Adoption in New Hampshire

You are interested in adoption, but you don`t have any idea how to start? There are several types of adoption in New Hampshire. You may adopt an infant through domestic or international adoption, or an older child through international adoption or through the special needs program.

Who May Adopt In New Hampshire

Requirements vary for international adoption, but in the case of domestic adoption at least one parent must be at least 21 years old. It is not necessary that you own your home, just that you have adequate space and the home meets basic safety requirements.

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New Hampshire Adoption Home Study

A home study is completed no matter what type of adoption you pursue. A home study is somewhat like a job interview. Parenting is the most important job you will ever do, so the interview is extensive. A police record check of the domestic violence and child abuse databases, personal references and other paperwork are required. You will also discuss very personal details about your life with the worker doing the home study. Things like your job, your family stability, your childhood, and any parenting skills you have. This interview will also help you decide the best type of adoption for you.

Infant Adoption In New Hampshire

In New Hampshire infant adoptions are handled through a licensed adoption agency or an adoption attorney. Both the birth mother and the adoptive parent(s) will be represented. When selecting an adoption agency or adoption attorney make sure that they are licensed in New Hampshire and have handled infant adoptions.

If you are a birth mother who is unable to care for your child and unable to make an adoption plan, you may take advantage of New Hamshire`s Safe Haven law. The law allows you to leave your infant (up to 7 days old) at a hospital or any medical facility, a church or church building, a police or fire station, or through a 911 responder at an agreed transfer location. They will arrange for a safe home for your baby.

International Adoption In New Hampshire

Infants may also be adopted through international adoption. Some countries do not allow infant adoptions and only place older children. Certain countries have tighter restrictions on the age limits of the adoptive parents. Working with an adoption agency that is experienced in facilitating adoptions in the country you are interested in will make your adoption go much more smoothly. Be sure the agency is licensed to conduct adoptions in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Older Child Or Special Needs Adoption

Children who are currently in foster care but available for adoption, or children with special needs, are placed for adoption by the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth & Families. Contact your local office to gain information on beginning the process. Special needs adoption does not necessarily mean that a child has a physical or mental disorder. For the purposes of adoption special needs may mean that the child is older, is part of a sibling group that needs to remain together, or is a member of a racial minority.

New Hampshire requires that every adoptive parent complete a 21 hour training course prior to accepting placement of a child. These classes are intended to educate you about the issues involved in special needs adoption. You will learn about issues that you may face, as well as interventions for these issues.

New Hampshire Adoption Registry

If you are interested in searching for a birth parent or a child you placed for adoption in New Hampshire, Bill SB 335 now allows you access to your information.

Birth parents are allowed to register current contact information or to request not to be contacted. Adoptees may request their original birth certificate as well as register their contact information. New Hampshire will check for a contact preference form from the biological parent. If a match is found, a copy of the contact preference form will be included with the pre-adoption birth record.

Back to the main New Hampshire Adoption page.