Starting the Adoption Process
Adoption Requirements by Adoption Type
Adoption requirements vary by state, agency, adoption type, and—in international adoption—the child’...
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Understand every part of the process — from first questions to final placement. Written for real people at every stage.
Choosing Adoption Professionals
Adoption Agency vs. Adoption Attorney: What Is the Difference?
An adoption agency usually provides social-work and placement services, while an adoption attorney provides legal advice and representation. Many adoptions requ...
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International Adoption
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Choosing Adoption Professionals
Starting the Adoption Process
How Long Does Adoption Take?
An adoption may take several months or several years. There is no reliable universal average because...
Read article →Legal Process and Home Studies
What Is ICPC in Adoption?
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, or ICPC, is the legal framework used for many p...
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Relative and Stepparent Adoption
Contact and Boundaries After a Relative Adoption
“Open” and “closed” adoption can be difficult labels in a relative adoption because family members m...
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Foster Care Adoption
Adopting a Child With Additional Needs From Foster Care
Children adopted from foster care may have medical, developmental, emotional, behavioral, educationa...
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International Adoption
Adoption from China: Current Status and Historical Process
Program status last checked: June 29, 2026. Intercountry adoption between China and the United State...
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Supporting Safe Birth-Family Connections in Foster Care
Children in foster care may have meaningful relationships with parents, siblings, grandparents, exte...
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Cultural Identity and International Adoption
International adoption can involve changes in country, language, race, culture, religion, family, an...
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Relative Adoption Legal Process: A General U.S. Guide
Relative adoption—sometimes called kinship adoption—is the legal adoption of a child by a grandparen...
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Browse adoption agencies and service providers listed across the United States. Confirm current licensing and services directly with the appropriate state or federal authority.
AdoptionCenter.us provides directory information and educational resources. A listing is not an endorsement or guarantee. Confirm current licensing, accreditation, services, fees, and disciplinary history directly with the appropriate authority before selecting a provider.