How does the process of adoption work?
Adoption is a wonderful opportunity to form a family. Here we present the adoption process step by step, giving you a better understanding of the process. The time frame is individual and varies from case to case and also depends on which country you adopt from.
1. Become a member of Adoptionscentrum
Even before you start the process of the home study investigation in your municipality you are welcome to become a member of Adoptionscentrum. You will get access and assistance from the adoption counsellors, who are social workers. They provide information and support before and in the beginning of the adoption process. Usually the communication is through emails, telephone calls or digital meetings. Of course, you are able to meet in person as well.
Once you have paid the case fee (2800 SEK annually) and subscribed to direct debit for the membership fee (40 SEK monthly) you will receive a case number which is connected to the date you paid the case fee. Furthermore, you will receive a personal folder in your mailbox. The case number will influence when you can start your adoption process through Adoptionscentrum.
2. Apply for a consent to adopt at the municipality
Get in touch with the social services in your municipality by calling the contact center in the municipality. You will meet with a social worker who is assigned to your case. Before the process of the home study investigation starts you will have to participate in the mandatory parental education course. The social worker responsible for your case will inform you about this and where you can find further information about the course and apply to attend. When the process of the home study investigation is completed, the Social Welfare Board will decide whether to grant a consent or not. The consent to adopt is valid for three years.
3. Choose a country of origin
Once the home study investigation is finalized and you have received the consent to adopt it is time to send copies of the home study report and consent to Adoptionscentrum. When the adoption counsellors have read the documents they will contact you. Together with the counsellor you will discuss your options.
4. The adoption application is sent to the country of origin
When it is decided to which country you will send your adoption application, the responsible case worker will give you detailed instructions concerning the necessary documents, and assist you in completing the application. Thereafter the application will be sent to the country of origin.
Before you receive the instructions, you need to pay half of the adoption fee (the adoption fee is different for each country of origin). At this stage you also need to submit a signed agreement with Adoptionscentrum in order for us to mediate the adoption.
5. You have been matched with a child
When you receive the great news that you have been matched with a child you will receive medical and legal information about that child. Furthermore, you will be informed about the remaining steps of the adoption process. Now it is time to pay the second half of the adoption fee.
6. The journey
You will travel to the country of origin and meet your child for the first time. How long you have to stay in the country of origin varies between the different countries and is dependent on the legal process.
7. Returning back to Sweden
Welcome home! As from now on your new life together with your child starts. After you have returned home you need to submit follow up reports to the country of origin. The number of reports varies between the countries.
8. Stay as a member in Adoptionscentrum
We trust that you will keep your membership in Adoptionscentrum. We are a stakeholder for adoptive families and adoptees through life. As a member in Adoptiosncentrum:
- You have an impact on society’s perspective to view adoption as an option to form a family. You safeguard the rights of adoptees in Sweden – together we make a stronger voice and impact in society.
- You will receive the magazine: “A: Tidskrift om adoption” which features current adoption issues from different stages of life.
- You get and maintain a social network where adoption is central.
- You have access to advice and support related to adoption.
- You have access to advice and support related to Post Adoption Services.
- You will have access to a social network, physical meetings, and the opportunity to share experiences with other members at your local branch of Adoptionscentrum.
artikeln uppdaterades 29 april 2024