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

Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Indiana

This guide walks you through how to adopt a baby in Indiana — from choosing a licensed adoption agency to finalizing your adoption in court.

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Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Evansville
Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Fort Wayne
Your Guide to Adoption Agencies in Hammond

For hopeful parents, choosing to grow your family through adoption can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

If you’re thinking about adopting a baby in Indiana, you likely have questions about how the process works, what to expect and who can help. Having reliable information will help you make confident decisions.

This guide will walk you through how to adopt a baby in Indiana, highlight licensed agencies near you, explain legal and financial steps and show you what to expect during your adoption journey. To learn more, you can connect with an adoption professional today.

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Adoption Agencies in Indiana

Choosing an adoption agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your adoption professional will be your guide throughout the entire process, ensuring you can fulfill your dream of parenthood.

Private Adoption Agencies Near Me

These licensed professionals offer private domestic adoption services in Indiana:

Private Adoption Agencies

Foster Care Adoption Agencies Near Me

If you’re considering adopting through the foster care system, these agencies are licensed to help:

International Adoption Agencies Near Me

To adopt a child from a different country, you’ll need to work with an international adoption agency:

Adoption Agencies in Indiana and What to Look For

Here’s how to evaluate whether an adoption agency is truly equipped to support your journey.

Licensing Matters

Licensed agencies operate legally and ethically, giving you peace of mind. In contrast, unlicensed “match-and-abandon” services can leave you navigating legal and financial risks alone. With increased enforcement of licensing laws at state and federal levels, working with a licensed agency is more important than ever.

Learn how licensed adoption agencies are regulated.

National vs. Local

National agencies typically offer broader outreach, more adoption opportunities and more accurate wait-time estimates. Local agencies may provide more personalized support but often lack the reach, resources and legal expertise to navigate out-of-state or complex situations.

Benefits of National Adoption Agencies

Financial Protection

Unlicensed providers often fail to explain financial risks, leaving you unprotected if an adoption disrupts. Licensed, full-service agencies are more transparent and may offer financial safeguards to protect your investment.

Learn more about financial protection in adoption.

Full-Service Capabilities

Some agencies only handle matching, leaving you to coordinate the rest of your journey. A full-service agency offers end-to-end support so you’re not navigating these steps alone.

Experience and Interstate Expertise

Adoptions across state lines require knowledge of multiple legal systems. Agencies licensed in multiple states can ensure everything is handled properly and efficiently.

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

Adoption agencies are involved in every part of your journey:

  • 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 what adoption agencies offer.

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

    Adoption is a meaningful path to growing your family. Here’s how to get started:

    Step 1. Find an Adoption Agency in Indiana

    Your agency will guide you through every step. Look for an agency that’s licensed and experienced.

    Find a Licensed Agency

    Step 2. Complete the Pre-Adoption Process

    The pre-adoption process includes completing your home study and creating your adoptive family profile.

    Learn more about creating an adoptive family video profile.

    Step 3. Wait for an Adoption Opportunity

    Adoption wait times vary. Once an expectant parent chooses you, you may be able to build a relationship that will last even after placement.

    Step 4. Prepare for Delivery

    As the due date approaches, your agency will provide updates and hospital plans. You may be invited to be there for the birth or meet your child afterward.

    Step 5. Move Forward With Post-Placement Life

    Finalization involves post-placement visits and a court hearing. You may also continue contact with the expectant parent, depending on your agreement.

    Who Can Adopt a Baby in Indiana?

    To adopt in Indiana, you must meet these requirements:

    • Home Study: All adult members of the household must be included in the home study.
    • Background Checks: The home study must include extensive background checks for household members.
    • Post-Placement Visits: A period of post-placement supervision is required before finalization. The length is determined by the court.
    • Residency: You must be a resident of Indiana to adopt a child unless the child is classified as hard-to-place.

    Understanding Adoption Costs in Indiana

    Adoption costs vary depending on the type of adoption you pursue. For instance, foster care adoption is often low-cost because the state wants to find homes for older children, sibling groups and children with special needs.

    Depending on your adoption journey, your expenses may include:

    • Agency fees
    • Legal and medical expenses
    • Living expenses for the expectant parent
    • Marketing and outreach

    Learn more about the costs involved with adoption.

    How the Adoption Home Study Process Works

    The home study confirms you’re ready to adopt. It involves documentation, background checks, home visits and interviews. Your agency will guide you through each step so you know what to expect.

    Learn how to prepare for your home study.

    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.

    Home Study Providers in Indiana

    Find licensed home study professionals.

    What You Should Know About Open Adoption in Indiana

    In an open adoption, you stay in contact with the expectant parents after placement. This could include phone calls, visits or messages. A post-adoption contact agreement will outline expectations and help everyone feel comfortable.

    Learn more about open adoption.

    FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Indiana

    How does adoption finalization work in Indiana?

    After placement, your agency completes post-placement visits and submits a report to the court along with your home study and legal documents. At the final hearing, a judge reviews everything to ensure the adoption is in the child’s best interests.

    Learn more about finalization in Indiana.

    Can birth mothers change their mind in Indiana?

    Yes. Consent to adoption may be withdrawn within 30 days if it’s in the best interest of the child. After finalization, consent cannot be revoked.

    Is there an adoption tax credit in Indiana?

    Yes. Indiana offers a credit worth 20% of your federal adoption credit, up to $2,000 per child. In 2025, the federal adoption tax credit covers up to $17,280 in qualified expenses per child.

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

    No. Inclusive agencies welcome all types of families.

    Learn more about LGBTQ+ friendly agencies.

    Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Indiana?

    Yes. Once the adoption is finalized, a new birth certificate lists the adoptive parents. This typically takes two to four months.

    Can you adopt without an agency in Indiana?

    Yes. Independent adoption is legal, but working with an agency is still recommended. Some agencies will assist even if you’ve already found an expectant parent.

    Adopt a Baby in Indiana Today With Expert Help

    Adopting a baby in Indiana is a rewarding way to grow your family — and you don’t have to do it alone. With the right agency, you’ll have guidance, protection and support from start to finish.

    Get connected with an adoption professional today.

    Contact Us Today
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