Adoption Agencies, Information and Resources in Idaho

Start your research with this quick-reference, and confirm any updates with your local representation.
More in depth information is provided on our Adoption Laws By State page.

Our use of the terms “putting up” or “giving up” does not reflect how we feel about adoptive placement. These terms remain the most widely used search terms for those who are considering adoption for their baby, and we wish to reach all who seek this important information.

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Boise

How to Adopt in Idaho

Idaho isn’t just home to the famous Idaho Potatoes; it’s also home to many families seeking adoption opportunities and resources to begin their journey. Whether you are looking to adopt, looking to place your child for adoption, or searching for information about home studies and where to begin the process, the following information will be your guide to all things adoption in Idaho.

What you need to know about adopting a baby in Idaho

To get started on your adoption journey, it is important to understand some of the fundamental aspects and frequently asked question about the process. Here are a few things to know when considering adoption in Idaho.

What are the laws and requirements for adopting a baby in Idaho?

In Idaho, a person hoping to adopt must be at least 15 years older than the child they wish to adopt, or at least 25 years old.

How much does it cost to adopt a baby in Idaho?

Expenses related to adoption in Idaho range widely depending on the type of adoption you decide to pursue. Are you looking to adopt internationally or domestically? Through a private agency or the foster care system? Depending on what you decide, Adoptive Parents may be asked to cover adoption-related expenses such as:

• Legal and agency fees
• Medical costs for the Birth Mother and child
• Reasonable maternity and living expenses during the pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after the child is born

How do you become a Foster Parent in Idaho?

To become a Foster Parent in Idaho, you must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal background check, and complete preservice training.

The requirements and qualifications for become a Foster Parent are as follows:

• Be single, married or divorced
• Own or rent a space that is safe and meets the needs of the child
• Be able to support the child financially
• Have no parental experience or have raised a child previously
• Be open to learning new things and willing to support the needs of the child

Click here for more information about becoming a Foster Parent in Idaho.

Can you finalize an international adoption in Idaho?

When an Idaho resident adopts a child in a foreign country in accordance with the laws of the foreign country, such adoption will be recognized as full and final by the U.S. Government if the petitioner has lived in Idaho for at least 6 consecutive months and a petition is filed, addressing the following:

• The name and address of the petitioner
• The child’s name
• The degree of relationship to the child, if any
• The child’s country of origin and date of birth
• That the child has been issued a visa or other document authorizing their entrance to the United States as an immigrant or for the purpose of adoption
• A copy of the complete and approved home study
• That the child’s Biological Parents are residents of a foreign country
• That the adoption is in the child’s best interest

What you need to know about placing your baby for adoption in Idaho

If you are considering placing your child for adoption, understanding how the adoption process works as well as knowing your rights may relieve some of your worry. Here are a few things to know when considering adoption for your child in Idaho.

Who must consent to an adoption in Idaho?

Consent to adoption in Idaho must be given by the following:

• The adoptee if they are at least 12 years old
• The Birth Mom of a child born out of marriage
• Both parents or the surviving parent of a child who was conceived or born within a marriage unless the child is age 18 or older
• An unmarried Birth Father who has established paternity of the child
• The legal guardian of the child
• Any Birth Parent who has been adjudicated to be the child’s Birth Father by a court of competent jurisdiction prior to the mother’s execution of consent
• The guardian of an incapacitated adult, if one has been appointed

When is consent not necessary for adoption in Idaho?

Consent to adoption is not required by anyone whose parental rights to the child have been terminated.

Can a Birth Parent revoke their consent to adoption in Idaho?

In an Idaho adoption, a Birth Parent may revoke their consent to adoption with court approval, but they must reimburse the Adoptive Family for all expenses they made in relation to the adoption.

What rights do Birth Fathers have in the adoption process in Idaho?

In Idaho, the term ‘parent’ refers to the following:

• A Birth Mom or Adoptive Mom
• An Adoptive Father
• The Birth Father who was married to the Birth Mom when the child was born
• An unmarried Birth Father whose consent is required for adoption proceedings

A ‘Presumed Father’ is a man who is or was married to the birth mother and the child is born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated.

An ‘unmarried Biological Father’ means the Biological Father of a child who was not married to the child’s mother at the time the child was conceived or born.

Idaho has established a Paternity Registry for these unmarried Birth Fathers to establish their parental rights to the child and declare their intent to support the child.

