Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Charleston
For many, Charleston is a top location to live and raise a family. Those hoping to grow their family through adoption here have numerous options, but they may not know where to begin. With so much information available and so many options to choose from, hopeful adoptive parents and prospective birth mothers can quickly become overwhelmed and discouraged.
This guide will shine light on the best adoption agencies in Charleston and explain the benefits of choosing to work with one as you begin your adoption journey.
What are Adoption Agencies in Charleston?
Deciding to work with an adoption agency in Charleston is a great start to the process. But you may find yourself asking what exactly adoption agencies are, if you even need to work with one and what they even do.
Charleston adoption agencies are staffed with professionals trained in the specific type of adoption their agency offers: domestic infant, international or foster care. These agencies will provide the education, services and support needed to complete the adoption process successfully.
Understanding the different types of adoption is a large factor in deciding which agency is best for you. So, continue reading for more information on the agencies available in Charleston and how working with one will benefit you.
Private Adoption Agencies in Charleston
When a hopeful parent wants to adopt an infant from the United States, they will work with a domestic adoption agency in Charleston. These agencies are state-licensed and -regulated to ensure all procedures are completed legally and ethically.
For adoptive parents interested in working with a domestic adoption agency there will ultimately be two options: national adoption agencies or local adoption agencies.
National adoption agencies provide services and support to both prospective birth parents and hopeful adoptive parents. Because of their national reach and match potential, they often provide them with more opportunity and are a key component to successful, timely adoptions.
Local adoption agencies tend to cost less than national agencies. Given their location, frequent in-person meetings are much more common when working with a local agency. There are fewer potential travel costs associated with local agencies, as the matches come from within your state or region. However, because of a local agency’s smaller reach, hopeful parents may wait longer for an adoption opportunity that meets their preferences.
Deciding which type of agency best matches your desired outcome is the first step in the right direction. You are highly encouraged to speak with an adoption specialist to determine which type of adoption agency in Charleston is best for you.
We suggest contacting any of the adoption agencies in Charleston, South Carolina below to find more information on working with them throughout your adoption:
National Adoption Agencies
Local Adoption Agencies in Charleston
Foster Care Adoption Agencies in Charleston, SC
Although foster care adoptions tend to have less certainty, they remain a great option for those hoping to expand their family. Adoptive parents who do not meet private agency requirements can benefit from this type of adoption. Most foster children are older or have special needs, and all share the same dreams of finding their new home.
For more information on Charleston foster care adoption, contact the organizations below:
- The Bair Foundation Child and Family Ministries
- Neighbor to Family
- South Carolina Department of Social Services
International Adoption Agencies in Charleston
If you are an adoptive parent who has always dreamt of growing your family with a child from a country outside the United States, an international adoption agency in Charleston can help make your dreams come true.
Because governments from two countries are involved, international adoptions have stricter rules and regulations involved than other adoption processes. This can extend the adoption and increase wait times for adoptive parents. It is strongly suggested to begin the process as soon as possible to avoid any delays.
We suggest working with these agencies:
Christian Adoption Agencies in Charleston, SC
If finding an adoption agency that best aligns with your faith is important to you, consider working with one of the Christian adoption agencies in South Carolina. These agencies will specialize in international, domestic infant and foster care adoptions and focus on working with adoptive parents and prospective birth mothers with Christian faith:
What are Home Study Agencies in Charleston?
There are many requirements and steps in the adoption process, but the first step that needs to be completed is the adoption home study. No matter what type of adoption you choose, a home study has to be completed.
The home study is essentially an evaluation of your readiness to adopt a child. In most cases, the agency you work with will be able to complete your home study. In some cases, such as an independent adoption or working with a national agency that is not licensed in South Carolina, a local home study professional will need to be involved.
The home study is generally the longest portion of the adoption process. It is recommended that you speak with a home study coordinator as soon as possible:
Domestic Adoption Agencies in Charleston for Prospective Birth Mothers
For a prospective birth mother, adoption is a very brave and emotional decision. But it’s not one you have to have to go through alone. The best adoption agencies in Charleston will be by your side, every step of the way. Working with an agency that can provide counseling services, legal representation and post-placement support will help make this process less stressful.
We recommend contacting any of the agencies below to discuss your potential adoption plan:
The Next Steps
When it comes to such an important decision, make sure to research your options, ask any questions you may have and keep your best interest in mind. Take your time, because you are in complete control of the adoption plan you create. When you are ready, contact a Charleston adoption agency to get started!