How to Adopt a Baby in Virginia: A Guide to Licensed Adoption Agencies

Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Virginia

Learn how to navigate your Virginia adoption journey confidently with the support of trusted professionals.

Helpful Information

Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Chesapeake

Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Newport News

Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Norfolk

If you’re considering adopting a baby in Virginia, you might wonder what the journey entails and which agencies can guide you through the process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to adopt a baby in Virginia. We cover all the key steps to help you navigate your adoption successfully, including choosing the right agency and understanding adoption costs and requirements.

Ready to take the next step? Connect with an adoption professional today.

Adoption Agencies in Virginia

Working with a licensed adoption agency in Virginia can provide essential support throughout your adoption journey.

Private Adoption Agencies Near Me

American Adoptions
America World (McLean)
Barker Adoption Foundation (Falls Church)
Bethany Christian Services (Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Virginia Beach)
Children’s Home Society of Virginia (Richmond)
Commonwealth Catholic Charities (Richmond)
Cradle of Hope Adoption Center Inc. (Tysons Corner)

Private Adoption Agencies

Foster Care Adoption Agencies Near Me

Adore Children and Family Services (Alexandria)
Barker Adoption Foundation (Falls Church)
Catholic Charities (Arlington)
Children’s Services of Virginia Inc. (Winchester, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg)
Commonwealth Catholic Charities (Richmond)
Embrace Treatment Foster Care (Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, Winchester)
First Home Care (Alexandria, Tidewater, Richmond, Roanoke, Norton, Orange, Charlottesville)
For Children’s Sake of Virginia (Chantilly)
StepStone Family and Youth Services (Roanoke, Forest, Norfolk, Richmond, Harrisonburg, Princeton, Christiansburg)
The Bair Foundation (Richmond, Virginia Beach, Lynchburg)
Youth For Tomorrow (Bristow)

International Adoption Agencies Near Me

America World (McLean)
Barker Adoption Foundation (Falls Church)
Cradle of Hope Adoption Center Inc. (Tysons Corner)

Adoption Agencies in Virginia and What to Look For

Choosing the right adoption agency is crucial to your success. Here are some key factors to consider:

Licensing Matters

Licensed agencies follow strict regulations that allow them to operate legally within specific states. In contrast, unlicensed providers may lack oversight, potentially exposing families to legal complications and financial risks.

Learn more about how licensed adoption agencies are regulated.

National vs. Local

National agencies often have stronger outreach and more comprehensive services, resulting in more adoption opportunities and realistic wait times. Confirm whether an agency provides full national services beyond just matching.

Benefits of National Adoption Agencies

Financial Protection

Unlicensed providers may offer lower fees but often exclude critical services, shifting financial risk to adoptive families. Licensed, full-service agencies provide financial safeguards in case of disruptions, helping protect your investment.

Learn more about financial protection in adoption.

Full-Service Capabilities

Some agencies only provide matching services, leaving families to navigate legal and emotional support alone. Full-service agencies offer comprehensive guidance through every step, from initial consultation to post-placement support.

Experience and Interstate Expertise

Adoptions involving multiple states require experienced agencies that understand varying state laws. Working with a multi-state licensed agency can prevent delays and legal complications.

What Do Adoption Agencies Do, and How Can They Help?

Adoption agencies provide a range of essential services to guide you through every step of the adoption process. This includes:

Matching Services
Agencies help you connect with the right birth mother, ensuring mutual compatibility, transparency, and respect.
Home Study Services
Quality agencies offer emotional support to both adoptive families and birth parents — before, during, and after placement.
Counseling and Support
Adoption professionals coordinate the legal requirements, ensuring all court filings, consents, and ICPC steps are handled properly.
Legal and ICPC Compliance
Adoption professionals coordinate the legal requirements, ensuring all court filings, consents, and ICPC steps are handled properly.
Financial Transparency
A good agency gives you a full cost breakdown and guidance on which birth mother living expenses you are allowed to cover under Colorado law.

Learn more about the adoption services you will need.

How to Adopt a Baby in Virginia: 5 Steps to Parenthood

Adoption can be a life-changing way to grow your family. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how adopting a baby in Virginia works:

Step 1. Find an Adoption Agency in Virginia

The first and most important step is finding a qualified, licensed adoption agency. These professionals will provide guidance, resources and support throughout your adoption journey.

Find a Licensed Agency

Step 2. Complete the Pre-Adoption Process

Before you can bring a child into your home, you must complete a home study. Additionally, you’ll need to create an adoptive family profile that showcases who you are and what type of life you can provide.

Learn more about how to create a compelling adoptive family video profile.

