Understanding Australian Law

Not every child has a biological parent or a responsible parent to take care of them. Such children are usually put in foster care. The Australian family law system recognises this reality and has made legal provisions for interested people to adopt a foster child. But before a foster child can be adopted, the applicant or applicants must be carefully assessed to ensure they can take good care of the child.

If you are considering adopting a foster child, here are a number of tips you can follow to increase your chances of a successful adoption process:

Show that you will be a loving parent to the child.

One of the main reasons why children in foster care are usually put up for adoption is because they deserve to be part of a family that can shower them with tender love and care. Demonstrating that you are able to meet the emotional needs of the child will definitely help you build a good case. But as expected, due diligence will be carried out to ensure that you will make a loving parent. This may include investigating your personal character and interactions with other people. 

If you, for example, had been visiting the child when they were in foster care and established a cordial relationship with them, you may need to bring that to the attention of the adoption department. Of course, you might need the child and witnesses to attest to that. 

Show that you are financially capable of caring for the child.

Every child deserves to be loved, but raising a child costs money and you may need to convince the adoption department that you are able to meet all the financial costs that come with raising the child you want to adopt. Children need to eat well, live in a safe environment, go to school, dress well, get proper medical attention when required, and so on. You do not necessarily have to be a wealthy individual to cater to these needs, but you shouldn't be struggling financially either. 

Show your willingness to allow contact between the child and their biological parents.

One of the major reasons why many children adopted from foster homes find it difficult to get along with their adoptive parents is because they may have negative feelings about leaving their birth parents. By agreeing to let the child's biological parents or existing relations still play a part in a child's life if need be, you will demonstrate to the adoption department that you are concerned about the welfare of the child.

Contact a family lawyer for more information and assistance.