If you’ve just started reading this guide, whether that’s as a hopeful parent ready to build the family of his or her dreams or a woman considering this loving and selfless decision for her baby, then you’re probably still in the early stages of planning.

When you’re just getting familiar with all of your options, it’s normal to have a lot of questions about using a Boston adoption agency over other professionals. Here, we’ll go over all you need to know about adoption agencies in Boston, including:

• Services they typically offer
• The different types available
• What you should keep an eye out for during your research

Ready? Let’s get started.

What Do Boston Adoption Agencies Do?

Adoption agencies in Boston are the glue between hopeful adoptive parents, pregnant women considering adoption and, sometimes, even other adoption professionals. Because they are licensed state‐regulated centers, they ensure that every adoption meets any and all legal requirements. They are also able to facilitate contact between adoptive parents and prospective birth parents, offer 24/7 counseling, find matching opportunities, and more.

Some agencies, like national adoption agencies, are equipped to handle a variety of needs throughout the adoption process, while smaller local adoption agencies are limited to a particular area and might only offer a few of the necessary services that you’ll need for a successful adoption.

While you may think that you’re saving time and money by working with another professional instead of a Boston adoption agency — or attempting to navigate the legal landscape of an adoption on your own — it might be a good idea to reconsider. Without the services of an adoption agency Boston, there is a greater chance of a disrupted or a failed adoption.

Types of Boston Adoption Agencies

Now that you know a little bit more about what adoption agencies in Boston can do, it’s time to think about finding the right Boston adoption agency for you. Not every agency has the same services, so your first step should be to think about your goals for adoption and then work from there. To give you an idea of where to get started, here is an outline to each type of Boston adoption agency.

Private Adoption Agencies in Boston

If you’re planning to adopt an infant, you should consider one of the domestic adoption agencies in Boston.  In a domestic infant adoption, a woman will, either during her pregnancy or sometime after, voluntarily place her baby for adoption after finding the perfect family. Below are a few national and local adoption agencies that specialize in this type of adoption:

National Adoption Agencies:

• American Adoptions
• Gladney Center for Adoption
• Nightlight Christian Adoptions

Local Adoption Agencies:

• Adoptions with Love
• A Full Circle Adoptions
• Adoption Choices

Foster Care Agencies in Boston

While it’s more than worthwhile, the process to become a foster parent can be uncertain and challenging. The requirements to become a foster parent vary from state to state, so we recommend contacting one of the Boston adoption and foster care agencies below to learn more about your options.

• Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange
• The Home for Little Wanderers
• Communities for People

International Adoption Agencies in Boston

Are you thinking of an international adoption as way to build your family? If so, contacting an international adoption agency in Boston is the right place to start. Here a few that might be the right fit for you:

• A Full Circle Adoptions
• Alliance for Children
• Wide Horizons for Children

Home Study Agencies in Boston

In order for you to finally bring a child into your home, you’ll need an approved home study. This is essentially an evaluation of your family’s home and lifestyle. It’s also one of the lengthiest parts of the entire process, so we recommend contacting a professional who can do your home study as soon as possible.

Hopeful couples working with a national adoption agency that’s licensed in Massachusetts should already have this step covered, but if not, here are a few professionals that we recommend:

• A Full Circle Adoptions
• Alliance for Children
• Adoption Resource Associates

Adoption Agencies in Boston for Prospective Birth Mothers

When you’re a prospective birth mother, you should only work with the best adoption agencies in Boston.  This means one that offers vital services like 24-hour counseling and support, along with financial assistance and a variety of matching opportunities. Some possible agencies include:

• American Adoptions
• A Full Circle Adoptions
• Alliance for Children

All adoption agencies in Boston are free for prospective birth mothers and offer unplanned pregnancy counseling for all of your options — not just adoption. You should never feel like you’re obligated to make an adoption plan if it’s not right for you.

Find Your Adoption Agency Today

It’s intimidating, but once you take the first step toward the right adoption agency in Boston, everything will be much easier. If you’re having a hard time making this difficult decision, don’t worry. An adoption professional will be ready to help whenever you’re ready to learn more about your options.