Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in California
If you’re new to adoption, you might be wondering about what it’s like to work with an adoption agency in California, what kind of services they offer, and why we recommend learning more about them before deciding on completing your own independent adoption. Below is a guide to help you get started.
What are Adoption Agencies in California?
Adoption agencies in California are licensed professionals that assist adoptive parents who are ready to grow the family they’ve been dreaming of and help prospective birth mothers place their child for adoption — if they decide it’s the right unplanned pregnancy option for them. Because adoption agencies are knowledgeable about every aspect of this process, and because of how reliable they are, they are the preferred option over independent adoptions.
Types of Adoption Agencies in California
Generally, there are three different types of adoption agencies in California to choose from. To get a better idea of which one best suits your goals, check out our guide to each type of adoption agency in California below.
Private Adoption Agencies in California
One of the most reliable ways to adopt an infant or a toddler is through private adoption agencies in California. With private domestic adoption agencies in California, a prospective birth mother is in charge of her own adoption plan, and will voluntarily place her child for adoption. She is able to choose every aspect of this plan, from the adoptive family to her hospital experience.
Adoptive parents can choose to work with either a national domestic adoption agency in California or a local domestic adoption agency. National adoption agencies offer a wide range of adoption services to hopeful parents and women considering adoption across the United States. While local California adoption agencies offer similar services, they are limited to a particular region, which puts them at a slight disadvantage. However, you should look at the pros and cons for each type of California adoption agency and choose the one the best suits your needs:
National Adoption Agencies in California:
- American Adoptions
- Bethany Christian Services
- Gladney Center for Adoption
Local Adoption Agencies in California:
- Family Connections Christian Adoptions
- Adoption Connection
- Central California Adoption Services – Infant of Prague
Foster Care Agencies in California
For hopeful adoptive parents who are looking for an alternative to infant adoption, foster care is a great family-building option in California. Although adopting from foster care can sometimes be unpredictable, many families understand that it’s more than worth the wait. To learn more about foster care in California, contact a California adoption and foster care agency below:
- Family Connections Christian Adoptions
- ABC Foster
- Agape Villages Foster Family Agency
- California Department of Social Services
International Adoption Agencies in California
Although domestic adoption agencies in California are a popular option, there are many parents looking to grow their family outside of the United States. For them, international adoption is the only way to go. Because understanding adoption laws for both the United States and your chosen country can be confusing, we recommend contacting one of these international adoption agencies in California:
Home Study Agencies in California
Other than finding the right California adoption agency, adoptive parents have to also consider the best professional to work with for their home study. This is often one of the first steps on the adoption journey.
When adoptive parents work with a California-licensed placement agency, this professional can also often complete the home study process. However, if you work with a national agency that is not licensed in California, they may need to refer you to a separate professional for these services. We recommend contacting a home study professional early on, as the home study will take some time to complete from start to finish. While the home study can be stressful, a knowledgeable adoption professional can help explain every step. For professionals that can walk you through all things home-study-related, here are some to consider:
Adoption Agencies in California for Prospective Birth Mothers
No matter where you are in California, help is always available if you are pregnant and considering adoption for your baby. As a prospective birth mother, one of the most important decisions that you’ll ever make will be which California adoption agency to contact for this monumental decision. You should always work with one that is ready to offer plenty of support and understanding during this difficult journey. The best adoption agencies in California are ready to do just that. If you’re hoping to find compassionate adoption specialists near you, here are a few that we recommend:
- Family Connections Christian Adoptions
- American Adoptions
- Gladney Center for Adoption
- Adoption Connection
Start Your Adoption Journey Today
Choosing the right adoption agency in California is one of the most important first steps that you’ll take in the adoption process. To help make your decision easier, we recommend speaking with an experienced adoption professional near you to learn more about getting started and what you need to know about completing an adoption in California.