Home study and Post Placement Requirements in Idaho

Prospective Adoptive Parents in Idaho are required to complete a home study before beginning the adoption process and a postplacement assessment after the adoption takes place. Both will assess your ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child you wish to adopt.

What is a home study and what happens during the process?

The home study is a critical component to the adoption process. While it is to ensure your home will provide a child with stability, safety, and support, it is also a resource for Prospective Adoptive Parents to asks questions and prepare for the adoption. A home study is ultimately a recommendation as to the fitness of the applicants to become Adoptive Parents.

In Idaho, the home study assessment will include:

• The medical records of the Prospective Parents within 12 months of the application for adoption
• Verification that the adopting person is at least 15 years older than the child or age 25 or older, except in stepparent adoptions
• Verification that the family has been living in Idaho for at least 6 consecutive months prior to the adoption application
• A criminal background check and child abuse and neglect registry check
• The applicant’s educational background, employment, family income, and financial resources
• Names and ages of all biological and adopted children
• Family history and any record of marriage or divorce
• The family’s religious and cultural background
• For an Indian child, the prevailing social and cultural standards of the Indian community in which the parent or extended family resides or maintains social and cultural ties
• Activities, hobbies, and interests
• Reason for choosing to adopt
• Emotional stability
• The training needs of the family
• The type of child preferred by the family
• Interviews with the family about their previous experiences and attitudes toward adoption
• Child care, parenting skills, and discipline styles of the Prospective Parents

Who oversees a home study in Idaho and who is included in it?

Any licensed professional who meets the requirements by law, such as an agency or social worker, may complete the home study that will include the Prospective Adoptive Parents and all of the members of the adoptive household.

Why would my home study not be approved in Idaho?

To qualify to begin a home study, the adoption applicants must first meet the minimum requirements needed to adopt. The home study will not be approved if a Prospective Adoptive Parent has been convicted of a disqualifying crime.

Is a home study different for stepparent or relative adoptions in Idaho?

Unlike adoptions by unrelated persons, age restrictions do not apply for adoptions by a stepparent or relative and home studies are not required unless otherwise ordered by court.

What are the home study requirements for adopting a baby from another state?

Any out-of-home placement of a child outside the State is subject to the provisions of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

What is a post placement requirement and what happens during the process?

Before the adoption has been finalized, a post placement assessment will take place to ensure the transition into adoption is going well and that the Adoptive Family’s circumstances have not changed to no longer fit the child’s best interest.

In Idaho, a family service worker will visit the home at once a month for at least 6 months before the adoption may be finalized. Monthly reports will be made and include the following information:

• The special needs or circumstances of the child
• The child health and developmental progress
• The family’s adjustment to the adoption
• Any changes in the family’s situation and circumstances
• Any services provided to the child and family, and any services needed to be provided
• General appearance of the child
• The child adjustment to school, day care, and treatment care, if applicable
• Whether each child has been accepted for coverage on the family’s medical insurance, when coverage begins, and whether there will be any limitations or exclusions
• Areas of concern addressed by the child or Adoptive Parents

What are the requirements for a Foster to Adopt placement in Idaho?

Current Foster Parents who wish to adopt their foster child must meet the same qualifications as new adoptive applicants, including getting an approved home study. These qualifications include compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act of 1994, and the Interethnic Adoption Provisions of 1996.

Idaho Adoption Agencies and Professionals

Idaho is home to some amazing adoption professionals who are ready to get your journey started. Whether you are interested in adopting a child or seeking resources to place your child for adoption, these professionals will guide you through the legal pathways and offer you support throughout your journey:

A New Beginning Adoption Agency208-939-3865

AdoptionLife.org1-800-236-7811

Adoption and Surrogacy Services form Mark R. Iverson, P.S.208-930-0369

Things to do in Idaho

If your adoption journey takes you to Idaho, the Gem State, be sure to visit some of the states treasured spots:

Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls

World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise

Shoshone Falls

Craters of the Moon National Monument in Twin Falls

Silverwood Theme Park in Arco

A Note from Adoption Network Law Center

No matter your decision, we appreciate the time you have taken to read about how to adopt in Idaho. Adoption Network Law Center wishes you the best of luck and is available to answer any further questions you may have about the adoption process. Call 1-866-602-9541 to speak with one of our amazing team members or visit https://adoptionnetwork.com/ to read more about our services. Whether you’re a soon-to-be Birth Parent or Prospective Adoptive Parent, ANLC wishes you the best on your adoption journey.