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Adopting a Baby in Georgia: A Guide to Licensed Adoption Agencies

If you’re dreaming of expanding your family through adoption, adopting a baby in Georgia can be a life-changing experience. However, the process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.

Working with a licensed adoption agency in Georgia ensures you’re supported every step of the way — whether it’s navigating legal requirements or creating your family profile. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to adopt a baby in Georgia, including choosing the right agency, understanding the adoption process and considering the costs involved.

Ready to get started? Fill out our form and connect with an adoption professional today.

Adoption Agencies in Georgia

Choosing the right adoption agency in Georgia is an essential part of the adoption process. A trusted agency will help guide you through the journey, offering expert advice and assistance to make sure you’re well-prepared.

Here’s a look at some of the agencies that can assist you as you begin your adoption journey in Georgia.

Private Adoption Agencies Near Me

Here are a few private adoption agencies in Georgia that can help you with the adoption process:

Learn more about private adoption agencies.

Foster Care Adoption Agencies Near Me

If you’re considering adopting through the foster care system, these agencies are licensed to help:

International Adoption Agencies Near Me

For those interested in international adoption, one reputable agency in Georgia is:

Adoption Agencies in Georgia and What to Look For

When you work with the right agency, you’ll benefit from their experience, resources and legal expertise. Here’s what you should consider when choosing an agency in Georgia.

Licensing Matters

A licensed adoption agency ensures that you’re working with a legally compliant organization. These agencies are regulated by state governments to ensure they are fully compliant with local laws. This ensures that the adoption process is legally sound, and the adoption opportunities presented are properly vetted. On the other hand, unlicensed “match-and-abandon” providers often leave families in difficult situations, with no support if something goes wrong.

Learn more about how licensed adoption agencies are regulated.

National vs. Local Agencies

Both national and local adoption agencies offer valuable services, but they each have different strengths. National agencies tend to have broader outreach, providing a more diverse pool of adoption opportunities and more accurate wait-time estimates. Local agencies, while more intimate, may not have the same level of resources or national reach.

Learn more about the differences between national and local adoption agencies.

Financial Protection

When adopting, financial protection is crucial. Licensed agencies offer transparency, financial safeguards and clear cost breakdowns. This reduces the risk of financial pitfalls. Unlicensed agencies may offer lower costs but could leave you without protection in case of disruptions.

Learn more about what adoption financial protection looks like.

Full-Service Capabilities

A full-service adoption agency provides comprehensive support throughout the entire adoption process, including matching with expectant parents, legal assistance, case management and post-adoption services. Agencies that only handle matching often leave you to navigate other crucial aspects on your own, which can be risky.

Experience and Interstate Expertise

Some adoptions require navigating different state laws. Licensed agencies, especially those with experience in interstate adoptions, are well-equipped to handle complex cases. Their knowledge and expertise help you avoid pitfalls and ensure the process runs smoothly.

What Do Adoption Agencies Do, and How Can They Help?

A good adoption agency doesn’t just facilitate matches between expectant parents and adoptive families. Here’s what you can expect when you work with a licensed professional:

  • Matching Assistance: Your agency will help connect you with expectant parents who are choosing adoption.
  • Financial Protection: Some adoption agencies offer adoption insurance to protect your investment in the case of disruption.
  • Home Study Services: In order to adopt, you must complete a home study. Some agencies offer this service so you don’t have to work with multiple providers.
  • Legal Support: Adoption agencies can help you connect with experienced attorneys who will ensure the legal process is handled properly.
  • Post-Adoption Support: Agencies provide support even after the adoption is finalized, offering counseling and resources for both adoptive families and birth parents.

How to Adopt a Baby in Georgia: 5 Steps to Parenthood

Knowing what to expect when adopting a baby in Georgia can help make the journey feel more manageable.

Step 1: Find an Adoption Agency in Georgia

Finding a qualified adoption agency is the first crucial step. It’s important to select an agency that meets your needs and understands the legal requirements of adoption in Georgia. Connect with an adoption professional today.

Step 2: Complete the Pre-Adoption Process

Once you’ve chosen an agency, your next step is completing the pre-adoption requirements. This includes a home study, where a licensed professional will visit your home, review your background and interview you to ensure you’re ready to adopt.

