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The Adoption Foundation

Making a Child's Life Better Through Adoption

Adoption is more than a single moment. It is a lifelong journey that shapes children, birth parents, and the families who open their hearts and homes. The Adoption Foundation was created to ensure that the journey is supported at every stage.

The Adoption Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the charitable wing of American Adoptions of California and Family Connections Christian Adoptions, both affiliates of American Adoptions. In helping create more than 13,000 families since 1981, we bring decades of direct experience to the foundation's mission.

Why the Foundation Exists

Adoption can change a child's life forever. But for too many children, it never happens.

Not because there aren't families willing to love them. Because too many women never fully understand what adoption could mean for their child, for themselves, and for a waiting family.

Today, more than 329,000 children are living in foster care. The gap between children who need homes and families who want them is not a shortage of willing families. It is a shortage of awareness, understanding, and trust.

The Adoption Foundation exists to close that gap.

How the Foundation Works

While American Adoptions of California and Family Connections guide birth parents and adoptive families through the adoption process, the Foundation focuses on the broader work of expanding adoption awareness, supporting children waiting for families, and strengthening the adoption community.

Together, they share one mission: making a child's life better through adoption.

What the Foundation Supports

Expanding Adoption Awareness

Helping women understand adoption as a positive option for their child, their future, and a waiting family. This includes education for birth parents, outreach to professionals working within the child welfare system, and advocacy efforts that help hospitals, social workers, judges, and legislators better understand and support adoption.

Supporting Children in Foster Care

Providing gap funding and resources for children in foster care who need additional assistance while waiting for a permanent family.

Removing Barriers to Adoption

Providing financial support for families pursuing adoption who may not otherwise be able to complete the process, and reducing the obstacles that stand between a child and a permanent home.

Strengthening Lifelong Outcomes

Investing in counseling, education, and community programs that support children, birth parents, and adoptive families well beyond placement.

How You Can Help

When more women understand what adoption can truly mean for their child and for themselves, more children find permanent homes. More families are made whole. And more birth mothers are given the chance to move forward with strength and hope.

Your support makes that possible. By expanding awareness, removing barriers, and walking alongside everyone touched by adoption, your gift helps more children experience the love and opportunity that a family can provide.

Donate to The Adoption Foundation

Every dollar goes directly toward making a child's life better through adoption. Click the Donate button below and use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.

Help us make a child's life better through adoption.

Visit Our Foundation Page to Learn More

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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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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