“I want to adopt a baby.” If this is a thought that’s been on your mind lately, congratulations! That’s a big step. If you choose to adopt a baby, it will be one of the best decisions you ever make. Adopting a baby in Arkansas requires quite a few steps, and as a licensed adoption agency in the state of Arkansas, we want to make sure you’re informed every step of the way. 

If you choose to pursue a baby adoption in Arkansas with American Adoptions, here’s what that process will look like.

Who can adopt a baby in Arkansas?

Arkansas itself doesn’t have an adoption age limit, although American Adoptions prefers to work with parents between the ages of 22 and 50. There are no marriage requirements for adoption in the state of Arkansas.

How do I complete an infant adoption in Arkansas?

1. Decide on adoption. Many families grapple with infertility for years before moving on to adoption. It’s important that you make sure you’ve completely moved on. Before you can pursue adoption, you should be fully committed to the process. If you’re hoping to adopt in Arkansas, you should be just as excited about having a child through adoption as you would be to have one biologically.

2. Decide which type of adoption to pursue. Do you want to adopt a baby? Or would you rather adopt a child who’s older? Does domestic adoption interest you, or would you prefer international adoption? Would you rather adopt through foster care or privately?

3. Choose an adoption professional. Arkansas families have options when it comes to adoption professionals, but as a national agency, American Adoptions can help Arkansas families adopt from across the country. When researching Arkansas adoption agencies, be sure to look at factors like wait times, hidden fees, birth parent services, and more. You’ll also want to ask what happens in the event of an adoption disruption. American Adoptions offers financial protection to make sure your money is safe in the event that an adoption opportunity is interrupted for any reason.

4. Complete a home study. American Adoptions is licensed to perform home studies in Arkansas, so you’ll work with your Adoption Specialist to prepare everything necessary for your home study. There will be three phases: an in-home visit, a home inspection, and a documentation phase.

5. Match with an expectant mother. American Adoptions offers two services to help a pregnant woman get to know you: written and video adoptive family profiles. A written profile serves to tell the woman all about you and what her child’s life could be like if placed with you, while a video profile goes a step further to show her. Women who are within your adoption preferences will be shown your profiles, and when one chooses you, it’s a match! Your adoption specialist will help to facilitate contact throughout the rest of the birth mom’s pregnancy.

6. Finalize the adoption. Once a birth mom has given birth and placed her child with you, you may assume the adoption process is over. However, this is not the case. In Arkansas, you can expect to complete post-placement visits as well as a finalization hearing.

7. Talk about adoption. Some people assume that once the legal proceedings are wrapped up, the adoption process is complete. But at American Adoptions, we encourage open adoption, which means maintaining contact with your child’s birth parents. It’s also recommended that you talk with your child about adoption in age-appropriate ways and continue to do so as he or she grows up.

Adoption is a life-changing decision, and it’s one that we’re passionate about. If you’re interested in adopting a baby in Arkansas — or just talking to a professional about what that could look like for you — call 1-800-ADOPTION. 

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