Blog and Articles

There are many ways for LGBTQ+ people to build a family. Adoption is one way to provide a child with a safe and loving home. LGBTQ+ people, and couples, in Columbus, Ohio, can take this journey and build a family of their own.

You may be a same-sex couple wanting to adopt, or an LGBTQ+ individual wanting to become a parent. Or you may be looking to adopt to build your family and are wanting to know more about the process.

The first step in the adoption process is to find the right agency to suit your needs and the needs of your family. Once the right agency is found, many options and resources become available.

Our organization believes that everyone has a right to respectful and inclusive options when building their family. That is why we offer our services to the LGBTQ+ community.

Yes, LGBTQ+ people and couples can adopt in Columbus, Ohio. Each individual case will be assessed as to their eligibility, and the process will depend on certain variables. For more information about adoption, visit the Ohio Department of Children and Youth Services.

If you're thinking about adoption in Columbus, having a conversation with someone that can walk you through legal aspects, required documentation and the home study process is crucial.

A person’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation should not limit their ability to obtain education about available legal alternatives.

Understanding Your Adoption Options in Columbus

The journey to parenthood looks different for every family, and becoming educated about the various adoption methods can help you discern the most fitting path for you.

1. Private Adoption

Private adoption is where a child is placed with a family by the birth parent(s) with or without the assistance of an attorney or professional. As an LGBTQ+ person, private adoption could help you find prospective birth parent matches, and allow you to state your preferences and decide about whether an open adoption is a possibility. Open adoption is where the birth parents and the adopting family agree to a level of contact and/or relationship with the child after placement. The contact and/or relationship is determined by the agreement of all parties involved. Ask what kind of experience an agency has working with LGBTQ+ families. Also, ask what kind of services the agency offers both to the prospective adoptive parents, and the birth parents.

2. Foster Care Adoption

Foster care adoption is the process of legally adopting a child who is in the care of the child welfare service. Prospective parents must complete mandatory assessments and training, and approval processes, prior to being able to provide care to a child. Requirements and process variations may be dependent on the agency and the situation. Foster Care Adoption may be of interest if you are willing to provide a permanent home for a child who needs it. The Ohio Resource website outlines a process to help parents with the training and other prerequisites necessary to be an adoptive parent.

3. Adoption as a Single LGBTQ+ Parent

You are also able to explore adoption as a Single LGBTQ+ parent. You are able to review resources available for single members of the LGBTQ+ community and the eligibility process if you so choose. Preparing for this adoption as a Single parent may require addressing your support system, arrangements for childcare, and finances. A supportive agency may also be able to assist you in understanding your situation better and navigating the next steps.

What is the LGBTQ+ Adoption Process in Ohio?

Though every adoption process differs, understanding it may help you make a decision on the next step you may want to take.

Step 1: Choose an Inclusive Adoption Agency

Selecting an adoption agency is an important part of the process and should be done with thought. Choose an agency that communicates respectfully and has clear policies. They should answer all questions about LGBTQ+ family building. Here are some questions to ask: Are LGBTQ+ individuals and couples served? What kinds of adoption are offered? What are the requirements for eligibility and the home study? What services and supports are offered? How does the agency do birth parent counseling and family matching? What are the anticipated costs? What legal personnel will be involved?

Step 2: Understand Home Study and Preparation

There are many potential aspects to the home study process such as CPS (Child Protective Services) home study, state/federal background checks, fingerprinting, reference checks, home visits, interviews, trainings, and assessments. The goal is to evaluate a family’s readiness to provide a safe, stable, and caring home for a child. Expect questions about your living situation, your relationships, your parenting experience, your support system and your plan for meeting the needs of a child. To expedite the home study process, it is a good idea to get all of your documents in order and ask questions when something is unclear.

Step 3: Family Matching and Placement

Profiles of waiting families are reviewed, and potential placements may be offered for families involved in public or private adoption. If it is a private adoption, the agency may facilitate communication between the birth parents and prospective adoptive parents as decided by the parties involved. It is important to be patient, honest, and respectful of the needs of all parties during this process. An adoption professional will be able to explain the process to you, what to expect, and what information can be shared based on your specific situation.

Step 4: Complete the Legal Process

Completing the legal processes required for an adoption can vary based on many factors, including the type of adoption and other case-specific information. It is important for prospective parents to consult a qualified adoption attorney or other appropriate legal professional to answer questions regarding court processes, required consents, and other legal steps to finalize an adoption and/or establish legal parenthood. For LGBTQ+ families, it is always appropriate to ask about the need for additional legal services. Just because you have reached this step, does not mean your adoption process and timeline is the same as other families.

Step 5: Prepare for Life After Adoption

While completing adoption-related paperwork may feel like the finish line, the work is really just beginning. The adoption process turns your focus to the many other ways you will need to support your child post-adoption (especially emotionally and developmentally). Reach out to people in your community including relatives, friends, and healthcare and education professionals for additional support and information. They may be able to help you better understand your child’s development, identity, and personal history. Learn about age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about their adoption. Considering the needs of your family and giving your child ample opportunity for communication, supportive services and resources can help you better address your child’s needs.

What Should LGBTQ+ Prospective Parents Look for in an Adoption Agency?

Family-oriented agencies should be proud to serve all types of families. Look beyond superficial statements when considering agencies in Columbus, Ohio. Ask specific questions regarding practice and policy.

Respectful Communication

Agencies should use language that respects the wishes of same-sex couples regarding how they want agencies to treat them and communicate with them about their families.

Clear Policies

Families should be able to locate clear policies regarding fee structures, anticipated expenses, and the adoption process to include procedures, expectations and eligibility requirements.

Experience and Support for LGBTQ+ Families

Are there policies and procedures that guide the agency’s responsiveness and support with regard to the family matching and legal concerns of LGBTQ+ families? How does the agency address the needs and support of LGBTQ+ families post-adoption?

Ongoing Support

Meeting the needs of the child doesn’t end with finalization of the adoption. To what extent does the agency provide post-placement services, and what kind of referrals and other post-adoption services are available?

How JustChoice Supports LGBTQ+ Family Building

JustChoice, an Ohio based nonprofit, offers LGBTQ+ individuals and couples the opportunity to explore family building options. JustChoice believes that there is no “one size fits all” approach to family building. Respectful and responsive information is offered to each individual to explain the options that may be available to them. Resources offered help families explore the many options available for the creation of their families, including adoption. To learn more and speak with our team, visit our JustFamily family-building page for more information and next steps. To learn more, visit our adoption support resources to learn about the planning process and to see what resources are available for individuals considering placement. You are not required to make every decision at once. Often, asking questions and gathering information is the first step and may prove to be the most beneficial.

Preparing to Become an Adoptive Parent in Columbus

It is important to take the time to think about both the emotional and practical aspects of inviting a child into your family through adoption. There are several ways to prepare. Build a Supportive Network. Identify individuals who will assist you emotionally and help you with practical tasks. Have a Financial Plan. Understand the expenses that are associated with each of the available options. Find out what agency costs and legal fees are. Find out what resources are available to you, and what costs you may face in the future. Learn About Adoption-Informed Parenting. Prepare to have conversations with your child about adoption. Prepare to Welcome a Child. Think about your work and family schedules, and your living situation.

Ask about Legal Parenthood. A local adoption attorney may be able to help you.

Take the time you need. You may have questions about when you’ll get information and next steps. The important thing is you are taking in the information you need to make decisions. You have options. Take the time to understand those options.