Adoption Center
Welcome to the adoption center!
This is an educational portal for you to learn about adoption. This is meant to be a general guide, and where appropriate, we will point you in the right direction to more specific resources.
An adoption agency caseworker can help you decide whether a domestic or an international adoption is right for your family. Or, you can choose to work through the adoption planner, designed by Adoptive Families, and choose an agency based on what type of adoption you plan to pursue. This planner charts the differences, including cost, among domestic adoption, foster care adoption, and international adoption.
Choosing an agency: Find a reputable adoption agency that will provide you with information on available orphans, can work as a competent liaison between your family and government agencies, and that will assist you with the necessary paperwork. In assessing whether a particular agency is right for you, you will want to ask your adoption agency some questions.
Domestic Adoptions: There are many orphans right here in the United States who are in need of loving homes. Find out the basics of domestic adoptions and what you can expect throughout the process.
Foster Care Adoption: Please consider foster care adoption, which is usually of no cost or minimal cost to you. There are babies and toddlers in the foster care system, as well as older children. Many families also receive federal or local subsidies to pay for ongoing needs. Read about the process.
International Adoptions: International adoption can be more complicated, due to the requirements of a foreign country, in addition to requirements of United States' federal and local government agencies. We have laid out the basics of the international adoption process, as well as specific resources to research.
Financing Adoption: The financial burden of adopting often prevents couples from adopting. The Federal Adoption Expense Tax Credit, plus any applicable state tax credits, reimburses couples for a good portion of the cost after the adoption is completed. There are also subsidies, loans, grants, and employee benefits that can be applied for.
Open Hearts Adoption Grants: We provide grants to couples on a case-by-case basis.
Adoption Resources: We recommend that adoptive parents visit our Adoption Resources page to educate themselves on adoption issues prior to adoption. Find advice, read adoption books by experts, shop for products, and find online support groups and local playgroups.
Hopefully these educational resources will get your adoption off to a good start. If you have any questions or comments about any of the information you have read here, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.