Adoption Statistics

These resources provide State, national, and international data and statistics on private, public foster care, and intercountry adoption. The data provided do not necessarily include all adoptions because private adoptions may not have been reported. 

Because time is needed to compile, analyze, and publish data, statistical publications often are released 2 or more years after the time period being analyzed. Information Gateway makes every effort to ensure the resources provided are the most current statistics available.

Reports and briefs

Adoption Data 2016
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2018)
Offers various reports on State-specific adoption statistics, including adoption subsidies, adoption finalization, and special needs adoption.

Adoption Disruption and Dissolution
Series Title Numbers and Trends
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2012
This factsheet reports statistics about adoption disruption (before finalization of the placement) and dissolution (after legal finalization). Differences in disruption rates by age of the child and placement history, reasons why disruption and dissolution occur, and disruption and dissolution trends are noted.

Trends in Foster Care and Adoption
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2017)
Visualizes national estimates related to children who experience time in foster care and are adopted from the foster care system. Visitors can also download the national dataset, a State-by-State dataset, and a PDF of the national report.

Trends in U.S. Adoptions: 2008–2012
Series Title Numbers and Trends
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2016
Provides national statistical estimates for the total number of children adopted in the United States in fiscal years 2008–2012. The report includes highlights of the data; findings on the numbers of public agency, intercountry, and other adoptions; and data aggregations in exhibits, tables, and appendices. Data were collected from State courts, State departments of social services, State bureaus of vital records, the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

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Data sources

Adoption & Foster Care Statistics
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau
Reports case-level information gathered on all children in foster care for whom State child welfare agencies have responsibility of placement, care, or supervision and on children who are adopted under the auspices of the State's public child welfare agency. 

Child Welfare Outcomes Report Data
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau
Provides findings about child welfare performance across States over time. The website presents data on outcomes, demographics, and context contained in the report. Users can generate customized reports by State and year.

Intercountry Adoption Statistics
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Counselor Affairs
Presents maps and graphs showing the number of children adopted in the United States from other countries from fiscal years 1999 to 2018. Visitors may view adoption data by country, U.S. State, year, and visa type.

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