Adoption is a social and legal process which establishes the relationship of parent and child between people who do not have this relationship by birth.  It provides the same rights and obligations that exist between children and their biological parents.

The goal of adoption is the third ranking permanency planning goal for Virginian children in foster care.  Return of the child to the birth parents is the first goal and placement with relatives with a transfer of custody to the relative is the second goal.  The goal of adoption is selected for children in foster care when the two higher ranking goals cannot be achieved.  The purpose of adoption services is to help children who have been permanently and legally separated from their birth parents become permanent members of a new family.

TYPES OF ADOPTION
Agency Adoptions

Adoption procedures are governed by Chapter 11 of the Code of Virginia.  There are only two types of adoptive placements and non-agency placements.  Agency placements occur when the child is in the custody of a local department of social services or licensed child-placing agency.  In an agency placement, all parental rights are terminated, custody with authority to place for adoption is granted to the agency, and the agency consents to the child's adoption.

Non-agency Adoptions

A non-agency placement occurs when the child is not in the custody of an agency.  In a non-agency placement, the birth parents or legal guardian(s) consent to the adoption, and parental rights are terminated by entry of the final order of adoption.

Other Court Ordered Services

Other court ordered services involve custody investigations or supervised visitation.  "Custody investigation" means a court ordered method to gather information regarding a child whose custody, visitation, or support is in controversy or requires determination.  Custody investigations are usually requested in divorce situations.

For more information about Adoption, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services' Web Site:  http://www.dss.state.va.us

Questions/Comments
Contact:
Greensville/Emporia Department of Social Services
P.O. Box 1136
Emporia, Virginia  23847
Phone:  434-634-6576
 Monday -  Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
E-mail:  info@gedss.org

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