Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in St. Paul
As the state capital of Minnesota, St. Paul offers a variety of activities and landmarks for tourists and locals. From Minnehaha Falls to the Science Museum of Minnesota, there is plenty to do in this Twin City.
This is a large reason why St. Paul is such a popular location to raise a family. And, if you need adoption to get there, there are plenty of local resources available.
For hopeful parents, determining the best agency options and the appropriate steps for a successful adoption can be a very overwhelming task. Adoption agencies in St. Paul are here to help. This guide will provide you with information on the best adoption agencies in St. Paul and the benefits they offer.
Let’s get started.
What are Adoption Agencies in Saint Paul Used For?
Adoption agencies in St. Paul are state-licensed and mandated to ensure they engage in legal, ethical and safe practices. For prospective birth mothers and adoptive parents, agencies are able to provide services and expertise that individuals attempting to complete the adoption process on their own cannot match.
Legal representation, marketing and 24/7 counseling are just some of the services offered by agencies. Individuals in an independent adoption need to work with multiple resources for each of these aspects, adding to the confusion, time and costs of the process.
Although difficult, it is possible to complete an adoption independently, but it is almost always better to work with a St. Paul adoption agency to ensure the best outcome.
Types of Saint Paul Adoption Agencies
The three main types of agencies adoptive parents have to choose from are domestic, international and foster care adoption agencies. Each agency will have its own pros and cons, so make sure to research your options before making any decisions.
Below is a brief description of each type of agency.
Private Adoption Agencies in Saint Paul
Domestic adoption is when a prospective birth mother voluntarily places her newborn with adoptive parents. Available both locally and nationally, private agencies specialize in domestic infant adoptions and are commonly referred to as domestic adoption agencies.
There are advantages and disadvantages to working with local or national agencies. While national agencies are able to provide all needed and required services, their costs can sometimes be higher than those of a local agency. While local agencies are able to provide a more face-to-face, personal feel throughout the process, the options for potential matches are limited to a smaller area than those of a national agency, causing an increased risk for higher wait times.
The main goal is finding the agency that best matches your desired adoption outcome. Before any decisions are made, we recommend contacting specialist from both local and national private adoption agencies in St. Paul:
National Adoption Agencies
- American Adoptions
- Gladney Center for Adoptions
- Beacon House Adoptions
- Holy Family Catholic Adoption Agency
Local Adoption Agencies
Saint Paul Adoption and Foster Care Agencies
Each year, thousands of children enter Minnesota’s foster care system, not knowing what their future will hold. Adoptive parents in St. Paul open to adopting an older child or child with special needs may be able to answer the call.
Although there are many uncertainties and challenges, foster care adoption is a very rewarding, life-changing decision. The process is similar to that of domestic infant adoption, but foster care has many different rules and potential hurdles. Speaking with a St. Paul adoption and foster care agency is the best place to begin if you feel this best matches your goals.
International Adoption Agencies in Saint Paul
An adoptive parent who wants to grow their family with a child from a country other than the United States must pursue international adoption.
When choosing from the international adoption agencies in St. Paul, you will want to work with a Hague-accredited agency. Given the complex laws and regulations from the state and the country you are adopting from, it’s highly recommended you speak with an agency as soon as possible.
Here are a few agencies we suggest contacting for more information:
- International Adoptions Services
- Evolve Family Services
- Children’s Home Society of Minnesota
- Chosen One’s Adoption Agency, Inc.
Adoption Agencies in Saint Paul for Prospective Birth Mothers
If you’re a pregnant woman considering adoption, it is important to have all of your questions and concerns answered before making such an important, brave decision. Specialists from adoption agencies in St. Paul are here to help explain your options and provide you with the support you need during the entire process.
If you would like more information on the benefits an agency can provide, some of your best options are:
The Next Steps
Because it leads to such an important outcome, deciding which agency to work with should be a thought-out and heavily researched choice. Your goals and needs should be the top priority, so take your time to find the one that is right for you.
When you feel you’re ready to take the next step, contact any of the aforementioned adoption agencies in St. Paul, and they will help you begin your journey.