What is the adoption process?
A potential adoptive parent is required to attend a 30-hour training pre service program. You must also provide five references and will be fingerprinted and will have to undergo a complete background check. In addition, you must participate in a home study that assists in making decisions regarding the approval process.
A. Those of us at Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue want this match to be made in Heaven! To that end, we ask that you fill out an application form, participate in a telephone interview and arrange a home visit by an Adoption Representative. This gives us the opportunity to get to know you and your family, and allows us to place a greyhound into your home that is most suited to your lifestyle.
If you will visit our home page and click Adoption Process the answer to this question is detailed. We do request that once you’ve reviewed our available dogs and have chosen one (or two!) of interest, that you complete and submit the adoption application before calling. Our goal is to make the perfect match between you and the dog of your choice but we cannot do this without having specific information about you. We also want to give you the time you deserve so when you call we have the time to speak with you. Our general office hours are 9am 6pm Tuesday-Saturday. We are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Each state has different laws regarding what kind of documentation is required for birth parents, including how soon the birth parents can sign relinquishment papers. Once placement occurs, however, it is typical to have several visits with your adoption caseworker prior to finalization. Finalization usually occurs within the first year. Your caseworker and finalization attorney will go to the court hearing with you, and the judge will declare that you are a legal family with your sweet child or children. Only after finalization can you give your baby or child a name and a blessing; and be sealed together as a family.
Before an adoption can be finalized, the parental rights of the birth parents must be terminated. A petition for adoption must be filed with the proper court, and the child must live with the adoptive parents for at least six months. An ad litem for the child may be appointed and a social study, background check, and criminal history check of the adoptive parents must be performed. A health, social, education, and genetic history report of the child may also be required. Once these matters have been completed, a hearing is held with the court to determine that the adoption is in the best interest of the child.
