If you’re considering adoption as a way to grow your family, adoption agencies in Lakeland, Florida, are a wonderful place to start.

Lakeland is home to many types of adoption and adoption agencies. Deciding which one is best for you is one of the most important choices you will make, and it can be overwhelming. This article will serve as a guide to help you navigate the new and exciting world of adoption.

What are Adoption Agencies in Lakeland?

Adoption has many moving parts. That’s where adoption agencies in Lakeland come in.

Lakeland adoption agencies are licensed, regulation organizations that help both prospective birth and adoptive parents traverse the complicated landscape of the adoption process.

In your search for adoption professionals, you will probably come across adoption attorneys or facilitators that can help you with independent adoption. While this is a viable option, there can be many risks involved. Independent professionals do not provide the same matching services and screenings that ensure a successful placement like the ones offered by Lakeland adoption agencies.

Private Adoption Agencies in Lakeland

If you have your heart set on adopting an infant, a private adoption agency might be the best fit for you. Prospective birth parents will also use these agencies to find the hopeful adoptive parents that they want to raise their infant.

When selecting your private Lakeland adoption agency, you are going to find national adoption agencies and local adoption agencies. National agencies work outside the state and offer a robust selection of services. Local agencies, much like the name suggests, are located closer to home and serve the area(s) they are in and around.

Below you can look into both types of professionals.

National Adoption Agencies

• American Adoptions
• Lifetime Adoption
• Gladney Center for Adoption

Local Adoption Agencies in Lakeland

• American Adoptions of Florida

• Building Families Adoption Agency
• Catholic Charities Adoption Services

Lakeland Foster Care Agencies

Fostering an older child is another beautiful way to grow your family. Thousands of children are living in the Florida foster care system, waiting to return to a safe and loving home.

Reuniting children with their biological family is the priority of foster care agencies in Lakeland. When this is not possible, the child is then considered available for adoption. You can adopt eligible children, or you can foster a child with the possibility of adoption.

Foster care is a rewarding experience — just be prepared for its unpredictability.

If you’re interested in pursuing foster care in Lakeland, Florida, you can reach out to the foster care professionals listed below to begin your journey.

• Florida Department of Children and Families
• Heartland for Children

International Adoption Agencies in Lakeland

Domestic adoption isn’t the only option. International adoption is a great way to grow your family, too.

The process is a bit longer and more complex than domestic adoption, but the qualified professionals that work with international adoption agencies in Lakeland will help clear up any confusion that you may have, as well as handle all technical and legal matters going forward.

If you’re  considering international adoption in Lakeland, FL, contact the Hague-approved agencies listed below.

• ACF Adoptions
• Children’s House International
• Nightlight Christian Adoptions

Home Study in Lakeland

Before you can officially become a waiting adoptive parent, a home study must be completed.

A home study in Lakeland will be performed by a Florida-licensed professional who will answer your questions and walk you through the process. Home studies vary depending on the professional but typically consist of a home visit, interview, background check, and reviews of important documents. Home studies assess parental readiness to ensure that the child will be brought up in a safe and stable environment.

It can seem like a lot at first, but adoption agencies in Lakeland will do everything they can to make it as painless as possible.

The home study can be the most time-consuming part of adoption, so don’t hesitate in arranging yours today.

• American Adoptions
• Adoption Home Study Services
• Connecting Hearts Adoption Services

Adoption Agencies in Lakeland for Prospective Birth Parents

When searching for an adoption agency in Lakeland as a prospective birth parent, it is important that you find an agency that makes you feel valid in your emotions and in the decision that you make.

Whether you decide to continue forward into adoption or not, Lakeland adoption agencies should provide you with the following:

• Services to find the perfect adoptive parents for your child
• Free education
• 24/7 counseling and guidance services
• Financial aid
• Post-placement contact mitigation
• And more

Below you can find just a few resources to help you in find your Hollywood adoption agency.

• American Adoptions
• The Adoption Network
• Connected by Love Adoptions

Start Your Adoption

Choosing the adoption agency that’s right for you will be one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Adoption agencies in Lakeland will be by your side on this life-changing journey. In this lovely community, you have so many qualified professionals to choose from.

Whenever you are ready to take the first steps toward Florida adoption, do not hesitate to contact the professionals above.