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Adoptive Family Articles

Our Domestic Adoption Program

Here’s what makes American Adoptions’ adoption programs and services stand out from the rest.

 




The Domestic Adoption Process [Complete Guide to How Adoption Works]

Consider this your complete guide to the domestic adoption process. If you are considering adoption and want to truly understand how it works, American Adoptions is here to help. Adoption is one of the most beautiful things you could ever do, and we’ll guide you through every upcoming step.




The Benefits of Contact with the Birth Parents

More than 9 out of every 10 women request contact with the adoptive parents. For this reason, we require adoptive families to be accepting of an open adoption. Read on to learn why we believe open adoptions are so important and how they benefit adoptive families.




Adoption for Same-Sex Couples
American Adoptions works with same-sex couples to help expand their families through adoption.


Domestic Adoption Situations

View current adoption situations at American Adoptions, including babies in immediate need of an adoptive family.




Domestic vs. International Adoption

There’s more than one way to adopt. Here, we compare the pros and cons of domestic vs. international adoption. The two are very different, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Find out more.




4 Steps to Complete Your Home Study

What is a home study like for adoption? What does it consist of? The adoption home study is something every family will go through while pursuing adoption. Here’s how that process works. 




How Long Does it Take to Adopt a Child?

What is the average length of the adoption process? Are some adoptions shorter than others? What can I do to decrease the length of the adoption process? This guide answers these questions and more. 




Adoption: Where Do I Start?

Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. However, for adoption beginners, the adoption process can seem overwhelmingly complicated, time consuming and frustrating - especially if you are eager to get started. This factsheet provides some basic information about possible adoption alternatives and is designed to give you an understanding of the adoption process. This factsheet is one of a series of 35 adoption-related factsheets produced by the Clearinghouse, so please check the listing of other factsheets at the end for more detailed information on related topics.

Adoption at the end of the 1990s is very different from what it was even 10 years ago. Prospective adoptive families can feel vulnerable as they attempt to learn as much as possible in the shortest period of time to become informed consumers of adoption services.

The first step is to read and to educate yourself about adoption in general, the types of children available to adopt, and the various avenues to adoption. There are many informational resources available-guidebooks are listed at the end of this factsheet along with an annotated list of national adoption organizations. Adoptive parent support groups throughout the United States have members willing to assist those who are considering adoption. State Adoption Specialists in each State can send you information to help get you started. As you learn more, you will become better prepared to make the choices that are best for you.




Everything to Know About the Military Adoption Process

Being in the military can make starting a family hard. What about adoption? Is that an option for military families? American Adoptions is proud to help U.S. service members start their families through adoption. Here’s how.




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Adoption Home Study

Adoption Home Study Process

Learn what a home study is and why you need one to adopt a child.

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Home Study Questions and Answers

While adoption home studies vary slightly from agency to agency and state to state, there are several key elements that are almost always included in every home study.

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Home Studies: State by State

Find a qualified professional in your state to complete your home study.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to retain our own attorney?

No, American Adoptions has established relationships with some of the best adoption attorneys in the nation. Because adoption laws vary from state to state and between counties, it is important to utilize the services of an adoption attorney who specializes in the state where the adoption will finalize, which is unknown until you match with an expectant mother. You have the right to retain your own attorney, but doing so may be an additional, unnecessary expense.

Can we choose the gender of our baby?

American Adoptions does not allow gender specificity in adoption. Any family who wishes to be gender-specific in their adoption should contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION and ask about the possibility of an exception waiver before taking any other steps toward adoption with our agency. Any families who do receive an exception to be gender-specific may also incur an additional fee, which helps cover the additional advertising costs of such a request.

Please note that gender specificity will likely increase your wait time significantly.

Additional Resources

Adoption Newsletter

Did you know that American Adoptions offers a free bi-weekly e-newsletter? Sign up today to keep up-to-date on the latest in adoption news and information.

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Famous Adoptions

Learn which famous Hollywood actors, sports stars, politicians and other icons have been touched by adoption.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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