded by the Children’s Bureau?
- I would like to start a community program for abused and neglected children. Where can I find information on funding sources?