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Adopting in Arkansas
Adoption in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the Natural State, a single adult or married couple may adopt, or a married individual without his or her spouse if the spouse is a parent of the individual to be adopted and consents to the adoption, the petitioner and his or her spouse are legally separated, or the court excuses the spouse by reason of prolonged unexplained absence, incapacity, or circumstances constituting an unreasonable withholding of consent. As far as what can expenses can be paid by Adoptive Parents - medical, legal, living (housing, food, clothing, etc.), reimbursement for expenses incurred or fees for services rendered related to the pregnancy, delivery and post partum recuperation period. Expenses paid must be disclosed in an affidavit by the petitioners. Did you know you can find diamonds in Arkansas?
Home Study Providers in Arkansas
PairTree Home Study
The Modern Way to Home Study
Adoption Attorneys in Arkansas
9 Adoption Agencies in AR
5 
AAAA Attorneys in AR
Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
Traveling For Your Adoption in Arkansas
Length of ICPC
in Arkansas
1-30 days
Arkansas adheres to the Interstate Compact On The Placement of Children (ICPC) – a uniform law in all 50 States that establishes procedures for the interstate placement of children. The ICPC also places specific responsibilities on those involved in placing the children. The three principle goals of the ICPC are to:
Protect the children being placed.
Ensure that they receive the services they need.
Facilitate permanent placements for those children who are in state custody
Adoption Law FAQ in Arkansas
Advertising Law Info
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Can adoptive parents advertise for birth parents?
Not addressed in state statutes.
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State Advertising Code of Law
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.
Adoption Law Info
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Who Can Adopt?
A single adult or married couple. A married individual without his or her spouse if the spouse is a parent of the individual to be adopted and consents to the adoption, the petitioner and his or her spouse are legally separated, or the court excuses the spouse by reason of prolonged unexplained absence, incapacity, or circumstances constituting an unreasonable withholding of consent.
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Can out-of-state residents finalize an adoption?
Yes.
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Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary?
Not addressed in state statutes.
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What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period?
Medical, legal, living (housing, food, clothing, etc.), reimbursement for expenses incurred or fees for services rendered related to the pregnancy, delivery and post partum recuperation period. Expenses paid must be disclosed in an affidavit by the petitioners.
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When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birth parent automatic?
10 days after childâs birth or signing, whichever is later. If 10th day falls on weekend or legal holiday, period extends to next business day. Return automatic.
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Qualifications for Adoptive Parents for adoption
In a two-parent home, the husband and wife shall provide verification that they have been married at least 2 years.
Each member of the adoptive household shall have a physical exam within 6 months prior to the approval by the social worker or agency conducting the home study, and annually thereafter until placement, to ensure that no person has a health condition or disability that would interfere with the familyâs ability to care for a child.
All members of the household older than age 12 shall receive a Mantoux skin test for tuberculosis every 3 years, as long as test results remain negative.
Home Study Info
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Elements of a Home Study for Adoption
Citation: Rules & Regs. 016 15 CARR 005, § 300
The adoptive home study shall contain the information required by regulation, including the following:
• The mental health, emotional stability, and maturity of the applicants
• The physical health of all household members
• The financial status and stability of the family, including verification of income and employment
• At least three confidential personal references
• The familyâs ability to cope with stress, loss, and crisis
• Adjustment and well-being of any minors residing in the home
• The familyâs child-caring skills and willingness to acquire additional skills
• The familyâs discipline practices and religious affiliation
• An assessment of the safety of the home, including all water hazards, dangerous pets, and firearm safety
• A statement regarding the availability and results from criminal records and child maltreatment central registry checks, dated to within 1 year prior to placement
• The stability of the adoptive family and their marriage, if applicable -
Grounds for Withholding Approval for Adoption
Citation: Rules & Regs. 016 15 CARR 005, § 300
A minor may not be adopted if the individual seeking to adopt is cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage that is valid under the constitution and laws of this State. This prohibition applies equally to cohabiting opposite-sex and same-sex individuals. -
When Home Studies Must Be Completed for Adoption
Citation: Rules & Regs. 016 15 CARR 005, § 300
The adoptive home study must be current to within 1 year prior to each adoptive placement. -
Postplacement Study Requirements for Adoption
Citation: Rules & Regs. 016 15 CARR 005, § 300
The agency caseworker shall ensure that at least two postplacement visits in person are made before the final decree of adoption is issued, or the stipulated time of the fulfillment of the interlocutory decree. One of the visits shall be in the home of the adoptive family.