You’ll also create an adoptive family profile to introduce yourselves to expectant parents. This profile often includes photos, a written letter and sometimes a video to help pregnant women get to know you better.

Learn more about adoptive family video profiles.

Step 3: Wait for an Adoption Opportunity

Adoption wait times vary by agency and can depend on a number of factors. Expectant parents initiate the match, and if they choose you, you may have the opportunity to connect. In an open or semi-open adoption, this contact will continue after placement.

Step 4: Prepare for Delivery

Once you’re chosen by expectant parents, you’ll receive updates about the pregnancy and hospital plans. Many adoptive families have the option to be present at the birth or meet their baby shortly after delivery.

Step 5: Move Forward With Post-Placement Life

Adoption doesn’t end at placement — it continues into a new chapter of your family’s story. After the child comes home, your agency will provide post-placement support, including required follow-up visits to ensure everyone is adjusting well. These visits are part of the finalization process, where a judge will review your case and legally complete the adoption in court. This typically happens several months after placement.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Georgia?

Adoption requirements in Georgia are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children. These requirements include:

  • Age: You must be at least 25 years old to adopt, although relatives can adopt starting at age 21.
  • Home Study: You will need to complete a home study that evaluates your readiness to adopt.
  • Financial Stability: You will likely need to demonstrate financial stability.
  • Background Checks: All prospective adoptive parents must undergo criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks.
  • Post-Placement Visits: After the child is placed with you, there will be at least two home visits before adoption finalization.

Understanding Adoption Costs in Georgia

The cost of adoption varies based on the type of adoption you pursue. For example, foster care adoption can be very affordable, sometimes costing only a few thousand dollars. In contrast, international adoption can exceed $70,000 due to travel and documentation expenses.

Depending on the type of adoption you pursue, costs may include agency fees, expectant parent living expenses, legal fees, medical expenses and advertising costs.

Learn more about adoption costs in Georgia.

How the Adoption Home Study Process Works

The home study process ensures that adoptive parents are capable of providing a stable, loving environment for a child. This process includes document reviews, home visits and interviews to evaluate your readiness.

Learn more about how to prepare for the home study.

Home Study Providers in Georgia

Here are a few home study providers in Georgia:

You can find more licensed home study professionals at 1-800-HomeStudy.

What You Should Know About Open Adoption in Georgia

Open adoption involves an agreement between the birth parents and adoptive parents to maintain contact after placement. The level of contact can vary, so it’s important to establish a clear understanding of expectations early on.

Learn more about what open adoption entails.

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Georgia

How does adoption finalization work in Georgia?

After placement, your agency will submit a post-placement report that documents how your family is adjusting and confirms that the child is being well cared for. This report must be reviewed and approved before finalization can move forward.

Your attorney will then gather additional legal documents, including consent forms and a new birth certificate request from the child’s legal county. Once all paperwork is submitted and approved, a court hearing will be scheduled. During this hearing, a judge will officially grant the adoption decree, finalizing your legal relationship with your child.

Learn more about this process online.

Can birth mothers change their mind in Georgia?

Yes. In Georgia, birth mothers can revoke their consent within four days after signing the surrender of rights. After that, the decision is final.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia offers a tax credit of $6,000 for parents adopting a qualified foster child. There is also a federal adoption tax credit if you’re pursuing a different type of adoption.

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?

No. It’s not hard for a gay couple to adopt as long as you’re working with the right adoption agency. Many licensed agencies proudly support LGBTQ+ adoptive families and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all hopeful parents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ adoption agencies.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Georgia?

Yes. Once the adoption is finalized in Georgia, a new birth certificate is issued listing the adoptive parents as the child’s legal parents. With standard processing and shipping, it typically takes eight to 10 weeks to receive the new birth certificate after finalization.

Can you adopt without an agency in Georgia?

Yes. It is possible to adopt independently in Georgia. However, it’s crucial to work with a licensed adoption attorney to ensure the process is legally sound.

Adopt a Baby in Georgia Today With Expert Help

Adopting a baby in Georgia can be a smooth and fulfilling experience when you have the right support. Connect with an adoption professional today to begin your journey.

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