ADOPTION
"Adoption isn't about finding children for families, it's about finding families for children. When you open your heart to this journey, you discover that love—not DNA—is what truly creates a family."
- Cheri BergeronFor women considering adoption as a path to motherhood, these resources provide guidance on understanding the different types of adoption, navigating legal considerations, finding agencies, and connecting with supportive communities of adoptive families.
Domestic Infant Adoption
- American Adoptions – Nationwide agency with transparent fee structure and extensive birth parent outreach
https://www.americanadoptions.com - Gladney Center for Adoption – One of the oldest and most respected agencies with emphasis on ethical practices
https://adoptionsbygladney.com - Adoption STAR – Welcomes all family types and offers both infant and older child adoption
https://www.adoptionstar.com
Foster Care Adoption
- AdoptUSKids – National resource to help connect with foster adoption agencies and view waiting children
https://www.adoptuskids.org - State Departments of Social Services – Each state has its own foster care and adoption processes
Find your state's resources
International Adoption
- Holt International – Established agency with programs in South Korea, Philippines, Colombia, and more
https://www.holtinternational.org - Children of All Nations – Large country list including Bulgaria, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and more
https://www.childrenofallnations.com - Spence-Chapin Services – Focuses on ethical standards and inclusive adoption practices
https://www.spence-chapin.org - Wide Horizons For Children – Known for trauma-informed support and holistic child welfare programs
https://www.whfc.org
Embryo Adoption
- Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program – Pioneer in embryo adoption services
https://snowflakes.org - Nightlight Christian Adoptions – Faith-based agency that also offers embryo adoption
https://nightlight.org
Creating a Family – Adoption Guide
The gold standard for unbiased, comprehensive information on domestic, foster, international, and embryo adoption.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
U.S. government-run portal with state-specific adoption laws, steps, and resources.
AdoptUSKids
A great place to learn about foster care adoption and view waiting children across the U.S.
Adoption.org
Practical information on all types of adoption, including cost, legal process, and emotional considerations.
Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA)
Find vetted adoption attorneys in your state.
State-Specific Guides
Helps you understand consent laws, timelines, and parental rights in your state.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/state
Facebook Groups
- Hoping to Adopt (Domestic & Foster)
- Adoption Support Group for Moms
- Transracial Adoption Support
Instagram Accounts
- @adoptwell (faith-based education)
- @trauma_mama_drama (real talk about parenting adopted kids with trauma)
Reddit Communities
- r/Adoption
- r/Fosterit (for foster-to-adopt journeys)
Therapists & Counselors
Look for specialists in attachment, trauma, and adoptive parenting through this directory.
For Adoptive Parents
- "The Connected Child" by Karyn Purvis
A must for parenting kids from hard places or with trauma histories.
Amazon Link - "Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox" by Jean MacLeod & Sheena Macrae
Covers a wide variety of parenting styles, needs, and therapeutic strategies. - "Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew" by Sherrie Eldridge
A powerful look into the adoptee's experience. - "To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care" by Cris Beam
Offers insight into the foster care system and adoption.
Amazon Link
For Talking to Kids
- "A Mother for Choco" by Keiko Kasza
- "Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born" by Jamie Lee Curtis
- "I Wished for You: An Adoption Story" by Marianne Richmond
Creating a Family Podcast
Weekly episodes on adoption, trauma, parenting, and more.
The Honestly Adoption Podcast
Especially strong for foster/adoptive families.
Born in June, Raised in April
From an adoptee's perspective; great for understanding identity and openness.
Adoption Tax Credit
Helps offset costs for domestic and international adoptions (up to ~$15,000 in 2024).
Employer Benefits
Some companies offer paid leave or adoption assistance—check your HR policy.
Grants & Loans
- Gift of Adoption Fund
https://giftofadoption.org - Helpusadopt.org – Inclusive of all family types
https://www.helpusadopt.org - ABBA Fund, Lifesong, Show Hope – For faith-based families
Be the Bridge – Transracial Adoption
Helps adoptive parents raise children of a different race with cultural competence.
Family Equality
Resources and legal help for LGBTQ+ families pursuing adoption.