Step 1

• Call A Family for ME for an informational packet. This packet contains information about adoption in Maine. If you have additional questions the packet does not answer, A Family for ME staff welcomes your questions.

Step 2

• Attend an informational meeting. Informational meetings are held throughout Maine on an ongoing basis. Informational meetings are the first required step to become an adoptive parent in Maine. The meetings are casual and information is presented by Department of Health and Human Services staff. The meetings last about 2 hours, which includes time allowed for your questions. To sign up for an informational meeting closest to you, call A Family for ME or e-mail info@afamilyforme.org.

Step 3

• Complete an adoption application. After attending the informational meeting you will have the opportunity to request an application. The application contains material that is required to be filled out before continuing the process.

Step 4

• Attend adoption training. This training, also called Fundamentals in Adoptive and Foster Parenting, is conducted by the Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI). This training prepares those people becoming foster and adoptive parents in Maine. Background checks, which are conducted after the application is turned in, must be completed before beginning the training. The training is 24 hours. Sessions are either held on weeknights or on Saturdays. Foster care and adoption professionals teach the training.

Step 5

• Complete home study. A home study is the final step to become eligible to adopt children through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. A social worker will come into your home to interview you and your family (if applicable). They will ask a series of questions to determine many things, including whether or not the home will be a safe place for a child and which type of child would be best suited for your family. Also, the home will be inspected by a fire marshal. For homes with a well, a water test will be conducted. After the home study is completed, you will either be approved or denied to adopt a child.