Frequently Asked Questions: Adoption

Questions and answers for prospective and adoptive parents

I want to adopt. What are the requirements? How do I find a reputable adoption agency?
What are the adoption laws in my State? How do I find out about my State laws governing adoption (e.g., consent to adopt; who can adopt, etc.)?
What is an adoption home study? What type of information is included in it?
I can't afford to adopt a child. Where can I get help with adoption costs?
What are the requirements to adopt a child from foster care?
I want to adopt a child. Am I eligible for adoption assistance (also called adoption subsidy)?
I need help with my adopted child. What resources are available to me in my State?
My new spouse wants to adopt my child. How do we do this?
How do I adopt a child living in another State? How do I adopt across State lines?
How do I adopt a child from a foreign country?
How do I adopt my relative's children? What if they live in another country?

I'm pregnant and thinking about adoption. Where do I start?

Are You Pregnant and Thinking About Adoption?
This factsheet provides information about placing a baby for adoption, presents questions to consider, and points to resources that may help you in exploring your options. Others who are affected by adoption decisions, such as expectant fathers and other relatives, also may find this factsheet useful for answering their questions.
What do I do if my child's adoptive family does not live up to our postadoption contact agreement?
In most States postadoption contact agreements are not legally enforceable, so there may be no legal action for you to take. The Child Welfare Information Gateway publication Postadoption Contact Agreements Between Birth and Adoptive Families has more information.
What is a putative father registry? How do I find out if my State has one?
A putative father is the "presumed" legal father of a child. Some States maintain putative father registries to provide information on presumed fathers. These registries vary but may include:
- Name, address, social security number, and date of birth of putative father and birth mother
- Name and address of any person adjudicated by a court to be the father
- Child's name and date of birth, or expected month and year of birth
- Registration date
- Other information deemed necessary

The Child Welfare Information Gateway publication The Rights of Unmarried Fathers has more information about these registries.

I am a biological father and my partner is thinking about making an adoption plan for our child. What are my rights?

The Rights of Unmarried Fathers
This factsheet reviews State laws related to the rights of unmarried fathers in relation to their children. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional protection of such a father's parental rights when he has established a substantial relationship with his child. The circumstances in which a man may be presumed to be the father of a child, the use of putative fathers' registries, and the right of rescission of paternity claims also are discussed. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
I am a pregnant minor and my parents want me to place my child for adoption. What are my rights?
State law varies in regard to minor parents' rights; however, in no State could a child be placed for adoption without the minor parent's consent. In some States, minor parents are able to place their child for adoption without additional consent. In other States, the pregnant minor's parents or guardian would also need to consent to an adoption. The Child Welfare Information Gateway publication Consent to Adoption has more information. To determine how these laws would apply in a specific situation, it may be helpful to contact an attorney familiar with adoption law in your State.

Adoption Statistics
Links to the latest facts and figures on adoption trends, both intercountry and domestic.
Federal Laws
Resources on the Federal laws that provide overarching standards and guidelines for State laws related to adoption.
Stepparent Adoption
Stepparent adoption is governed by State law. Most States make the adoption process a little easier for stepparents, but requirements for home studies, criminal background checks, and procedures for obtaining consent of the noncustodial parent vary widely by State. This factsheet offers general information about legal issues to consider and steps to take when adopting a stepchild. While many stepparent adoptions can be done without the help of a lawyer, stepparents may wish to consult an adoption attorney to understand the specific legal requirements in their State. Resources for more information are included.