Children who are available for adoption through Utah's Division of Child & Family Services have been removed from their own families because of abuse, neglect, or other family problems that make it unsafe for the child to live at home. If the child's parents cannot correct the challenges to make their home safe, then adoption with a new family usually becomes the goal.

An exhibit created to find loving families for our community's often forgotten children.

Waiting can be frustrating, lonely, and disempowering. Although you must make many decisions throughout this time(When is the right time to build our family through adoption? Can we handle this? Can we afford it? What age/gender of child do we want? Shall I quit my job? etc.), mostly it feels as if this very important part of your life is not in your own hands.

There are thousands of excellent adoption resources available for adoptive families, foster families, professionals, and adoptees. The following books have been recommended by adoption professionals and experienced adoptive families. They represent current best practices in attachment, trauma-informed care, identity development, permanency, and adoption.

These are some of the questions you might want to ask at the time you are called regarding the placement of a child. Some are more related to older children some more to younger children. It is good for adoptive parents to go through this list together and decide which ones are most important to you and add any questions that are pertinent to you own situation. Have them prepared and readily accessible for when you get the phone call about a potential placement.

Questions to ask when you prepare for a child to move in to your home.

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