Home > Frequently Asked Questions

This page is designed to save you time by answering the most commonly asked questions about Lilliput and adoptions in general.

Q1. Who can become Lilliput foster/adoptive parents?

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Today in California, single people, unmarried couples, mixed-race couples, grandparents - people of all types and in many situations can adopt. Both parents can work. Also, parents do not have to own a home. Twenty-four years is the minimum age for applicants, who also must demonstrate the maturity to parent a child and the ability to keep up with a normal, active child. It is Lilliput's goal to determine the type of child that best fits into each applicant's lifestyle.

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Q2. What are the State-mandated requirements to be a foster/adoptive parent?

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There are several requirements mandated by state regulations. They are intended to ensure that a child will be in a warm, safe and healthy environment. Foster/adoptive parents need to show that they are in good health, that there is adequate income in the home to meet the family's needs, adequate bed space (no more than two children of the same sex to a bedroom and each child must have his or her own bed) and other requirements.

For more detailed information about Lilliput's adoption requirements click here.

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Q3. What types of children are placed through Lilliput foster/adoptive programs?

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Lilliput specializes in domestic "special-needs adoptions." Children are referred to Lilliput from county social service agencies throughout California. Most of these children have been removed from their birth families due to abuse or neglect. Children range from infancy to 18, with most of the children between the ages of 1 and 8. Lilliput encourages the placement of siblings with the same family. Children referred to the agency are in need of highly capable and nurturing families.

There is always a need for families willing to adopt children over the age of 5; however, many younger children are currently available for adoption. Children of color under the age of 1 are generally available. Caucasian children under 1 are occasionally available. Lilliput's adoptive families have a definite say in the type of child they are interested in -- age, gender, ethnicity and medical/emotional issues.

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Q4. Do the foster/adoptive parents have the right to choose the child to be placed in their home?

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Definitely. The decision to place a child is a joint decision. Your family, the child and the social worker must all feel comfortable with the placement. The usual procedure involves the social worker contacting you after receiving a referral that he or she feels is a good fit for your home. A thorough discussion about the child helps determine your interest. If you are interested, pre-placement visits are scheduled for you and the child to meet each other. If this stage goes well, plans can be initiated for placement.

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Q5. What do we have to do to become a Lilliput foster/adoptive family?

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The process includes orientation, a screening meeting, training, and a home study, as well as documentation of compliance with state regulations. Orientations are held in Chico, Fairfield, El Dorado Hills, Redding, Sacramento, San Leandro, and Stockton. Orientation schedules are available on the Calendar.

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Q6. What are the advantages of foster/adoptive parenting with Lilliput?

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We offer training through ongoing classes and parent groups. In addition, social workers provide support services in the home. As a small agency, you are an integral part. There is one social worker for every 12 children.

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Q7. Are there fees for Lilliput's adoption services?

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Lilliput Children's Services does not charge an adoption home study fee for families in the foster/adoption program. There are also no fees for adoption placement or post-placement work. There is a $75.00 materials fee for participation in the module training program, which includes all books and handouts that are provided during the training. This fee is nonrefundable. Fees do apply for independent home studies.

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Q8. What financial support does Lilliput provide?

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Depending on the child's age, financial support ranges from $624 to $790 per month while the child is in foster care. This is to be used to cover all of the child's expenses except for medical expenses which are covered by Medi-Cal.

Once the child is adopted, families are eligible for the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) which provides financial assistance, including help with medical care.

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Q9. Do we treat a foster child just like our own children?

Yes, with some exceptions, for example, state law prohibits corporal punishment being used on foster children. Foster children also have the right to attend the church of their choice or not to attend.

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