The number of children and youth waiting for adoption from foster care has increased throughout the last decade. This is only one type of adoption in the United States; others include private and intercountry adoptions.
These resources provide State, national, and international data and statistics on private, public foster care, and intercountry adoptions. 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.
| Series Title | Numbers and Trends |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 437KB) Order (Free) |
| Year Published | 2012 |
Adoption Savings Data 2018
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2019)
Provides information about the Adoption Savings requirements, as well as State and Tribal title IV-E reported savings from 2018.
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.
| Series Title | Numbers and Trends |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 972KB) Order (Free) |
| Year Published | 2016 |
Data sources
Adoption and 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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