Adoption agencies vary in so many ways: in selecting and screening applicants, matching birth parents and families, fees and refunds, waiting lists length and waiting times, whether they do open and/or closed adoptions, are profit or not-for- profit, and private or public.
Adoption Services, is a non-profit, adoption agency licensed in several states and we are able to assist adopting families and birth parents in every state in the U.S. with both an open or closed adoption. Since 1985 we have successfully completed over 900 placements.
If you want help, please contact us for more information. In case you would like the help of some other agency, below is information about other adoption agencies around the U.S. Visit requirements for applicants.
What are more Ways in Which Adoption Agencies Differ?
Most adoption agencies prefer married couples over single parents. They are happiest with people who are between the ages of 25 and 45. Many also require a couple to have been married for at least a specific number of years. Some agencies will not work with your family if you already have children. Virtually all agencies will want to be sure you are financially able to raise a child properly. Many also prefer to match race and ethnic background.
Private adoption agencies usually deal with local infants or infants from neighboring states. Some agencies handle only newborn babies or only healthy baby adoptions. Public agencies generally place "special needs" children and children for foster care. The most important variable is not whether the adoption agencies are public or private, non-profit or profit, whether they conduct open child adoptions or closed adoptions, or even what state they are in. The most important thing is for you to confirm that they are a licensed adoption agency and not just a finder program or an adoption facilitator.
The best way to find out if an adoption agency is licensed is to call the adoption agency and ask them for their license number and the name and telephone number of their licensing authority. If they do not have one or will not give it to you, something is wrong. Once they give you the requested information, be sure, in every case, to call the licensing authority and confirm it is a licensed adoption agency and that it is in good standing.
What are the Risks in Facilitators or Private Agencies?
It is important to understand the difference between a licensed child adoption agency and an adoption facilitator. Licensed adoption agencies are regulated by the state to insure that everything that is done in a manner that is legal and in the best interest of all parties involved. Adoption facilitators are often not licensed, not regulated by the state and can in some instances cause the adopting family (you) to lose all or part of your money or cause you the heartbreak of having to return a child that had been living in your home simply because the paperwork was not done perfectly. Or even worse lose your money and the child. With this in mind, we recommend that you contact us or one of the licensed child adoption agencies listed below to see if they can assist you.
Still looking for a Domestic Child Adoption Agency?
If you are looking for a child adoption agency simply click the link below for the state to see a list of the adoption agencies in that state
Looking for an International Child Adoption Agency?
If you would like information on adopting a child from other countries click here for information on International Child Adoption Agencies in the USA.
Where Can I Find Additional Sources of Information?
For more information about international child adoption click on the link international adoption.
Adoption Services is licensed in multiple states and are able to help a birth mother, birth father, and adopting family living in any of the 50 U.S. states and even U.S. citizens (birth parents and families) that are living in other countries.
If you need or want some specific personal advice contact your state child welfare agency or state adoption contact. You can also call Dr. Vince Berger, a psychologist and adoption professional.
Please visit our home page to read about our commitment to assist adoptive parents like you as well as pregnant women and birth parents.