What is a Resource Parent?
Any individual, couple or family who has been approved through Resource Family Approval (RFA) to foster and/or adopt a related or unrelated child(ren) under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department. They care for and embrace children of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and abilities until they are able to reunify with their families or reach permanency.
What are the requirements to adopt through the San Diego County Adoptions Program?
If you are a resident of California, the first step is completion of the Resource Family Approval process. Some basic requirements include California residency, to be at least 18 years of age or older, be a home owner/renter and demonstrate an ability to meet the household’s financial needs.
What if I do not live in California?
If you live outside the state of California, you must first be approved as a resource/foster parent or have an approved Adoption Home Study from the state where you live. You may send your approval report/Adoption Home Study to us at:
County of San Diego HHSA
Attn: Adoption Placement Coordinator
8911 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
Please also indicate the desired characteristics of the child(ren) you are seeking to adopt, including age, name (if applicable), and gender.
Who can I call about getting started with the adoption process?
Please call the KIDSLine at 1-877-792-KIDS (5437) with any questions you have about becoming a resource parent. You may also call 1-877-423-6788 (1-877-I-ADOPT-U) during regular business hours and speak with an Adoptions Worker about the adoption process.
How can I find a San Diego County Adoptions office near me?
We serve all of San Diego County. Our office headquarters are located at 8911 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123. You can connect with us by sending an email to CWSFARFS.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov or calling (877) 792-5437.
What is the Stepparent Adoption process and cost?
For information on how to file a stepparent adoption, please go to the website www.sdcourt.ca.gov and select “Juvenile”, then “Adoption.” The “How to Adopt a Child in California (ADOPT- 050 – INFO)” form on Stepparent/Domestic Partner Adoptions provides an overview of all the forms needed to complete the process. Submit the completed forms to the Juvenile Court at 2851 Meadowlark Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 or 325 South Melrose, Vista, CA 92081 to file them with the Court Clerk. The fee is $270.
What is an Independent Adoption and does San Diego County Adoptions offer this service?
Yes, San Diego County Adoptions completes independent adoptions. An independent adoption is when birth parents select the adoptive parents and voluntarily place the child directly with them. Custody is transferred directly between the parents usually with the assistance of an attorney. In addition, an Adoption Services Provider (ASP) is required when the child is not related to the applicant(s), which generally is an additional fee of $800 – $2,000. Cases are initiated upon the Agency’s receipt of a stamped conformed copy of a petition that has been filed at Juvenile Court. The fee for this type of adoption is $4500 or $1500 for families with a valid home study. There is a sliding scale for lower income families. Independent Adoption petitions are filed with the Juvenile Court Clerk at 2851 Meadowlark Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 or 325 South Melrose, Vista, CA 92081.
What is a voluntary relinquishment?
A voluntary relinquishment occurs when a birthmother and/or birthfather voluntarily gives up their parental rights and request an adoptive family for their child. This process is completely voluntary on the part of the birth parents and requires several different steps to complete the process. The birth parents are able to choose a family from a list of approved adoptive families participating in this program. The County of San Diego does not process Voluntary Relinquishments, but you may contact one of the following agencies for more information.
