Adoption is the process whereby a person assumes full legal responsibility for a child who is not biologically theirs. This involves the transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities. Adoption will be the preferred, long term placement option as it provides the family environment necessary for the optimal growth and development of the child.
Prospective adoptive parents are persons who are interested in providing a family for a child or children. A prospective adoptive parent can be a resident of another country or non-national of Trinidad and Tobago. They can also be a relative or a complete stranger to the child whom they plan to adopt.
There are three major stakeholders involved in the adoption process:
- The Prospective Adoptive Parent
- The Adoptee
- The Birth Parent
There is a thorough screening process which aims to determine the suitability of the prospective adoptive parent to appropriately respond to the social, emotional, physical and educational needs of a child.
The adoption process managed by the Authority may include the following steps depending on the type of adoption being sought:
- Information Session
- Application Process (submission of relevant forms and documents)
- Psychosocial Assessment and Background Check
- Notification of Approval
- Matching Process
- Briefing Session to select adoptee
- Interaction Session with Adoptee and Prospective Adoptive Parents
- Probationary Period
- Application for Adoption Order
- Adoption Finalised
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the Adoption Unit at 627-0748 ext. 40021, 40022, 40023, 40024, 40025