Adoption: official process
6 tasks in suggested order
1. Apply through an adoption agency
The first step is to apply through an adoption placement agency. This may be the Jugendamt or a recognised non-governmental adoption placement agency.
At the start of the adoption process, before a specific child is proposed.
The adoption placement service of the Jugendamt or a recognised adoption placement agency.
Initial information about your personal and family situation; the agency will then explain which documents are needed for the suitability assessment.
An adoption may only be arranged through legally authorised placement agencies; there is no entitlement to be matched with a child.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
2. Complete the suitability assessment
During the suitability assessment, the placement agency holds interviews and assesses whether the personal, family, health and financial circumstances are suitable.
After the application and before a child is proposed.
At the responsible adoption placement agency.
Typically civil-status documents, proof of income/assets, an extended certificate of conduct, medical evidence and a CV, as specified by the agency.
The assessment is more than a document check; interviews and the applicants' living situation are also part of it.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
3. Wait for a child proposal and prepare the placement
After a positive suitability assessment, preparation and a waiting period follow. A proposed match is discussed only when the placement agency considers a child suitable for the applicants.
After a positive suitability assessment.
Through the adoption placement agency.
Allow time for counselling and preparation; when a child is proposed, discuss the available information about the child's history, development and health.
The waiting period cannot be predicted, and a positive suitability assessment does not guarantee that a child will be proposed.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
4. Complete the pre-adoption placement period
When the child is placed with the family, the pre-adoption care period begins. During this phase, the parent-child relationship is expected to develop and the placement agency supports the family.
When the child joins the family.
In everyday family life, with support from the adoption placement agency.
Agree arrangements for the child's placement, care and support with the placement agency.
The pre-adoption care period is not yet the legal completion of the adoption.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
5. Apply for the adoption at the family court
Once the parent-child relationship has developed and the requirements are met, the adoption is applied for at the family court.
After the pre-adoption care period, or once the placement agency supports taking the case to court.
The responsible family court; the placement agency supports the further procedure.
The declarations and documents required for the court application, as instructed by the placement agency or the court.
The adoption is legally completed only by the court's adoption order.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
6. Use post-adoption support
Even after the adoption is completed, there is a right to counselling and support from the adoption placement agency.
After the adoption, whenever questions arise or support is needed.
The previous or otherwise responsible adoption placement agency.
Specific questions or documents only insofar as they are useful for the counselling topic.
Counselling does not automatically end with the court order; it can also be used later.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
