Adoption Arc
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions about Adoption

1. Who is eligible to adopt?
Anyone--single, married, divorced, nontraditional families--anyone of any race, color or religion who has a valid homestudy as well as a child abuse and criminal clearance. You must have a lot of love in your heart for a child who needs a permanent, safe home.

2. How long is the waiting list?
Adoption ARC does not maintain a waiting list. The personality of the child is matched with that of the family. It is conceivable that you may welcome a child in your home very shortly after the homestudy is completed.

3. What is an open adoption?
Adoption ARC believes that birth families, children and adoptive families deserve to have ongoing relationships. Contact is encouraged, but not pushed. It has to be the right relationship for all parties involved.

4. What should I do first?
Get a homestudy. A homestudy is like a biography written about you and your family by a licensed, agency social worker. No child may be placed for adoption in Pennsylvania without a valid homestudy. Homestudies are valid for a period of one year. Any licensed adoption agency may perform your homestudy.

5. What happens after placement?
Post-Placement Visits. Pennsylvania law mandates three post-placement home visits by a licensed agency social worker. Adoption ARC will provide post-placement visits for you if so desired.