Relative/Caregiver Adoptions

Our Program

Canyon Acres provides adoption home studies to relatives and caregivers wishing to adopt a child or children already placed in their home through Social Services.  All children referred to this program would be a dependent of the Orange County Juvenile Court System and would already be placed in a home with either a relative, non-related extended family member or a foster parent.

Canyon Acres believes in the importance of creating permanent forever families for children in the dependency system, but we also recognize that this may be a difficult step to take.  As part of our home study process, our staff are available to answer questions, provide support, information and resources.  Canyon Acres also offers a variety of parenting classes open to any family currently receiving our services.

Home Study Process

All referrals for this program must go through Orange County Social Services.  Once referred to our agency the process is as follows:

Step #1: Begin the Canyon Acres Application Process.

Step #2: Initial Home Study Interview is conducted.

Step #3: References are contacted and verified.

Step #4: Complete remainder of the Canyon Acres Questionnaires.

Step #5: Live Scan fingerprinting, TB Test, and Physical Exam.

Step #6: Collect copies of the following documents:

-  Drivers License

-  DMV Printout

-  Social Security Card or other proof of citizenship

-  Income Verification

-  Marriage/Divorce Certificates

Step #7: Individual Interviews

Step #8: Family Interview, Home Study, and Home Inspection

Step #9: Canyon Acres Agency Adoption Home Study Documents Signed

Frequently Asked Questions

How would I start the adoption process?

The first thing you would need to do is to talk with your child's County Social Worker.  He/she will be able to tell you where the child is in terms of their case plan and when or if the county will be looking to move the child in the direction of adoption.

What if my child is not a county dependent?  How can I adopt them?

If you are providing care to a child in an informal situation you may want to contact an attorney or the California State Department of Social Services' Adoptions Bureau for more information.

For more information please call us at: