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Blank California Ad 9 Form

The California AD 9 form is an essential document used in the independent adoption process, designed to gather vital information from prospective adoptive parents. This form helps the California Department of Social Services assess the suitability of individuals seeking to adopt a child. Completing the AD 9 accurately and thoroughly is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for a successful adoption journey.

Outline

The California Ad 9 form is an essential document in the independent adoption process, designed to collect vital information from prospective adoptive parents. This form requires detailed personal data from both petitioners, including names, birthdates, and contact information. It also asks about employment history, education, and financial stability, ensuring that the adoptive parents can provide a secure environment for the child. Additionally, the form delves into the petitioners' backgrounds, seeking information on criminal history, former marriages, and any allegations of child neglect or domestic violence. This thorough inquiry aims to safeguard the welfare of the child being adopted. The information gathered in the Ad 9 form is crucial for adoption agencies and courts to assess the suitability of the petitioners. Timeliness is key; it is imperative to complete and return the form within one week to avoid delays in the adoption process. Understanding the significance of each section will help streamline your application and increase the likelihood of a successful adoption.

Sample - California Ad 9 Form

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

INDEPENDENT ADOPTION QUESTIONNAIRE

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE MATTER

OF THE ADOPTION OF:

STATE CASE NUMBER:

CHILD’S NAME:

CHILD’S ADOPTED NAME:

FIRST PETITIONER’S NAME:

SECOND PETITIONER’S NAME:

Dear Petitioner(s):

Complete this Independent Adoption Questionnaire (AD 9) and Adoption Questionnaire I (AD 4324) (to be filled out

individually) and return them within one week.

Thank You.

__________________________________________________________________________

(NAME OF CDSS DISTRICT OFFICE OR DELEGATED COUNTY ADOPTION AGENCY)

(Please fill out as completely as possible, writing “NA” or “Unknown” where appropriate)

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 1 OF 12

DEATH

(Date & Place)

DIVORCE/RDP

TERMINATION

(Date & Place)

MARRIAGE/RDP

(Date & Place)

WHERE

(License/Registration

Issued in County/State)

FULL NAME OF FORMER SPOUSE(S)/RDP(S)

(Give maiden name and current address)

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 2 OF 12

I. FIRST PETITIONER’S INFORMATION

LAST NAME

BIRTHDATE

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

- -

NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER

IF NATURALIZED

DATE:

PLACE:

NUMBER:

MILITARY SERVICE:

■ YES ■ NO

FIRST NAME

ETHNICITY

EDUCATION

(HIGHEST GRADE

COMPLETED)

RACE

OCCUPATION

WORK HOURS

DATE OF ARRIVAL IN U.S.

ALIEN REGISTRATION NUMBER

A-

DATE OF DISCHARGE:

■ HONORABLE ■ DISHONORABLE

PLACE OF BIRTH

DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER

LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT

ARE YOU A UNITED STATES CITIZEN?

■ YES ■ NO

ARE YOU A PERMANENT RESIDENT?

■ YES ■ NO

DATE OF SERVICE:

MIDDLE NAME GENDER

RELIGION

MONTHLY SALARY

WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER

( )

DATE OF ARRIVAL IN

CALIFORNIA

A. CRIMINAL HISTORY

1) Have you ever been arrested for an offense other than a traffic infraction? ■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the charges and any convictions:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Are you currently on probation or parole?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstance:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) Have you ever been investigated for allegations of child neglect or abuse?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Have you ever been reported for allegations of domestic violence?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances and outcome:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. FORMER MARRIAGE(S)/REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP(S) (RDP)

DATE OF

DEATH

(If Deceased)

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 3 OF 12

C. CHILD(REN) BORN PRIOR TO CURRENT MARRIAGE/REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP

RELATIVES’ NAMES

ADDRESS

EDUCATION

(Highest Grade

Completed)

OCCUPATION

AGE

HEALTH

CONDITIONS

FULL NAME OF CHILD

DATE OF

BIRTH

EDUCATION

(Name & Address of School & Grade)

HEALTH CONDITIONS

IF ADOPTED

(Place, Date, Agency)

1) Have any of your children ever been arrested for an offense other than a traffic infraction?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the charges and any convictions:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Are any of your children currently on probation or parole?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstance:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) Have any of your adult children ever been investigated for allegations of child neglect or abuse?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Have any of your adult children ever been reported for allegations of domestic violence?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances and outcome:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. FAMILY HISTORY

FATHER

MOTHER

SIBLING

FULL NAME OF FORMER SPOUSE/REGISTERED

DOMESTIC PARTNER

(Give maiden name and current address)

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 4 OF 12

II. SECOND PETITIONER’S INFORMATION

LAST NAME

BIRTHDATE

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

- -

NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER

IF NATURALIZED

DATE:

PLACE:

NUMBER:

MILITARY SERVICE:

■ YES ■ NO

FIRST NAME

ETHNICITY

EDUCATION

(HIGHEST GRADE

COMPLETED)

RACE

OCCUPATION

WORK HOURS

DATE OF ARRIVAL IN U.S.

ALIEN REGISTRATION NUMBER

A-

DATE OF DISCHARGE:

■ HONORABLE ■ DISHONORABLE

PLACE OF BIRTH

DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER

LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT

ARE YOU A UNITED STATES CITIZEN?

■ YES ■ NO

ARE YOU A PERMANENT RESIDENT?

■ YES ■ NO

DATE OF SERVICE:

MIDDLE NAME GENDER

RELIGION

MONTHLY SALARY

WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER

( )

DATE OF ARRIVAL IN

CALIFORNIA

A. CRIMINAL HISTORY

1) Have you ever been arrested for an offense other than a traffic infraction? ■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the charges and any convictions:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Are you currently on probation or parole?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstance:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) Have you ever been investigated for allegations of child neglect or abuse?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Have you ever been reported for allegations of domestic violence?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances and outcome:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. FORMER MARRIAGE(S)/REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP(S) (RDP)

WHERE

(License/Registration Issued in

County/State)

MARRIAGE/RDP

(Date & Place)

DIVORCE/RDP

TERMINATION

(Date & Place)

DEATH

(Date & Place)

EDUCATION

(Highest Grade

Completed)

DATE OF

DEATH

(If Deceased)

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 5 OF 12

C. CHILD(REN) BORN PRIOR TO CURRENT MARRIAGE/REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP

RELATIVES’ NAMES

ADDRESS OCCUPATION

AGE

HEALTH

CONDITIONS

FULL NAME OF CHILD

DATE OF

BIRTH

EDUCATION

(Name & Address of School & Grade)

HEALTH CONDITIONS

IF ADOPTED

(Place, Date, Agency)

1) Have any of your children ever been arrested for an offense other than a traffic infraction?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the charges and any convictions:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Are any of your children currently on probation or parole?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstance:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) Have any of your adult children ever been investigated for allegations of child neglect or abuse?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Have any of your adult children ever been reported for allegations of domestic violence?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances and outcome:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. FAMILY HISTORY

FATHER

MOTHER

SIBLING

III. HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION

AD 9 (10/03)

PAGE 6 OF 12

A. CHILD(REN) OF PETITIONER(S)

FULL NAME OF CHILD

DATE OF

BIRTH

EDUCATION

(Name & Address of School & Grade)

HEALTH CONDITIONS

IF ADOPTED

(Place, Date, Agency)

1) Have any of your children ever been arrested for an offense other than a traffic infraction?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the charges and any convictions:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Are any of your children currently on probation or parole?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstance:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) Have any of your adult children ever been investigated for allegations of child neglect or abuse?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Have any of your adult children ever been reported for allegations of domestic violence?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances and outcome:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP

DESCRIBE YOUR HOME (INCLUDE NUMBER OF BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS):

DIRECTIONS TO YOUR HOME:

HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY PREVIOUS ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT(S)?

■ YES ■ NO IF YES, PLEASE DESCRIBE:

HAVE YOU EVER APPLIED WITH ANOTHER AGENCY?

■ YES ■ NO

IF YES, WHEN AND NAME OF AGENCY:

HOW LONG AT PRESENT ADDRESS

I. CELLULAR PHONE NUMBER

( )

If you are a married or registered domestic couple:

DATE OF MARRIAGE/REGISTRATION:

PLACE OF MARRIAGE/REGISTRATION:

(CITY, COUNTY AND STATE)

If you are an unmarried couple:

LENGTH OF DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP/RELATIONSHIP:

HAVE YOU FILED A REGISTRATION OF DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE?

