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Contents
What is the Family Adoption Registry?
The Family Adoption Registry is an opportunity for prospective parents to register their interest in adopting New York State's waiting children. The Family Adoption Registry contains information on families who are interested in adopting photolisted children. This information will be available to adoption staff throughout the state in order to facilitate the matching of children to prospective families. The Family Adoption Registry is a quick and easy way to match prospective families and waiting children.
How does it work?
The Family Adoption Registry is part of the Adoption Album where families interested in adopting photolisted children can be registered. Adoption staff, from local social services districts and New York State Adoption Service, enter family demographic information into the registry. This information is used to match the family's profile with photolisted children. Additionally, caseworkers can search the Family Adoption Registry, using specific criteria, to find families for children.
Can I be on the registry?
You can be on the Family Registry if:
- You are a New York State Resident interested in adopting a photolisted child
- You are a resident of another state interested in adopting a photolisted child and are working with a NYS Authorized agency.
- You are a resident of another state interested in adopting a photolisted child and you have a favorably completed home study.
How do I register?
In-State Residents
New York State residents interested in adopting photolisted children can contact their local social services district or an authorized voluntary adoption agency. You should request an Application to Adopt and request to be placed on the Family Adoption Registry. You will only be placed on the Registry if you are interested in adopting a photolisted child. Your caseworker will be able to verify when you have been added to the registry.
For New York State Residents who have a completed approved homestudy and are interested in adopting photolisted children, your caseworker may register you or you may register yourself by following the instructions below for Out-of-State Residents.
Out-of-State Residents
Out-of-state residents can register for the Family Adoption Registry by completing the online registration process. Once this has been completed, print a copy of the registration and submit it to the New York State Adoption Services (NYSAS) along with the verification of your completed homestudy.
Note: Documentation from the agency that completed the homestudy and the outcome of the homestudy will constitute verification. The electronic registration is valid for 30 days and will expire 30 days from your registration end date.
The printed registration form and homestudy verification needs to be sent to:
NYS Office of Children and Family Services
New York State Adoption Service
Family Registration
52 Washington St.
Room 332 North
Rensselaer, NY 12144
1-800-345-KIDS (5437)
What is the family photolisting?
The Family Photolisting is an optional feature of the Family Adoption Registry. The Family Photolisting contains color photographs and family narratives that can be viewed by caseworkers trying to find families for photolisted children. Families can participate in the Family Photolisting, however the family must meet the following two criteria:
- Approved adoptive parent which is an adoptive parent who is approved in accordance with NYS standards by NYS authorized agency; and
- Registered in the Family Adoption Registry.
If you meet these criteria, simply provide your caseworker with a color photograph and a family narrative. You can also contact New York State Adoption Service at 1-800-345-KIDS (5437) to be photolisted.