Frequently Asked Questions

Any adult who is at least 18 years old and has lived in Tennessee for at least six months may be eligible to adopt. This includes single individuals, married couples, and people of all backgrounds and orientations.

However, eligibility does not guarantee approval. Applicants may be denied if they have a disqualifying criminal history (such as abuse, violence, or recent drug offenses), provide false information, or if concerns arise during the required background checks or home study process.

Serious Criminal History

• Any felony involving child abuse, neglect, spousal abuse, or crimes against children 
• Felony assault, battery, or drug-related offenses within the past 5 years
• Crimes listed in the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (42 U.S.C. § 671(a)(20)), especially those that are violent or child-related
   

Background Checks

• All applicants—and any adults living in the home—must pass fingerprint-based background checks
• Includes checks against the TBI sex offender registry and child abuse registry
   

Application Honesty

• Applications that contain false, incomplete, or misleading information may be denied
   

Home Study Findings

• The home study evaluates your character, values, ethics, health, and criminal background

Not necessarily. While many children adopted from foster care in Tennessee are adopted by their foster families, but many adopted children are not in foster care. You can adopt without becoming a traditional foster parent by working with a licensed child-placing agency and completing a home study. 

A home study is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed agency or licensed social worker. It includes background checks, interviews, home inspections, and documentation to ensure a safe and supportive environment for a child. 

It’s possible, but rare. Infants are typically placed with relatives or foster families first. If they become available for adoption, those families are given priority 

The timeline varies. Once a child is placed in your home, finalization can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the circumstances 

Yes. Once the adoption is finalized, the child is legally considered your dependent and is eligible for your health insurance and other benefits 

You can inquire about children listed on platforms like AdoptUSKids or TN Kids Belong, but contact is only allowed after you’ve been selected as a potential adoptive parent and, if applicable, received ICPC approval for out-of-state placements.

Generally, no. Once an adoption is finalized and parental rights are terminated, the adoption is permanent and legally binding 

No. Both single and married individuals can adopt in Tennessee. 

 Yes. Tennessee law does not prohibit LGBTQ+ individuals or couples from adopting. 

Yes. Many adoptive families already have biological or adopted children. 

Yes. To adopt, you must provide a safe and stable environment for the child, but you are not required to own the home.

Tennessee offers several different types of adoption to fit the needs of children and families:

• Domestic Infant Adoption
  Involves adopting a newborn or infant, often through a private agency or attorney.
   
• Foster Care Adoption
  Adopting a child who is currently in state custody through the foster care system.
   
• Relative or Kinship Adoption
  When a family member adopts a child within their extended family, such as a grandparent, aunt, or older sibling.
   
• Stepparent Adoption
  When a stepparent adopts their spouse’s biological child.
   
• Adult Adoption
  Adoption of an individual over the age of 18, often for inheritance or family connection reasons.
   

Please note:
Tennessee Adoption Home Study Services does not currently provide home studies for international (intercountry) adoption.

During a home study visit, we will come to your home to ensure it’s a safe, stable, and supportive environment for a child. This is a key part of the adoption approval process and helps evaluate your readiness to adopt.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Home Safety Inspection
  We will walk through your home to check for general cleanliness, safety hazards, and adequate space for a child. They’ll confirm that things like smoke detectors, secure windows, and safe storage of medications or cleaning supplies are in place.
   
• Interviews with Household Members
  Every adult and child living in the home will be interviewed (age appropriately). These conversations help us understand your family dynamics, communication style, parenting approach, and level of support within the home.
   
• Discussion of Motivation and Expectations
  You’ll be asked about why you want to adopt, what kind of child you’re hoping to welcome, and how you’re preparing emotionally, financially, and practically for adoption.
   
• Review of Lifestyle and Background
  Topics like your daily routine, values, discipline style, health, employment, and past experiences (including any challenges or hardships) will likely come up. It’s a chance to share your story.
   
• Support System and Community Involvement
  We may ask about extended family, friendships, and community connections that will help support you during the adoption process and beyond.
   
• Opportunity for Questions
  You’ll also have time to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. This is a two-way conversation, not a test!
   

After a child is placed with you, we will conduct post-placement visits to ensure that both the child and your family are adjusting well. These visits are an important part of the process before the adoption is legally finalized.

During these visits, we will:

• Check on the child’s health, development, and emotional well-being
• Talk with you about how the transition is going and offer guidance or support
• Observe the bonding process and overall family dynamics
• Ensure the home remains a safe, nurturing environment
   

Depending on your situation and agency guidelines, some of these visits may be conducted virtually—especially when distance, health concerns, or scheduling challenges make in-person meetings difficult. However, at least one in-person visit is typically required before finalization.

These visits are meant to support your family and help ensure a successful, permanent placement—not to judge or scrutinize. We are there to walk alongside you on this important journey.

Finalization is the legal process in which the court terminates the birth parents’ rights (if not already done) and grants full parental rights to the adoptive family, making the adoption legally complete. 

 Costs vary:

• Foster care adoption: Often free or low-cost
• Private domestic adoption: $5,000–$40,000
• Home study: $1,000–$3,500
• Legal fees: $1,500–$5,000   Some agencies offer sliding scales or grants

Yes, especially for private or international adoptions. Some agencies include legal services in their fees. 

Yes. Kinship adoption is common and may have a streamlined process. 

Yes. Tennessee encourages the adoption of children with special needs and offers additional support. 

Yes. After finalization, a new birth certificate is issued listing the adoptive parents. 

Yes. You can request a name change during the finalization hearing. 

Disruption is rare but possible. Agencies provide counseling and support to prevent this outcome.