Adoption by State
Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Washington
Adoption, like most things in life, is complicated.
The process is long. It involves a lot of laws, which depend on where you live and the unique details of your adoption plan. There are administrative requirements, and there is paperwork. Navigating this process on your own is nearly impossible. But we’ve got good news: You don’t have to do that.
If you are considering adoption in Washington, you can complete the process with the help of a Washington adoption agency.
Adoption agencies in Washington serve prospective birth mothers and hopeful adoptive parents throughout the process. As you think about adoption, picking an agency is one of the first things you’ll need to do.
How do you choose an adoption agency in Washington? This guide will get you started.
Why Do You Need to Work With an Adoption Agency in Washington?
Do you really need to work with an adoption agency in Washington? While you can technically attempt to complete an adoption without the assistance of an agency, research reveals that this is typically not the right choice.
Adoptions without the assistance of a Washington adoption agency are called “independent” adoptions. This could happen if, for example, you are a pregnant woman and already know the couple you would like to adopt your child. However, an independent adoption is much more likely to disrupt — which means, essentially, fail — than an agency-assisted adoption.
Why is this?
Adoption agencies in Washington provide logistical, legal, emotional and financial support. With proven processes and systems, Washington adoption agencies can see pitfalls coming and avoid them. They also have the staff and resources to provide vitally needed services in this complicated and emotional process.
Simply put, working with an adoption agency in Washington is the best way to ensure a successful adoption and smooth process.
Types of Adoption Agencies in Washington
Did you know there is more than one type of adoption? If you are a hopeful parent, one big decision you will need to make is which type of adoption is best for you. Once you have made that choice, you will find an agency that serves your specific type of adoption.
While some adoption agencies in Washington may work with multiple types of adoption, most specialize in certain areas of this industry.
Private Adoption Agencies in Washington
Private adoption agencies in Washington, which are also called “domestic adoption agencies,” help prospective birth mothers and hopeful adoptive parents through the process to place an infant for adoption or to adopt an infant in the U.S.
If you are a pregnant woman considering adoption for her baby, you will need to find a private adoption agency. Some agencies are better equipped to serve you than others, so research your options and choose carefully.
Hopeful adoptive parents who want to adopt a baby from the U.S. will find the domestic infant adoption process best suited to their needs. If this fits what you are hoping for, you will also need to find a domestic adoption agency in Washington.
Washington Adoption and Foster Care Agency
Another way for hopeful parents to adopt from within the U.S. is foster care adoption. Nationwide, there are more than 400,000 children in foster care. Most of these children are not in need of adoption because they are still planning to be reunited with their biological family. However, many thousands of children do need to find the love and permanency of a family through adoption.
In Washington, more than 2,000 children are in the foster care system and waiting for adoption. If you are interested in adopting from foster care, you will need to work with a Washington adoption and foster care agency.
International Adoption Agencies in Washington
Finally, a third option for parents is international adoption. When adopting a child from another country, it is very important to work with a trustworthy international agency. You will be navigating a complex web of international laws, travel schedules, visa applications and more. A good agency is the key to a successful adoption.
Finding the Best Adoption Agencies in Washington
Take your time looking at adoption agencies in Washington. The agency has a significant impact on the way your process goes. Here are a few things you should look for when reading about, and talking to, potential adoption agencies:
- Honest about the process: You know that feeling when you can tell someone isn’t telling you the whole story? Pay attention to that gut instinct when speaking with adoption agencies. Adoption is beautiful; it is also challenging. If you feel like you’re being sold something that is too good to be true, you’re probably talking to the wrong adoption agency.
- Ethical and accountable: Is the adoption agency fully licensed? Some adoption professionals are subject to very little oversight, leaving you wondering how ethical their practices really are. Find a fully licensed agency to be sure your adoption process will be done the right way.
- Experienced: How long has the agency been operating? How many placements do they complete each year? Is the staff full of trained, licensed professionals? Smaller, newer agencies may give you a lower cost associated with the process, but the trade-off can have a serious effect on the adoption process.
Adoption Agencies in Washington
With these things in mind, here is a list of adoption agencies to get you started in your search:
Private Adoption Agencies in Washington:
Washington Adoption and Foster Care Agencies:
International Adoption Agencies in Washington:
Begin the Adoption Process Today
What’s the next step toward your adoption process? Click through the websites above and research these adoption agencies. Try to contact the agencies and have personal conversations, too. Choosing an adoption agency in Washington is a personal decision — only you can determine which one will be right for your family.
