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Adoption Process

Adopting a child is a significant and life-changing journey. At Adopt International, we guide you through every step of the process with compassion, professionalism, and experience. Whether you’re considering domestic or international adoption, our team is here to help you find the right path for your family.

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Use the guide below to explore how the adoption process works, step by step.

1. Choosing the Type of Adoption

The first step in the process is deciding which type of adoption is the right fit for you. Typically, this means choosing between:
 

  • Domestic Adoption – Adopting a child within the United States

  • International Adoption – Adopting a child from another country
     

Each path has different requirements, timelines, and emotional considerations. We offer free, personalized consultations and monthly group information nights to help you explore your options and feel confident about your decision.

2. Signing Up With an Adoption Agency

Once you've chosen your adoption path, the next step is to sign up with a placement agency (domestic) or Primary Provider (international), such as Adopt International.

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If you’re adopting internationally, your Primary Provider may be different from your Home Study agency. Your Primary Provider is the agency that works with the foreign country and can be anywhere in the US as long as they are accredited.  Your Home Study agency must be licensed in the state you live and is ideally accredited.  Sometimes one agency can provide both services for you and if not the two agencies will work together behind the scenes to make sure your process is as smooth as possible. We’ll walk you through how this works so you can get started with clarity and confidence.

3. Completing the Home Study Assessment

A Home Study is a required evaluation of your family and home environment. This is a vital part of the adoption process and includes:

  • Gathering required paperwork

  • Completing parent education

  • Participating in meetings with your social worker
     

At the end of the process, you will receive an approval that outlines the characteristics (such as age, health, and ethnicity) of the child you're prepared and approved to adopt.

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Click here to access our Home Study applications
Note: You will only have access after completing an intake with Adopt staff.

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If you are adopting internationally, you will also need to meet USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and country-specific requirements.

4. Being Matched or Receiving a Referral

After your Home Study is complete, immigration has issued you an approval and you have applied to the other country, the next step is to receive a referral (international adoption).  This time frame can have some predictability around it as we can look to the wait times of the families in front of you. Once you receive a referral you will consult with Pediatricians who specialize in International Adoption to help you make a decision on moving forward.  Once you accept the referral many steps begin to process the adoption in country so that you can bring that child home and so that they can become a US Citizen.

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After your Home Study is complete and you have made your profile the next step is to wait for a match (domestic adoption). This process is super unpredictable as the agency has no way to know which expectant parent is going to choose which family. While international waiting families are sort of on a wait list, domestic families are more in a pool. Once an expectant mom, or couple, chooses you there are many things to organize such as the contact agreement, hospital plan, legal paperwork, and ICPC (if out of state).

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This part of the journey can be filled with anticipation—and our team is here to support you throughout the waiting period.

5. Bringing Your Child Home

After placement, you’ll begin a supervision period, where your family is supported and monitored by your social worker to ensure a smooth transition.

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This is a powerful and emotional time as you begin bonding with your child and adjusting to life as a new family.

6. Finalization or Readoption

The final step is to legally finalize the adoption or, in international cases, to complete a readoption process in your home state. This ensures your child’s status is secure under U.S. law and allows you to apply for important documents like a birth certificate and passport.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

Adoption is a journey and you don’t have to walk it alone. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about what’s right for you and your family.

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