International Adoption
Thank you for your interest in our adoption programs. However, American Adoptions does not perform any services for international adoption. Although we once worked with international couples who wished to adopt in the U.S., we have discontinued this service.
Exceptions:
- Two U.S. citizens living abroad on a military base or in U.S. territories or protectorates. At least one spouse must be employed by the United States military or government. Read more about military families looking to adopt.
Additionally, we can work with a pregnant woman who lives outside the U.S. and wants to place a child for adoption IF she has the same living circumstances and meets the same citizenship requirements listed above.
To learn more about the risks associated with domestic and international adoption and to compare both avenues of adoption, reference the other articles in this section.
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. |
Is International Adoption Risky?
| Is international adoption risky? The short answer is yes, it can be — but it is up to each family to decide whether those risks are worth it to them. Here, learn about some of the international adoption risks and realities you need to be aware of. |
- Adoption Home Study Process
Learn what a home study is and why you need one to adopt a child.
- 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.
- Home Studies: State by State
Find a qualified professional in your state to complete your home study.
- What is the total cost for the entire adoption?
There are several factors that determine the total cost for an adoption, including the program you choose. Variables such as medical bills, birth mother expenses and legal fees vary for each adoption. We strive to maintain affordable adoptions without cutting corners. Please see the Our Domestic Adoption Programs section for further details.
- Can we choose the gender of our baby?
Have your heart set on a bouncing baby boy or a new little princess? American Adoptions now offers a gender-specific option for families hoping for a specific gender. With this option families would pay an additional Gender-Specific Fee to help our agency locate and work with birth mothers meeting this additional criteria. Please note that gender specificity may increase wait time. This fee is in addition to all other program fees and is not considered part of your adoption budget. Please contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION for minimum budget details.
- Do we need to retain our own attorney?
No - American Adoptions has established relationships with some of the best adoption attorneys in the nation. It is important to note that adoption laws vary state-to-state and often even county-to-county. As such, it is important to utilize the services of an attorney that specializes in adoption in the state the adoption will finalize in, which we will not know until you are matched with an expectant mother. Retaining your own attorney at this time is not necessary and may be an additional expense to you that is not needed.
- 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.
- Famous Adoptions
Learn which famous Hollywood actors, sports stars, politicians and other icons have been touched by adoption.
- 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.