Considering Adoption Through Foster Care?
Adopting a child through foster care is a meaningful commitment. Unica Adoption Services is here to guide and support families throughout the journey.
Unica works with New Mexico families pursuing the adoption of children in foster care through the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), as well as families pursuing interstate foster care adoption.
We provide preparation, home study services, guidance through the matching and placement process, and ongoing support to help families understand what to expect and prepare for the lifelong experience of adoption.
Working With Unica
Children awaiting adoption through foster care are typically age 8 or older and bring individual experiences, strengths and needs. Many have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect and benefit from caregivers who are prepared with an understanding of trauma, attachment and specialized parenting approaches.
Unica provides families with training and support to prepare for this important role and continues to support families throughout the adoption process.
We welcome all families and recognize that every family brings different experiences, strengths and perspectives to adoption.
The Adoption Process
1. Application & Orientation
The process begins with an application and orientation with Unica Adoption Services. During orientation, you will learn more about the services available through Unica and the next steps in your adoption journey.
2. Adoption Preparation & Training
Prospective adoptive families complete 12 hours of adoption preparation training.
Training helps families understand the experiences and needs of children involved in foster care and includes topics such as:
- Trauma
- Attachment-focused parenting
- Culture and diversity
- CPR and first aid
- Maintaining important connections
Additional or substitute training may be recommended to support the individual needs of each family as they prepare for adoption.
3. Home Study
A home study, also called a pre-placement study, is a comprehensive assessment that helps Unica get to know your family and prepare you for adoption.
The process includes three meetings in the family home, including an interview with the prospective adoptive family and individual interviews with family members. Required documentation, criminal background checks and CYFD abuse and neglect checks are also completed as part of the process.
Families provide medical examinations, references, employment and financial verification, and records related to marriage, birth and divorce, when applicable. Additional assessments may be requested based on an individual family’s circumstances.
Once completed, the home study is reviewed by the Unica Adoption Services team. Families have an opportunity to read and review their home study before final signatures are gathered.
4. Matching
Once a family is approved, Unica can consult and collaborate with child protective services during the process of identifying a potential adoptive placement.
Matching services may include home study distribution, coordination with agencies and social workers, review of prospective adoptee background information, full disclosure, transition planning and other support related to placement.
Throughout the matching process, Unica works to support a placement that is in the best interests of the child while helping families understand and prepare for the needs of the child they may welcome into their home.
5. Placement & Finalization
Unica’s support continues as a child is welcomed into your family and you move toward adoption finalization.
New Mexico requires post-placement supervision before an adoption can be finalized. These services begin at placement and continue through finalization.
The first visit occurs within 72 hours of placement, followed by monthly face-to-face visits in the home. Additional visits or referrals may be recommended to support the child and family.
Required reports are submitted to the court before finalization and become part of the permanent case record.
Post-placement services may be provided by Unica Adoption Services or CYFD, depending on the individual case.
Legal Counsel
Adopting parents are represented by an attorney during the legal adoption process. Child protective services in the child’s state of residence may provide reimbursement for attorney fees associated with the adoption process.
Unica can provide families with a list of New Mexico attorneys experienced in foster care adoption. Legal guidance and advice are provided by the family’s attorney.
Interstate Adoption
When a child is placed across state lines, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) guides the process. Unica assists with the required documents, reports and coordination to meet applicable requirements in both states.
Once the required ICPC approvals are received, the child can enter or leave New Mexico for placement.
Support After Adoption
Support continues beyond adoption finalization. Unica views adoption as a lifelong experience and offers ongoing professional and peer support as families grow and their needs change.
Post-finalization support is available for as long as families request it and may include training, resources and referral information, consultation, and opportunities to connect with other adoptive families.
Unica can also help families connect with additional resources within the agency and community.
Application Criteria
At a minimum:
- Each adopting parent must be at least 18 years old.
- Family relationships within the home must demonstrate stability.
- Applicants must demonstrate emotional stability.
- Household members complete required criminal background and child abuse and neglect checks. A conviction for child abuse, neglect or abandonment prevents agency approval. Other criminal convictions are reviewed individually.
- Families must demonstrate financial responsibility.
Additional requirements are reviewed with families during the application and home study process.
Adoption Fees
Application & Orientation: $500
Domestic Home Study: $2,200
Adoption Preparation Training: $500
Annual Home Study Update: $700
Annual Background Check: $59 per adult
Matching Services: $100/hour
Post-Placement Services: To be determined based on the case
Legal Fees: To be determined
Adoption Consultant/Out-of-State Agency Collaboration: $550, when applicable
Home studies are valid for one year. New Mexico requires annual home study updates, including updated background checks.
Post-placement fees are typically covered through child protective services contracts with Unica. Legal fees vary depending on the attorney and circumstances of the adoption.
Travel outside the Albuquerque area may include additional mileage, travel time, lodging and per diem expenses.
Start the Conversation
Contact Adoption Services
Phone: 505-313-3181