What to do if you want to undertake a legitimate/ordinary adoption process

Legitimate adoption is the form of full adoption provided for by Italian law for minors declared adoptable. It represents a profound legal and relational path, which involves the creation of a stable and permanent bond between the child and the adoptive couple, with the termination of ties with the family of origin. Steps to follow 1. Submission of the applicationThe couple must file an application for availability with the Juvenile Court in their territory. It is possible to apply to multiple courts.2.Evaluation by social servicesThe Court instructs social services to carry out psychological interviews, home visits and meetings with the couple to assess their availability, stability and parenting capacity.3.Eligibility for adoptionIf the outcome is positive, a decree of eligibility for adoption is issued. This does not guarantee adoption, but it allows them to be included among the available couples. 4. Pairing with a minor The Court selects, among the couples considered suitable, the one most suitable for a minor declared adoptable, taking into account the child's best interest. 5. Pre-adoptive custody (1 year) The child is entrusted to the couple for a period of 12 months, during which he is followed by social services. This period may be extended if necessary.6.Adoption judgmentIf pre-adoptive custody ends successfully, the Court issues the adoption decision, which definitively assigns parental responsibility to the adoptive parents. Regulatory references-Law no. 184 of 4 May 1983, “Child's right to a family” -Civil Code, arts. 343 - 401 - Legislative Decree 154/2013 on parental responsibility