Application To Be Adoptive Parent(S)

An applicant must participate in the process and tasks to complete an adoptive home study. (7-1-25) 01. Initial Application. Each adoptive applicant must: (3-15-22) a. Cooperate with and allow the department, or certified adoption professional, to determine compliance with these rules to conduct an adoption home study; (7-1-25) b. Inform the department, or certified adoption professional, if the applicant has previously applied to become a foster or adoptive parent, is currently licensed as a foster parent, or has been involved in the care and supervision of children or adults; (7-1-25) c. Provide a medical statement for each applicant, signed by a qualified medical professional, within the twelve (12) months period prior to application for adoption, indicating the applicant is in such physical and mental health so as to not adversely affect either the health or quality of care of the adopted child; (3-15-22) d. Provide the name of, and a signed release to obtain the following information about, each member of the household: (3-15-22) i. Admission to, or release from, a facility, hospital, or institution for the treatment of an emotional, intellectual, or substance abuse issue; (3-15-22) ii. Outpatient counseling, treatment, or therapy for an emotional, intellectual, or substance abuse IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 16.06.01 Department of Health and Welfare Child and Family Services Section 762 Page 33 issue. (3-15-22) e. Provide three (3) satisfactory references, one (1) of which may be from a person related to the applicant. Each applicant must provide additional references upon the request of the department or certified adoption professional; (7-1-25) f. All applicants for adoption and other adult members of the household must comply with the provisions in IDAPA 16.05.06, “Criminal History and Background Checks” and IDAPA 16.06.02, “Foster Care Licensing,” Section 202. (7-1-25) 02. Psychological Evaluation. An evaluation by a psychologist or a psychiatrist can be required when an applicant has received or is currently receiving treatment for psychological problems or mental illness or when the family services worker, or certified adoption professional, in consultation with their supervisor, determines that there appear to be emotional problems in the family that merit further evaluation. (7-1-25) 03. Orientation of Potential Applicants. Initial meetings with individual families or groups of applicants, must be scheduled promptly to explain policies and procedures regarding adoptive placement, the kinds of children available, and the nature of the home study. (7-1-25) 04. Denial of Application. Following an initial interview, an applicant who does not appear to meet the requirements at the time of initial application may be denied a full home study. The family will be advised why they were ineligible for a full home study and notice provided to the applicant of their right to appeal this decision. Upon resolution of the factors leading to the denial, the applicant may again file an application and receive a home study. (7-1-25) 05. Application for Subsequent Adoptions. Following the finalization of an adoption, a family may apply to be considered for another placement. (3-15-22) a. Parents who have finalized an adoption and wish to reapply must complete an adoption application and financial statement, complete a Background Check, and submit medical reports and three (3) personal references. One (1) reference may be from a person related to the applicant. When requested by the department or certified adoption professional, an applicant must provide additional references. (7-1-25) b. The prospective adoptive family will assist in amending the original adoption study to include information concerning the acceptance and adjustment of the child previously placed in the home and their request for another placement. (3-15-22) c. Prospective adoptive parent(s) applying for subsequent adoption with an agency with whom they have maintained a foster care license since their previous adoption may have the requirement for a new Background Check, medical reports and personal references waived by the agency. (7-1-25) 751. -- 761. (RESERVED)