Step 3. Wait for an Adoption Opportunity

Once your home study and profile are complete, you’ll enter the waiting phase. The wait time can vary depending on factors like the agency’s resources and the preferences of the expectant parents.

Step 4. Prepare for Delivery

As the due date approaches, your agency will keep you informed of any updates. You may be invited to attend the birth or meet the baby soon after delivery.

Step 5. Move Forward With Post-Placement Life

After placement, your agency will conduct regular home visits to ensure the child is adjusting well and to confirm that you’re ready for the finalization hearing. In an open adoption, you will also maintain ongoing contact with the birth parents.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Virginia?

Virginia has specific requirements for prospective adoptive parents:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old to adopt.
Home Study: The home study process includes three face-to-face interviews, one of which must occur in the home. It is valid for 36 months and may require an update after 18 months.
Background Checks: All adult household members must pass a criminal history check and a child abuse registry check.
Post-Placement Visits: A minimum of three post-placement supervisory visits over six months are required to finalize the adoption.
Training: Prospective parents may need to complete pre-service training.

Understanding Adoption Costs in Virginia

Adoption costs can vary widely based on the type of adoption you pursue. Foster care adoption typically incurs lower costs. On the other hand, international adoption may cost $70,000 or more due to travel, legal and documentation fees.

Common expenses include agency fees, legal fees, medical expenses, expectant parent living expenses and advertising costs.

Learn more about adoption costs in Virginia.

How the Adoption Home Study Process Works

A home study is a comprehensive evaluation that confirms you’re prepared to provide a safe and stable home. This process includes:

All adults in your home must pass criminal background and child abuse registry checks, including fingerprinting.

A social worker will visit your home to ensure it’s a safe and stable environment. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about safety and suitability.

You’ll participate in in-depth conversations with a social worker about your parenting approach, lifestyle, relationships, and readiness for adoption.

Be prepared to provide personal and financial records, medical statements, autobiographical information, and other required paperwork.

Most home studies require letters of reference and completion of pre-adoption education courses.

Learn more about how to prepare for your home study.

Home Study Providers in Virginia

Adore Children and Family Services (Alexandria)
America World (McLean)
Barker Adoption Foundation (Falls Church)
Bethany Christian Services (Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Virginia Beach)
Catholic Charities (Arlington)
Children’s Home Society of Virginia (Richmond)
Children’s Services of Virginia Inc. (Winchester, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg)
Commonwealth Catholic Charities (Richmond)
Cradle of Hope Adoption Center Inc. (Tysons Corner)
Embrace Treatment Foster Care (Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, Winchester)
First Home Care (Alexandria, Tidewater, Richmond, Roanoke, Norton, Orange, Charlottesville)
For Children’s Sake of Virginia (Chantilly)
StepStone Family and Youth Services (Roanoke, Forest, Norfolk, Richmond, Harrisonburg, Princeton, Christiansburg)
The Bair Foundation (Richmond, Virginia Beach, Lynchburg)
Youth For Tomorrow (Bristow)

Find qualified home study professionals: 1-800-Homestudy.

What You Should Know About Open Adoption in Virginia

Open adoption allows adoptive families and birth parents to maintain contact before and after the adoption is finalized. This can include letters, phone calls or in-person visits.

Establishing a post-adoption contact agreement can provide clarity and ensure everyone’s comfort throughout the child’s upbringing.

Learn more about open adoption in Virginia.

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Virginia

How does adoption finalization work in Virginia?

Adoption finalization in Virginia involves a court process that legally establishes the adoptive parents as the child’s permanent parents. After a mandatory post-placement supervision period of at least six months, the adoptive parents can file a petition for adoption with the circuit court. If approved, the judge issues a final order of adoption.

Learn more about adoption finalization in Virginia.

Can birth mothers change their mind in Virginia?

Yes. Consent to adoption can be revoked within seven days after signing, provided the child has not been placed in the adoptive home.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Virginia?

No. Virginia does not currently offer a state adoption tax credit. However, a proposed bill (House Bill 1962) would provide a $4,000 nonrefundable tax credit for nonfamily adoptions for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2029. In addition to the proposed state credit, adoptive parents may be eligible for the federal adoption tax credit.

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?

No. Inclusive agencies in Virginia provide support to all types of families.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ adoption agencies.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Virginia?

Yes. After finalization, the adoptive parents’ names are placed on the new birth certificate. It will take about four weeks to get it if you apply by mail or two weeks if you apply online.

Can you adopt without an agency in Virginia?

Yes. Independent adoption is allowed, but working with a licensed agency can provide vital support and reduce legal risks.

Adopt a Baby in Virginia Today With Expert Help

Adoption in Virginia offers a rewarding path to parenthood.

Whether you’re pursuing private, foster care or international adoption, the right guidance can make all the difference.