A private or independent adoption involves the adoption of a child who is not in state custody or the custody of a licensed adoption agency, to include the adoption of relatives, non-relatives, and stepchildren.

The judiciary or the state appoints an agent to review private adoption petitions to ensure compliance with Georgia law and DFCS policy and to make recommendations regarding the appropriateness of the placement. The judiciary makes the final decision on whether or not to grant the petition for adoption.

DFCS does not have jurisdiction over independent or private adoptions. For more information on independent or private adoptions, please contact an attorney or Legal Aid.