■ YES ■ NO IF YES, DATE OF FILING:_______________________________________________

II. CELLULAR PHONE NUMBER

( )

HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER

( )

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 7 OF 12

B. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD

FULL NAME

GENDER

DATE OF BIRTH

RELATIONSHIP TO FAMILY OCCUPATION

1) Have any of these members of the household ever been arrested for an offense other than a

traffic infraction?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the charges and any convictions:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Are any of these members of the household currently on probation or parole?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstance:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3) Have any of these members of the household ever been investigated for allegations of child

neglect or abuse?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Have any of these members of the household ever been reported for allegations of domestic violence?

■ YES ■ NO

If YES, please explain the circumstances and outcome:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

IV. BIRTHPARENT/LEGAL PARENT INFORMATION

BIRTHMOTHER/LEGAL PARENT BIRTHFATHER/LEGAL PARENT

NAME (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE) NAME (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE)

BIRTHDATE BIRTHDATE

MAIDEN NAME OR ALIASES ALIASES

ETHNICITY, RACE ETHNICITY, RACE

ADDRESS ADDRESS

TELEPHONE NUMBER

( )

TELEPHONE NUMBER

( )

A. PLACEMENT DETAILS

DESCRIBE FULLY HOW YOU FIRST LEARNED OF THE CHILD, IF AND WHEN YOU MET THE BIRTHPARENTS/LEGAL PARENT, AND HOW YOU SECURED THIS CHILD FOR ADOPTION.

INCLUDE SPECIFIC INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE TRANSFER OF CUSTODY AND THE NAME OF ANY INTERMEDIARY INVOLVED.

HOSPITAL

B. EXPENSES RELATED TO ADOPTION

C. CONCERNING CHILD(REN) TO BE ADOPTED

ADOPTION SERVICE

PROVIDER

PHYSICIAN ATTORNEY

BIRTHPARENT/

LEGAL PARENT

OTHER

CHILD #1 CHILD #2

NAME OF CHILD NAME OF CHILD

BIRTHDATE BIRTHDATE

NAME OF HOSPITAL NAME OF HOSPITAL

ADDRESS OF HOSPITAL ADDRESS OF HOSPITAL

ATTENDING PHYSICIAN ATTENDING PHYSICIAN

HEIGHT HEIGHT

HAS THE CHILD EVER BEEN KNOWN BY ANOTHER NAME?

■ YES ■ NO

HAS THE CHILD EVER BEEN KNOWN BY ANOTHER NAME?

■ YES ■ NO

CURRENT AGE CURRENT AGE

DO YOU BELIEVE THE CHILD WAS EXPOSED TO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS IN UTERO?

■ YES ■ NO

DO YOU BELIEVE THE CHILD WAS EXPOSED TO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS IN UTERO?

■ YES ■ NO

DO YOU BELIEVE OR SUSPECT THE CHILD WAS SUBJECTED TO

PHYSICAL, SEXUAL OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT PRIOR

TO PLACEMENT IN YOUR HOME?

■ YES ■ NO

DO YOU BELIEVE OR SUSPECT THE CHILD WAS SUBJECTED TO

PHYSICAL, SEXUAL OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT PRIOR

TO PLACEMENT IN YOUR HOME?

■ YES ■ NO

IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS:

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE ADJUSTMENT OF YOUR CHILD(REN) TO YOUR HOME:

DESCRIBE CURRENT AND FUTURE PLANNED CHILD CARE ARRANGEMENTS:

DESCRIBE, IF ANY, RELIGIOUS TRAINING PLANS OF THE CHILD(REN):

NAME OF SCHOOL

SCHOOL ADDRESS SCHOOL ADDRESS

SCHOOL PHONE

( )

SCHOOL PHONE

( )

REGISTERED NAME

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 8 OF 12

REGISTERED NAMETEACHER’S NAME TEACHER’S NAME

GRADE LEVEL GRADE LEVEL

CURRENT WEIGHT CURRENT WEIGHT

WEIGHT WEIGHTEYE COLOR EYE COLORHAIR COLOR HAIR COLOR

PLACE OF BIRTH PLACE OF BIRTHGENDER GENDERDATE PLACED IN HOME DATE PLACED IN HOME

D. SCHOOL INFORMATION (COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF CHILD(REN) ATTENDS SCHOOL)

V. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

MONTHLY INCOME

GROSS WAGES

First Petitioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ __________________

Second Petitioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ __________________

NET WAGES

First Petitioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ______________________

Second Petitioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ______________________

OTHER INCOME (interest, property, dividends, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________

TOTAL GROSS INCOME $ ___________________

MONTHLY EXPENSES

Housing (include taxes, insurance, & utilities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________

Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________

Food/Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________

Legal Obligations (child support, alimony, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________

Extraordinary Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________

MONTHLY CONSUMER DEBT PAYMENTS

TOTAL

ITEM TERMINATION DATE BALANCE DUE

MONTHLY PAYMENT

If you own your home, please indicate the following:

Purchase Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________ Balance Due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _____________________

FINANCIAL ASSETS

Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________ Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _____________________

Stocks, Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________ Real Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ _____________________

Other Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ ___________________

If you are self-employed or an employer cannot verify your income for some other reason, please attach a copy of your last year’s

federal income tax return.

I/We filed both state and federal income tax returns last year.

■ YES ■ NO If NO, state reason: __________________________________________________________________________

I/We have had the occasion to file for bankruptcy.

■ YES ■ NO If YES, state reason: _________________________________________________________________________

AD 9 (11/07)

PLEASE USE THIS SPACE TO NOTE ANY ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION THAT YOU BELIEVE THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE AWARE OF:

PAGE 9 OF 12

VI. INSURANCE

Does your family have health and hospitalization insurance that covers all family members? ■ YES ■ NO

If YES, indicate the name of insurance carrier and address:____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name and address of family physician:____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name and address of pediatrician: _______________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What provisions for medical care will be provided for the child(ren)?_____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Check the types of insurance coverage your family has and briefly describe each coverage.

■ Life Insurance: __________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

■ Disability Insurance: ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

■ Automobile Insurance: ____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

■ Renters/Home Owners Insurance: ___________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

■ Other Policies: __________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: California law (Section 1373(c) of the Health and Safety Code, and Sections 10119, 10112, and 11512.1 of the Insurance Code)

requires that effective January 1, 1988, all health care service plans provide accident and sickness coverage to each minor child placed

for adoption from and after the moment the child is placed in the physical custody of the covered subscriber or enrollee of adoption.

AD 9 (11/07)

PAGE 10 OF 12

Click for PDF

Form Information

Fact Name	Details
Form Purpose	The California AD 9 form is used for Independent Adoption Questionnaire, providing essential information about the petitioners seeking to adopt a child.
Governing Law	This form is governed by the California Family Code, specifically sections related to adoption procedures.
Submission Deadline	Petitioners must complete and return the AD 9 form within one week of receipt to ensure timely processing of their adoption application.
Required Information	The form requests detailed personal information about the petitioners, including criminal history, family background, and employment details.
Multiple Petitioner Requirement	Both petitioners are required to fill out the AD 9 form individually, ensuring that comprehensive information is collected from each party.
Confidentiality	Information provided in the AD 9 form is kept confidential and is used solely for the purpose of evaluating the adoption application.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out California Ad 9

Completing the California AD 9 form is an important step in the adoption process. This form collects detailed information about the petitioners and their backgrounds. After filling out the form, it should be returned to the appropriate district office or adoption agency within one week.

Obtain the Form: Download or request a copy of the California AD 9 form.
Fill in the State Case Number: Write the state case number at the top of the form.
Provide Petitioner Information: Enter the names of the first and second petitioners, the child’s name, and the child’s adopted name.
Complete First Petitioner’s Information: Fill in details such as last name, first name, middle name, gender, birthdate, place of birth, ethnicity, race, religion, social security number, and driver license number.
Provide Employment Information: Include your education level, occupation, monthly salary, employer’s name and address, length of employment, work hours, and work telephone number.
Citizenship Status: Indicate whether you are a U.S. citizen and provide the date of arrival in the U.S. Include details about permanent residency if applicable.
Military Service: If applicable, provide details about your military service, including dates of service and discharge.
Criminal History Section: Answer questions about any arrests, probation, investigations for child neglect or abuse, and domestic violence allegations. Provide explanations where necessary.
Former Marriages or Partnerships: List the full names of former spouses or registered domestic partners, along with details about the marriage, divorce, or death.
Children Born Prior to Current Marriage: Include information about any children from previous relationships, including their names, dates of birth, education, and health conditions.
Family History: Fill in details about your parents and siblings, including their names, addresses, occupations, ages, and health conditions.
Review the Form: Double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness. Make sure to write “NA” or “Unknown” where appropriate.
Submit the Form: Return the completed form to the designated district office or adoption agency within one week.

Obtain Answers on California Ad 9

What is the purpose of the California AD 9 form?

The California AD 9 form, also known as the Independent Adoption Questionnaire, is designed to gather essential information from individuals seeking to adopt a child. This form collects details about the petitioners' personal history, family background, and any relevant legal matters. Completing this form accurately is crucial for the adoption process.
Who needs to fill out the AD 9 form?

Both petitioners involved in the adoption must complete the AD 9 form. Each petitioner is required to provide their personal information, including background details, criminal history, and family history. This ensures that the adoption agency has a comprehensive understanding of both individuals seeking to adopt.
What information is required on the form?

The AD 9 form requires a variety of information, including:
- Personal details such as names, birth dates, and social security numbers.
- Employment history, including current employer and salary.
- Criminal history, including any arrests or investigations.
- Details about any former marriages or registered domestic partnerships.
- Information about children from previous relationships, if applicable.
Petitioners should fill out the form completely, using "NA" or "Unknown" where necessary.
How should the form be submitted?

Once completed, the AD 9 form must be returned to the designated California Department of Social Services district office or the delegated county adoption agency. It is important to submit the form within one week of receiving it to avoid delays in the adoption process.
What happens if there are discrepancies in the information provided?

Discrepancies in the information provided on the AD 9 form may lead to further inquiries or delays in the adoption process. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful information. If any issues arise, the adoption agency may request additional documentation or clarification.
Can I receive assistance while filling out the form?

Yes, assistance is available for individuals who need help completing the AD 9 form. You may reach out to adoption agencies or legal professionals who specialize in adoption matters. They can provide guidance and support to ensure that the form is filled out correctly and thoroughly.

Common mistakes

Filling out the California AD 9 form can be a complex process, and mistakes can lead to delays or complications in the adoption process. One common mistake is failing to provide complete information. Every section of the form requires specific details, and leaving any field blank can result in the form being returned for additional information.

Another frequent error is not using the correct names. Petitioner names must match legal documents. If there are discrepancies, such as using a maiden name instead of a married name, it may cause confusion and require additional verification.

Some individuals overlook the importance of accuracy in personal information, particularly in sections regarding social security numbers and driver’s license numbers. Even a small typo can lead to significant issues later in the process.

Inadequate explanations of criminal history can also be problematic. If there have been arrests or investigations, it is essential to provide clear and thorough explanations. Omitting details or providing vague responses may raise red flags during the review process.

Another mistake is neglecting to answer all questions, especially those regarding children from previous relationships. This information is crucial for the evaluation of the adoption application. Failing to disclose relevant information can lead to distrust from the reviewing agency.

Some applicants may not understand the importance of disclosing health conditions. This section is significant for assessing the overall family health history. Incomplete information can hinder the review process and may require follow-up questions.

People sometimes forget to include the details of former marriages or registered domestic partnerships. This section is essential for understanding the family dynamics and history. Providing accurate information helps in evaluating the stability of the household.

Submitting the form without proper signatures is another common oversight. Each petitioner must sign the document. Without signatures, the form cannot be processed, leading to unnecessary delays.

Additionally, applicants might fail to meet the submission deadline. The instructions specify a one-week timeframe for returning the form. Missing this deadline can slow down the adoption process significantly.

Finally, not keeping copies of submitted documents is a mistake that can lead to confusion later. Having a record of what was submitted can be invaluable if questions arise or if there are discrepancies in the future.

Documents used along the form

The California Ad 9 form is an essential document in the independent adoption process. It gathers vital information about the petitioners and their backgrounds. Along with this form, several other documents may be required to ensure a thorough evaluation of the adoption application. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that accompany the Ad 9 form.

