Guernsey County Children Services - Adoption

Adoption is a process where a child is provided with a permanent home. Adoption should be undertaken only after much serious consideration and reflection. It is hoped that once a child is adopted, he or she will become attached to his or her adoptive family. This will give the child the foundation he or she needs to reach his or her potential. This commitment traverses a lifetime and does not end at adulthood. The child and the child’s needs are the focal point of attention throughout the adoption process. Decisions regarding adoption are made exclusively based upon the child’s best interest. Adoption is the permanent, legal transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities from one family to another family. Adoptive parents have the same rights and responsibilities as parents whose children are born to them. It is the first step to a lifelong commitment of sharing your life with a child who is in need of a family that will keep him/her safe.