If you want to straight adopt an infant from the state, you probably won't have any luck. The others who responded were right in that the state TAKES children from their parents because of some type of neglect or abuse. Then the parents are given chances to rebuild their lives and change. Sometimes they are given WAY too much time. Usually 1 to 2 years due to the new ASFA laws. So legally freed children are usually 2 and up. UNLESS a parent decides he or she cannot do what is expected and then just gives up rights. Which I have not heard of happening too often.
I am in the fost/adopt program in NJ. Because I was open to race and gender, I only waited two days for my infant son. He was a perfectly healthy two week old baby. He is AA and his mom had addictions that she was dealing with. Because my son had a half sib in custody (for 2 years-since birth) my son's case went faster. He just turned one a few weeks ago and I should have an adoption date soon.
A child is usually considered fost/adopt because of circumstances that lead the state into thinking the child is not very likely to go home. Long term addictions, long jail sentences, a mother who has already had several kids taken from her. But there is always a chance the kids could go back.
Fost/adopt can work out great! Like in my case. But it is risky. Hope this helps!
Good luck on finding the child that was meant for you!
