There’s an easy
5 step process
to become
certified
to parent
You Gotta Believe has a simple 5 step process for becoming certified as a foster/adoptive parent.
Step 1: Orientation Meeting
You can have an Orientation to become certified as an adoptive parent this week! We offer orientations 30 minutes before every parenting class. So, you can get oriented and start the certification process the same day.
Register for Orientation Here
Or sign up for an orientation by calling our office Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm at
718-372-3003 or just showing up! Click here for an Orientation location near you.
Listen to our radio broadcasts to learn more about the certification process. Click here for broadcast.
Step 2: Enroll in Classes
We offer 11 classes at different locations throughout the New York Metro Area each week. See Schedule, Locations & Get Directions
Step 3: Get Licensed
Every prospective family needs to complete certification paperwork. This includes the following for all household members over 18 years of age:
- Child abuse and neglect clearances
- FBI clearances
- Medical examinations
- 4 written references
- Budgeting and financial information
Then we assign a worker to come to your home to conduct a home study. A home study is a document written about your home and your family to help agencies who have children in their care decide what family is the best family for the child they are recruiting a home for. It is an interview process where you and your family members talk about your own family experience, your thoughts on parenting, and your current situation. We understand that the home study interview can be nerve wracking and we do our best to help families feel comfortable. As part of the home study, the worker also takes a tour of your home to ensure it meets necessary safety standards:
- Smoke and fire detectors within 25 ft of bedrooms
- Window guards
- Fire escape plan
After classes are complete, the home study is complete, and all paperwork is submitted the certification process is complete and you are ready to start the matching process.
Step 4: Family Matching
Some families come You Gotta Believe to start the adoption process for a child they already know. Others have no idea who they will adopt. Our staff is here to help in every family’s situation.
For certified parents and young people who know each other, we provide ongoing support to everyone involved to help folks reconnect and work through challenges as they move forward. We help young people and families re-establish ties at a pace and in ways that feel comfortable and not rushed. Our staff members support and facilitate communication like letters, phone calls, Skype, and in person visits to help nurture new relationships.
For families who are interested in meeting children who are new to them, we provide many opportunities to meet and greet young people and their case workers during interactive panels and events. We also guide parents to see young people on television programs like Wednesday’s Child and You Gotta Believe’s cable access television programs throughout New York City and the websites listed below:
MEET CHILDREN WHO NEED TO BE ADOPTED
Once you have identified a child you are interested in, we will set up an opportunity for you to have an informational meeting with that child’s social worker. Next the worker checks in with the child and if everyone is in agreement to meet, an introduction process begins.
Step 5: Post Placement Support
Supporting families is an essential part of our work at You Gotta Believe because it helps to develop their strong commitment to each other. We support families in any way we can at every step of the way and for as long as you need us to be there. Many of our staff members are adoptees and adoptive parents ourselves. We understand first-hand how challenging unconditional commitments can be.
We provide individual supports through telephone coaching and in person support. We also have support groups in all 5 NYC boroughs and a monthly radio parent call-in forum. We also connect new parent with experienced veterans through support networks and adoption blogs. We are always here to help… for real.
