How long does it take to adopt?

The amount of time it takes to adopt can vary significantly based on the type of adoption, the laws of the state, and other factors. In the state of New York, the overall timeline can range from a few weeks to several months or longer. Adoptions through foster care--children placed with adoptive families by the state--may unfold more quickly than other types of adoptions. This type of adoption typically requires an agency or attorney to review the family’s application and conduct home visits, background checks, and an evaluation. An interstate adoption, which involves an adoption of a child from one state to another, can take from six months up to one year. Independent adoptions involve a direct agreement between a birth parent and adoptive parent. This can take a few months or longer, depending on the time it takes for courts to process the adoption paperwork. A domestic adoption, or an adoption of a child from within the United States, can take several months before the process is finalized. International adoptions involve several complexities and therefore take considerably longer. It can take from one to three years for an adoption to be finalized. The exact amount of time depends on how long the process takes in the prospective child’s country of origin. Overall, the length of time it takes to adopt depends heavily on the type of adoption and the laws of the state. In New York, the length of time for each type of adoption can range significantly.

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