Are you considering adopting or placing a child for adoption in Virginia Beach? If so, then many of your questions might be centered on finding the right professional to help kick start your journey. To help make this decision easier, we’ve created a guide to adoption agencies in Virginia Beach. Check it out below.

What are Virginia Beach Adoption Agencies?

A Virginia Beach child‐placing agency is a licensed, state‐regulated center. They are used by hopeful adoptive parents and pregnant women considering adoption for their infant or child. They also offer many of the necessary legal services that make adoptions possible.

Because this process is a complicated, emotional experience, most people will choose to work with an agency who can meet their needs, as opposed to other professionals. The one caveat when it comes to adoption agencies in Virginia Beach is that not every center offers the same services. That’s why it’s so important to do plenty of research before making your final decision.

Remember, there is no “right” decision when it comes to choosing an adoption agency in Virginia Beach — just what is right for you.

Types of Adoption Agencies in Virginia Beach

The three most common types of Virginia Beach adoption agencies are private domestic adoption agencies, foster care agencies and international adoption agencies. The type of adoption agency in Virginia Beach that’s best suited to you will depend on your unique situation.

Ask yourself: What kind of adoption am I looking to complete, and what kind of services do I want? This will help you make the best decision for your family.

Private Adoption Agencies in Virginia Beach

If you’re considering infant adoption, then you might lean toward working with one of the domestic adoption agencies in Virginia Beach. You might choose to work with either a national adoption agency or a local adoption agency, depending on your needs. National adoption agencies work with families and prospective birth mothers across the country, while local adoption agencies are limited to a particular state or region. Here are some helpful suggestions for both types below:

National Adoption Agencies:

• American Adoptions
• Bethany Christian Services
• Nightlight Christian Adoptions

Local Adoption Agencies:

• Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
• Graceful Adoptions
• Wishing Well Adoption & Family Services

Virginia Beach Adoption and Foster Care Agencies

Adopting a child from foster care is one of the most loving acts you can make. Many of the children in the Virginia foster care system are hoping to find a forever home, and you can help them make that dream a reality. Even though foster care can be an uncertain endeavor, in many cases it’s well worth the risks. To learn more about the process of becoming a foster parent, please contact:

• The Up Center
• The Barry Robinson Center
• United Methodist Family Services

International Adoption Agencies in Virginia Beach

International adoption agencies in Virginia Beach are, as the name implies, for those who hope to adopt a child from another country.  A good international adoption agency — one that should always be Hague‐accredited —can help walk you through the entire process if this seems like the perfect option for you.

Here are a few regional options to consider:

• Adoptions From the Heart
• Bethany Christian Services
• Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia

Home Study Agencies in Virginia Beach

Your home study evaluation is one of the most important and toughest initial steps of your adoption. It’s also one of the lengthiest. Generally, this process will include interviews with each member of the family, in‐home visits, and important documents such as background checks and financial statements, but your home study professional will tell you exactly what they need for your adoption.

Because of everything involved, we recommend contacting one of these home study professionals to learn more about this process as soon as possible.

• Adoptions From the Heart
• Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
• Cradle of Hope Adoption Center

Virginia Beach Adoption Agencies for Prospective Birth Mothers

To any Virginia Beach adoption agency, you will always come first. For prospective birth mothers, it’s so important to only work with the best adoption agencies in Virginia Beach. That way, you can receive 24-hour counseling and support, advertising and matching opportunities, and hospital planning, among other services.

Please feel free to contact any of the professionals below for more information:

• American Adoptions
• Bethany Christian Services
• Wishing Well Adoption & Family Services

Remember, you should never feel afraid to reach out during this difficult time. If you contact an agency to learn more, you will never be pressured into an adoption plan if it’s not right for you — this opportunity just gives you better access to the free educational resources you deserve.

Take the Next Steps

When you think you’ve found the Virginia Beach adoption agency you’ve been looking for, you can contact that professional at any time. If you still need more time to search for a great adoption agency in Virginia Beach, then that’s OK, too. When you’re ready, an adoption professional can help answer all of your questions.