Adopt a Baby in New Hampshire

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

Helpful Information

The Home Study for Adoption in New Hampshire

Adopting a baby in New Hampshire can be a joyful and fulfilling way to grow your family. Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to take the first step, having a licensed adoption agency by your side ensures that your journey is safe, supported, and tailored to your needs.

Connect with a New Hampshire adoption professional to begin your journey today.

Adoption Agencies in New Hampshire

When you work with a licensed adoption agency in New Hampshire, you gain access to essential services like home studies, legal guidance, emotional support, and matching with expectant mothers. A good place to begin is by exploring adoption agencies in New Hampshire, so you can compare your options and find the best fit for your family.

Private Adoption Agencies Near Me

Private domestic adoption agencies specialize in helping hopeful parents welcome newborns into their families. In New Hampshire, the following licensed agencies provide infant adoption services:

American Adoptions – A national agency serving families in New Hampshire
Child and Family Services of New Hampshire (Manchester)
Bethany Christian Services (regional services available)

These organizations help facilitate every step of the process, from building your adoptive family profile to finalization.

Private Adoption Agencies

Foster Care Adoption Agencies Near Me

Adopting from foster care can be a wonderful path to parenthood. The agencies below offer foster-to-adopt services throughout New Hampshire:

New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families
Easterseals New Hampshire (Manchester)
Spaulding Academy & Family Services (Northfield)

These organizations can help you complete the necessary training and licensing to adopt a child from foster care.

International Adoption Agencies Near Me

For families hoping to adopt internationally, consider these licensed providers:

Holt International
All God’s Children International
Bethany Christian Services (regional offices serving New Hampshire)

Each agency can guide you through the international adoption process, from dossier preparation to travel and post-placement support.

Adoption Agencies in New Hampshire and What to Look For

Licensing Matters

Choosing a licensed adoption agency ensures your adoption complies with both state and federal regulations. These agencies offer not only legal compliance but also high standards of care and transparency—ensuring your journey is protected and professional.

National vs. Local

National agencies may offer greater exposure to prospective birth mothers and more streamlined services, while local agencies provide personal attention and community connections. Be sure to confirm that your agency provides full-service care, including emotional support, legal services, and case management. Explore the differences here.

Benefits of National Adoption Agencies

Financial Protection

Some agencies, like American Adoptions, provide financial protection to help adoptive families manage the risk of disruptions. This type of support can offer peace of mind as you move forward.

Full-Service Capabilities

Agencies that are truly full-service support every stage of adoption—from home study to post-placement. This means you’ll have one point of contact throughout the journey, reducing the stress of coordinating multiple providers.

Experience and Interstate Expertise

Adoptions don’t always happen within one state. Agencies with experience managing adoptions across state lines understand how to navigate legal differences and ensure smooth transitions for all involved.

What Do Adoption Agencies Do? – How They Can Help

Adoption agencies in New Hampshire help families by offering:

Matching services with expectant mothers
Guidance in creating a compelling family profile
Financial protection programs
Legal support for consent, placement, and finalization
Hospital and birth plan coordination
Post-placement resources and education
In-house or referred home study services

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.

How to Adopt a Baby in New Hampshire: 5 Steps to Parenthood

Step 1. Find an Adoption Agency in New Hampshire

The most important step is selecting a licensed, trustworthy professional who will guide you through the process. Contact a New Hampshire adoption specialist to get started.

Find a Licensed Agency

Step 2. Complete the Pre-Adoption Process

This step includes required background checks, education, and completing a home study. You’ll also develop an adoptive family video profile to help expectant mothers learn more about you.

Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In most infant adoptions, expectant mothers select the family. You may have the opportunity to speak with her and build a connection throughout the pregnancy.

Step 4. Meet Your Baby: Delivery and Hospital Stay

Your agency will coordinate with the hospital to ensure the delivery process supports everyone involved. This includes developing a hospital plan that reflects the birth mother’s and your wishes.

Step 5. Finalization and Post-Placement Life

Adoptions in New Hampshire are finalized in court. After placement, your agency will guide you through any remaining legal steps and offer post-placement support.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in New Hampshire?

To adopt in New Hampshire, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Complete a home study
Pass a criminal background check
Meet agency-specific qualifications
Be single, married, or in a committed relationship

Understanding Adoption Costs in New Hampshire

Adoption expenses may include legal services, medical expenses, counseling, agency fees, and birth parent support. Licensed agencies are transparent about these costs and will help you plan accordingly. Understand adoption costs in more detail.

How Adoption Home Study Process Works

Your home study is a required step to ensure you’re emotionally and practically ready to adopt. It includes interviews, home visits, documentation, and education. Here’s how to prepare.

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 New Hampshire

American Adoptions – Offers licensed home study services in New Hampshire
Child and Family Services of NH (Manchester) – Provides home studies and post-placement visits

Additional resources are available at 1-800-HOMESTUDY.

What You Should Know About Open Adoption in New Hampshire

Open adoption allows ongoing contact between adoptive and birth families after placement. This may include phone calls, updates, and visits—based on mutual agreement. Explore how open adoption works and how it benefits everyone involved.

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in New Hampshire

How does adoption finalization work in New Hampshire?
Finalization occurs after post-placement visits are complete. A judge in family court will issue the final adoption decree.

Can birth mothers change their mind in New Hampshire?
Yes. A birth mother may revoke consent within three days unless waived. After that, consent is generally considered irrevocable.

Is there an adoption tax credit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not offer a state-level adoption credit, but families may qualify for the federal adoption tax credit.

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?
No. New Hampshire law allows LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to adopt. Learn more about inclusive adoption agencies.

Are adoptive parents listed on the birth certificate in New Hampshire?
Yes. After finalization, a new birth certificate is issued naming the adoptive parents.

Can you adopt without an agency in New Hampshire?
Yes. Independent adoptions are permitted, but many families still choose to work with agencies for guidance, home study services, and legal support.

Adopt a Baby in New Hampshire Today with Expert Help

Your adoption journey in New Hampshire deserves compassionate, professional guidance. A licensed agency can walk with you through every moment—from home study to holding your baby for the first time. When you’re ready to begin, we’re here to help.