At Children’s Service Society (CSS), we believe that every child deserves a stable, nurturing, and loving home—where they feel safe, supported, and free to grow into their full potential. Children thrive when they are surrounded by encouragement, emotional connection, and a positive environment.
In Utah, there are typically between 2,100 and 2,600 children in the custody and guardianship of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). These children range in age from infants to teenagers and have entered foster care due to difficult circumstances, often involving abuse or neglect. They need the consistency, love, and security of a family in order to heal and thrive.
You may have heard the term "Waiting Child." This refers to a child in foster care who is legally free for adoption—meaning the court has already terminated the rights of their biological parents, and reunification is no longer the goal. These children are waiting for a permanent, loving family to welcome them into their home.
Our Role in the Process
Children’s Service Society is proud to be the only agency in Utah contracted with DCFS to conduct home studies for families interested in adopting children currently in foster care—both within Utah and across the nation. Home studies for these children must be completed by CSS; home studies completed by other agencies will not be accepted by DCFS or by Utah’s Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), and the adoption cannot move forward.
If you're considering adoption from foster care, CSS would be honored to assist you. Our team can guide you through the entire home study process and provide support during the placement and adoption. The fee for this services is $1,400. There is a great deal of paperwork to complete for a home study including training, background checks, medical clearances, financial documentation, and a safety inspection on your home. The process to complete the home study usually takes about two-three months, once all of the required documents have been submitted.
To request an application or learn more, please contact Tara Romney Barber at
Understanding the Needs of Waiting Children
It’s important to understand that all children in the public child welfare system have experienced some level of trauma. Many children available for adoption through foster care have emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs. Those listed on online adoption websites are often the most challenging to place, and their profiles may not fully reflect the complexity of their needs.
Caseworkers for these children typically seek adoptive families with prior experience caring for children with special needs. Children who have already faced significant disruption in their lives need families that are equipped to provide consistent, compassionate care. Because of this, CSS strongly recommends gaining experience by becoming a foster parent, especially if you're considering adoption of a child with higher-level needs. Fostering allows you to build the skills, understanding, and resilience needed to support children who have experienced high levels of trauma.
For more information about becoming a foster parent in Utah, contact Utah Foster Care at 877-505-5437.
