Adoption is an amazing, fulfilling experience. If you are a hopeful adoptive parent in Fort Smith, you know that there are many ways to create the family that you’ve always been dreaming of. A Fort Smith adoption agency can help make your dreams come true.

However, you might not be reading this guide because you’re interested in building a family, but because you know that being a parent is something that you’re not quite ready for. If you’re an expectant mother who’s making the brave, selfless choice to place your child for adoption, a Fort Smith adoption agency can help give your baby the fulfilling life that you’ve always dreamed of him or her having.

This guide is intended for both hopeful families looking to build their family in Fort Smith and expectant mothers who are ready to learn more about their unplanned pregnancy options. Our goal is to point you in the right direction when it comes to different adoption agencies in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

What are Adoption Agencies?

If you already know a little bit about the adoption process, you might be apprehensive when it comes to trusting the future of your family-building process to an adoption specialist that you’re just getting to know. Thinking about this might make you wary enough to want to pursue an adoption on your own.

While we’re not here to tell you that there’s a right or wrong way to complete an adoption, we definitely recommend that you contact a trusted adoption specialist before making any progress on this complicated journey. Completing an independent adoption often means a higher risk of an adoption disruption and in many cases could end up costing you more in the long run. While working with an adoption agency doesn’t completely eliminate the chance of having an adoption disruption, there will always be a lower risk associated with an adoption agency in Fort Smith.

You’ll also be responsible for providing any legal, medical and living expenses to the prospective birth mother during the adoption. Navigating the financial aspect can get tricky. Having an adoption specialist by your side will save you time, money, and any stress that might occur during an independent adoption.

Types of Adoption Agencies in Fort Smith

Did you know that not all adoption agencies in Fort Smith are identical? When you decide that you’re ready for the adoption process, the first and most important step is deciding which Fort Smith adoption agency to work with. Picking the right one that will meet all of your needs will take a lot of time and diligent research. To help you get started, here is a brief summary of the different types of adoption agencies in Fort Smith.

Private Adoption Agencies in Fort Smith

If you’re a hopeful adoptive parent, or a woman considering adoption, you’re probably already familiar with the concept of private adoption agencies, even if you don’t know the specifics. In this process, a prospective birth mother will choose the adoptive family that she feels will be able to best give her baby the future she wants for him or her.

Domestic adoption agencies in Fort Smith can be either local or national. Here are our suggestions for professionals available to adoptive families and prospective birth mothers:

National Adoption Agencies:

• American Adoptions
• Gladney Center for Adoption
• Bethany Christian Services

Local Adoption Agencies:

• All About U Adoptions
• ABBA Adoptions

Foster Care Agencies in Fort Smith

If you’re interested in adopting an older child in Fort Smith, you might be interested in foster care. If you feel the calling to provide a safe and loving home for a child who dreams of a family, there are hundreds of children who are waiting to be adopted in Arkansas. Many adoptive families who are looking for a low‐cost adoption find this option appealing. Depending on the needs of your child, you might also qualify for a foster care subsidy in your state. If you’re interested in this option, a Fort Smith adoption agency can teach you everything you need to know to become a foster care parent.

Foster Care Agencies:

• Arkansas Department of Human Services
• The CALL

International Adoption Agencies in Fort Smith

In an international adoption, a hopeful adoptive parent decides to adopt a child from another country. Navigating the legal requirements for your home country and your chosen country can get complicated, so it’s best to work with a Hague‐accredited adoption agency in Fort Smith, such as:

• Bethany Christian Services
• Nightlight Christian Adoptions
• Grace Adoptions

Home Study Agencies in Fort Smith

The home study process can be intimidating. This process will include an interview with each member of your family and an evaluation of your home. Instead of trying to start this complicated process on your own, it’s best to contact a licensed home study professional in Fort Smith who can explain the process to you.

• American Adoptions
• Arkansas Home Study and Counseling Services
• Grace Adoptions

Adoption Agencies in Fort Smith for Prospective Birth Mothers

The best adoption agencies in Fort Smith are prepared to offer any support you need. As an expectant mother, you should look for an adoption agency in Fort Smith that offers 24/7 counseling and financial assistance, and can mediate your post‐placement contact. Some suggestions for professionals include:

• Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center
• All About U Adoptions
• ABBA Adoptions

There are also many other national adoption agencies throughout the country that would be more than happy to help you take the next steps in your adoption plan.

The Right Adoption Agency for You

While this article was a brief introduction to adoption agencies in Fort Smith, we hope that it answered many of your questions. Picking the right adoption agency won’t be an overnight decision, so it’s okay to take your time and explore all of your options as a hopeful adoptive parent or a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy in Arkansas. Whenever you’re ready, an adoption agency will be available to go over all of your options.