Adoption can be an amazing, life-changing experience. For hopeful parents, it is a beautiful way to grow a family. Parents choose love for their child, and they create a family in a unique way. For a woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, adoption can provide a path forward. It is a brave choice, and it is motivated by love. For a child, adoption means family. It means love and opportunity — a chance to thrive.

For anyone considering adoption in Reading, PA, there are adoption agencies in Reading that can help. In fact, finding the best adoption agencies in Reading is one of the first, most important steps of the whole process. We’re here to help.

This guide to adoption agencies in Reading will cover what adoption agencies are, what they do, what types of agencies you can choose from and what agencies exist in Reading that you could work with. This is the first step on a long journey, so take your time. This guide will point you in the right direction toward a successful adoption.

What are Adoption Agencies in Reading?

Most people have a vague sense of what adoption agencies are but aren’t actually aware of what they do and how they operate. Adoption agencies in Reading are professional organizations composed of social workers, counselors and administrators. They are licensed at the state level — with some operating locally and others operating nationally by being licensed in many states. They are also regulated by mandated reporting and reviews, which means they are held accountable. This makes adoption agencies in Reading the most trustworthy type of adoption professional.

As for what they do: Agencies make adoption happen. Reading adoption agencies help prospective birth mothers and adoptive families navigate the laws governing adoption, as well as other regulations from the state and federal level. Agencies provide emotional, practical and logistical support for prospective birth mothers. They guide adoptive families through the home study, placement and finalization.

Adoption agencies in Reading are your most trusted friend during the adoption process.

Types of Adoption Agencies in Reading

Adoption agencies come in several shapes and sizes. When a family wants to adopt, one of the first decisions they’ll make is on the type of adoption. There are three types of adoption for hopeful adoptive parents:

• Domestic infant adoption: the process of adopting a baby from the U.S.
• Foster care adoption: adopting a child through the foster care system in your state
• International adoption: adopting a child from a foreign nation

There are pros and cons to each of these types of adoption. No single way to adopt is necessarily better than the others. It depends on your unique needs and what you as a family feel equipped to handle. The processes of each of these types of adoption vary greatly, which is why there are different types of adoption agencies in Reading.

• Private Adoption Agencies in Reading: Private adoption agencies service prospective birth mothers and hopeful adoptive families in domestic infant adoption. There are two different types of private agency: local and national. Local agencies work only in one state or county, while national agencies are licensed in many states. Typically, national adoption agencies are able to offer shorter wait times and larger, more experienced staffs.
• Reading Adoption and Foster Care Agencies: There are thousands of children in Pennsylvania’s foster care system, and you can be the family they need by fostering to adopt. There are agencies that will help you work through the requirements to become a foster parent and help find a good placement for you.
• International Adoption Agencies in Reading: Many American families decide that adopting a child from a different country will be the best route, and international adoption agencies in Reading are a vitally important component of this type of adoption. International agencies understand the complexities of international law, travel, immigration and cultures.

Adoption Agencies in Reading

The type of agency you work with is determined by the type of adoption you choose. As for adoption agencies in Reading, there are only a few with offices in town. But, that doesn’t prohibit you from finding great adoption agencies to work with. You can work with agencies that are headquartered in other Pennsylvania cities, or you can work with national adoption agencies.

Here are a few options for your adoption process:

• Private Adoption Agencies in Reading:
  • American Adoptions
  • A Baby Step Adoption
  • ANA Adoptions
• Reading Adoption and Foster Care Agencies:
  • Statewide Adoption Permanency Network
  • Open Door
  • Children’s Home of Reading
• International Adoption Agencies in Reading:
  • Bethany Christian Services
  • Adoptions from the Heart
  • Nightlight Christian Adoptions

Best Adoption Agencies in Reading for Prospective Birth Mothers

Prospective birth mothers will need to work with private adoption agencies in Reading when they choose adoption for their baby. However, it’s important to know that not all agencies provide the same services. This process can be challenging, and you need the best support possible. To find that support, here are a few things to look for when talking with adoption agencies in Reading:

• Licensed social workers and counselors
• 24/7 availability
• Years of experience
• A plan for prospective birth mothers to receive adoption financial assistance
• Respect and encouragement — this is your adoption process

Ask about or listen for each of these things when speaking with adoption agencies in Reading. You deserve to work with the best agency when making this courageous decision.

Moving Forward With Your Adoption

Now that you know what adoption agencies are, what they do and which adoption agencies in Reading to consider, what comes next? First, make sure you are certain about your decision to choose adoption. It’s important to be completely committed at the beginning of the process. Then, begin contacting adoption agencies in Reading. Ask about their experiences, the services they provide and how they work during the adoption process. Take your time and ask a lot of questions — we’re sure you’ll find the right agency.