Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in St. Joseph, MO
When you find the right agency, it can change your entire outlook on adoption and the process involved. But, when you’re unfamiliar with the process or you don’t know where to search, finding that agency can seem like an impossible task.
We are here to help.
No matter where you are at in the adoption process —just considering your options or ready to begin your journey — this guide will provide you with vital information as you pursue adoption in St. Joe. Continue reading to learn more about why you should consider working with a St. Joseph adoption agency.
Why Adoption Agencies Are Used in St. Joseph, MO
Adoption is a difficult and important process. Understanding and completing the requirements is vital toward the completion of a successful adoption. Although independent adoption is an option in some adoption situations, there are several advantages to working with an adoption agency.
Given the legal requirements and substantial amounts of documentation, adoption is difficult to handle on your own. From the adoption home study to the requirements for finalization, there are many important steps that, if done incorrectly, will add a substantial amount of work and delay.
An adoption agency in St. Joseph can help.
Types of St. Joseph Adoption Agencies
When considering adoption, it’s important to set your goals and priorities and to think about what type of adoption will be the best fit for you. If you plan to adopt a child, you’ll have the opportunity to work with three types of adoption agencies in St. Joseph: private domestic, international or foster care.
Here is a brief outline of each type.
Private Adoption Agencies in St. Joseph
The most common adoption agency in St. Joseph is a private domestic adoption agency. This professional is primarily used by women considering placing their babies for adoption and hopeful parents looking to adopt an infant.
Adoption professionals will prepare both adoptive parents and prospective birth mothers for matching opportunities, offer counseling and guidance throughout the entire process, discuss and plan post‐placement contact, and more. With a St. Joseph adoption agency, you can find comfort knowing that you’ll have a better chance of a successful adoption.
When choosing this type of agency, you will have the option of working with either a national adoption agency or a local adoption agency. While there are pros and cons to working with both, it’s up to you to decide which one best aligns with your adoption goals.
Contact any of the following domestic adoption agencies in St. Joseph below to learn more about your options.
National Adoption Agencies:
Local Adoption Agencies:
- American Adoptions
7500 W. 110th St., #500
Overland Park, KS 66210 - Missouri Baptist Children’s Home
20509 State Highway J
Peculiar, MO 64078 - Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri
4435 Main St., # 920
Kansas City, MO 64111 - Zoe’s House Adoptions
4350 W. 107th St.
Overland Park, KS 66207
Foster Care Agencies in St. Joseph
Each year, thousands of children in foster care need and hope for the support of a loving, stable family to begin their new life. Foster care and foster care adoption provide this opportunity.
Even though many of the children in foster care are waiting to reunite with their biological families, there are still plenty of opportunities to add to your family through foster care. If you feel foster care is your best opportunity, contact any of the St. Joseph adoption and foster care agencies below for more information:
International Adoption Agencies in St. Joseph
If you’re considering adopting from a different country, you should always work with a Hague‐accredited international adoption agency in St. Joseph. Working with an accredited agency will ensure your adoption is completed legally and ethically. Given the stricter rules and regulations of this process, as well as travel and two governments being involved, international adoption can be challenging and take much longer than domestic options.
To begin learning about the process or to speak with a professional, contact a St. Joseph international adoption agency below:
Home Study Agencies in St. Joseph
The home study is one of the first and longest steps in the adoption process. Your social worker will help keep you on track during your entire adoption — but even more so when it comes to gathering all of the required information for your home study.
Adoptive parents that work with a national adoption agency licensed in Missouri can often rely on their agency to complete this portion for them. However, if you’re working with a St. Joseph adoption agency that does not have this capability, you may need to consider visiting 1-800-homestudy and finding a professional to help you begin your adoption home study or by contacting any of the following agencies:
Adoption Agencies for Prospective Birth Mothers
Given the significance and impact of adoption, prospective birth mothers should work with the best adoption agencies in St. Joseph as they proceed with this unplanned pregnancy option. Ideally, you will want a professional that offers services such as financial assistance, 24-hour counseling and education and other important services.
When creating your adoption plan, make sure your adoption professional is fully aware of your desired outcome for adoption, to avoid any confusion or frustration. No matter what, your needs come first. Your adoption agency should always be available for you, even well after placement occurs. For more information, reach out to one of the professionals below.
Contacting an adoption agency in St. Joseph by no means obligates you to choose adoption for your child; it just provides you with more information as you explore your options.
Begin Your Adoption Journey Today
Choosing an adoption agency in St. Joseph is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during this process. Take your time, research your options and when you are ready, make the decision.
Once you’ve made your choice, it will be time to start getting familiar with your St. Joseph adoption agency and to begin your adoption journey.