What adopt through us?
You receive lots of support! People adopting through the County of Santa Cruz receive support from the Licensing Unit and Adoption Team through the process of licensing and adoption, support from mentors, Adoptive Parent Support groups, Resource Family Liaisons and many other training opportunities related to adoption.
There are no required fees or costs involved in adopting through the County, except for some minimal reimbursable fees usually totalling less than $100. We have many wonderful children of all ages in our community who need a family. There is no need to get a passport or travel far distances to find your child.
Depending on the age of the child you would like to adopt, your child could be placed with your family within a matter of months, and the adoption may be finalized within an additional six months to a year.
A child adopted through the County usually qualifies for continued Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal coverage through the age of 18 years.
A child adopted through the County may continue to qualify for an Adoption Assistance Program stipend, to care for the child’s special needs.
As an adoptive family through the county, you may continue to receive assistance from our Resource Family Liaisons at La Manzana and Live Oak Family Resource Centers, as well as attend free parent education training and seminars provided by Cabrillo College in partnership with the county.
You are helping to make our community a safe, welcoming and healthy place for everyone.
Benefits of fostering or adoption may include:
- The satisfaction of knowing that you have made a positive difference in a child’s life.
- Personalized support, training and support groups.
- MediCal insurance coverage for each foster child.
- Initial and annual clothing allowances for your foster child.
- Financial assistance to help provide care.