Adoption Questionnaire I (AD 4324): This form collects personal information from each petitioner, including their background, family history, and reasons for adopting. It must be filled out individually by both petitioners.
Home Study Report: Conducted by a licensed social worker, this report assesses the home environment and the petitioners' suitability to adopt. It includes interviews, home visits, and background checks.
Criminal Background Check: A mandatory process that verifies whether the petitioners have any criminal history. This check is crucial for ensuring the safety of the child being adopted.
Financial Statement: This document outlines the petitioners' financial situation, including income, expenses, and assets. It helps determine their ability to provide for the child.
Medical Examination Report: A health assessment that confirms the petitioners are physically and mentally fit to adopt. This report may include a review of medical history and current health status.
Consent to Adopt: This form is signed by the biological parents (if applicable) to legally relinquish their rights to the child. It is a crucial step in the adoption process.
Adoption Placement Agreement: This agreement outlines the terms of the child's placement with the adoptive family. It includes details about visitation rights and any ongoing communication with the biological family.
Post-Adoption Contact Agreement: If there is a desire for ongoing contact between the adoptive family and the biological family, this document formalizes the terms of that relationship.
Final Adoption Decree: This is the legal document issued by the court that finalizes the adoption. It grants the adoptive parents full legal rights and responsibilities for the child.

These documents play a critical role in the adoption process, ensuring that all necessary information is collected and evaluated. Each form serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall assessment of the adoption application. Proper completion and submission of these documents can help facilitate a smoother adoption experience.

Similar forms

Adoption Questionnaire I (AD 4324): This document is filled out individually by each petitioner. It gathers similar information regarding the petitioners’ backgrounds, including education, employment, and any prior legal issues.
Adoption Application (Form AD 1): This form is used to formally apply for adoption. Like the AD 9, it requires detailed personal information about the petitioners and the child being adopted.
Home Study Report: A home study is conducted to assess the suitability of the petitioners as adoptive parents. It includes interviews and evaluations similar to the background checks in the AD 9.
Child Information Form: This document collects information about the child being adopted. It parallels the AD 9 in that it requests details about the child's history and background.
Criminal Background Check Authorization: This form is required to authorize a background check for the petitioners. It serves a similar purpose as the criminal history section in the AD 9.
Medical History Form: This form gathers health information about the petitioners and the child. It is similar to the health sections in the AD 9, ensuring all parties are fit for adoption.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California AD 9 form, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do.

Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
Do provide complete and accurate information for each section.
Do write “NA” or “Unknown” where applicable to avoid leaving blanks.
Do submit the form within the one-week deadline stated in the instructions.
Don't leave any required fields empty; this could delay your application.
Don't include unnecessary documents unless specifically requested.
Don't rush through the form; take your time to ensure accuracy.

Misconceptions

Understanding the California AD 9 form is essential for anyone involved in the adoption process. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are seven common misconceptions:

The AD 9 form is only for the primary petitioner. Both petitioners must complete the form. Each person provides their information to ensure a comprehensive review.
Criminal history questions are optional. All questions regarding criminal history must be answered. Transparency is crucial for the adoption process.
Only current information is required. Historical data, including past marriages and children, must be disclosed. This helps assess the family background.
The form is not time-sensitive. It must be returned within one week. Timeliness is important to keep the adoption process moving smoothly.
Providing “NA” or “Unknown” is acceptable for all fields. While these responses are allowed in some sections, it's important to provide as much information as possible.
Adoption agencies do not review the AD 9 form closely. Agencies carefully review this form. It plays a vital role in determining eligibility for adoption.
The information on the form remains confidential. While the information is generally kept private, it may be shared with relevant authorities during the adoption process.

Addressing these misconceptions can help streamline the adoption process and ensure all parties are well-prepared.

Key takeaways

Key Takeaways for Filling Out the California AD 9 Form:

The form must be completed by both petitioners, ensuring that all sections are filled out as thoroughly as possible. Use "NA" or "Unknown" where applicable.
Submit the completed form along with the Adoption Questionnaire I (AD 4324) within one week of receipt to the designated CDSS district office or county adoption agency.
Provide accurate information regarding criminal history, including arrests, probation, and any investigations related to child neglect or domestic violence. Transparency is crucial.
Include detailed information about former marriages or registered domestic partnerships, as well as children born prior to the current marriage or partnership, to give a comprehensive view of family history.