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

Adopt a Baby in Utah

This guide walks you through the Utah adoption process, from choosing a licensed adoption agency to preparing for post-placement life.

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Helpful Information

How to Adopt a Baby in Utah

Adoption Requirements in Utah

The Home Study for Adoption in Utah

Do you want to grow your family through adoption?

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are already considering specific adoption agencies, this guide will walk you through the steps of how to adopt a baby in Utah. Below, you’ll learn more about local agencies and preparing for each step of the process.

If you’re ready to move forward with your journey, you can connect with an adoption professional today.

Adoption Agencies in Utah

Working with a reputable adoption agency is essential to ensuring a smooth, legally sound adoption process.

Adoption Agencies in Utah and What to Look For

Choosing the right agency can make a significant difference in your adoption experience. Here’s what you should consider:

Licensing Matters

Licensed agencies are authorized to operate legally, ensuring that every step of the adoption process is fully regulated and compliant with state and federal laws. Unlicensed providers may leave families to navigate legal, financial and emotional risks without adequate support.

Learn more about how licensed adoption agencies are regulated.

National vs. Local

National adoption agencies typically offer broader outreach, connecting families with more adoption opportunities and providing more accurate wait-time estimates. Local agencies may offer more personal service but may not have the same reach or resources.

Benefits of National Adoption Agencies

Financial Protection

Unlicensed professionals often offer limited financial protection, shifting financial risk to the family. Licensed, full-service agencies provide clear cost breakdowns, realistic estimates and financial safeguards to protect your investment.

Learn more about adoption disruption insurance.

Full-Service Capabilities

Some professionals only provide matching services, leaving families to handle the rest. Full-service agencies provide comprehensive support, including legal guidance, emotional support and case management.

Experience and Interstate Expertise

Interstate adoptions involve navigating multiple state laws and regulations. Agencies with multi-state licensing and extensive experience in complex cases are better equipped to handle these challenges.

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

Adoption agencies provide essential services to guide families through the adoption process. These services include:

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 services you will need.

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

Adopting a baby in Utah can help you achieve your dream of parenthood. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Find an Adoption Agency in Utah

Choosing a qualified adoption professional is the first step toward a successful adoption.

Find a Licensed Agency

Step 2: Complete the Pre-Adoption Process

The pre-adoption process includes completing a home study and creating an adoptive family profile. The home study is crucial for demonstrating your readiness to adopt, and your profile helps expectant parents get to know you.

Learn more about adoptive family video profiles.

Step 3: Wait for an Adoption Opportunity

Wait times can vary based on your chosen agency and the specific circumstances of the adoption. In open or semi-open adoptions, expectant parents can get to know you before and after placement.

Step 4: Prepare for Delivery

You’ll receive updates as the hospital stay approaches. You may be invited to attend the birth or meet your baby shortly after.

Step 5: Move Forward With Post-Placement Life

After the child is placed in your home, the adoption finalization process will begin. You may also continue contact with the expectant parents as agreed upon in your post-adoption contact agreement.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Utah?

Want to fulfill your dream of parenthood through adoption? Here’s what you should know before you get started:

Age: You need to be at least 10 years older than the child you plan to adopt. If you’re married, only one of you must meet this requirement.
Home Study: You must complete a home study conducted by a licensed professional, and it must be updated annually.
Background Checks: Every adult living in your home must complete state and national criminal history checks.
Post-Placement Visits: Before the adoption is finalized, a post-placement evaluation is required to ensure the child is adjusting well.
Medical Evaluation: You may need to provide a medical history and undergo a physical examination to confirm your ability to parent.
Training: Adoption training may be necessary, especially if you’re pursuing foster care or special needs adoption.

Understanding Adoption Costs in Utah

Adoption costs vary based on the type of adoption. Foster care adoption is often more affordable, while international adoptions can cost $70,000 or more due to travel and additional fees.

Learn more about adoption costs in Utah.

How the Adoption Home Study Process Works

A home study assesses your readiness to adopt. Here what the process involves:

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 Utah

A Act of Love Adoptions (Sandy)
A Guardian Angel Adoptions (Sandy)
Adoption Life (Orem)
Brighter Adoptions (Layton)
Brighter Futures Inc. (Salt Lake City)
Children’s House International (Lehi)
Children’s Service Society of Utah (Salt Lake City)
Forever Bound Adoption (Mountain Green)
Hand in Hand International Adoptions (South Jordan)
Heart to Heart Adoptions (Sandy)
Love and Light Adoptions (Kaysville)
Premier Adoption Agency (Saint George)
Utah Department of Health and Human Services (Salt Lake City)
Wasatch International Adoptions (Ogden)

Find a licensed home study professional near you through 1-800-Homestudy.

What You Should Know About Open Adoption in Utah

Open adoption is an arrangement that allows for ongoing contact between adoptive parents and the birth family. This type of adoption fosters a sense of openness and connection, ensuring that the child maintains a link to their biological heritage.

A contact agreement outlines the terms of communication between the adoptive family and the birth family, establishing boundaries and expectations that work for everyone involved.

Learn more about how open adoption works.

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Utah

How does adoption finalization work in Utah?

In Utah, the adoption finalization process involves filing a petition for adoption in the district court, ensuring that the parental rights of the birth parents have been legally terminated and completing all required post-placement evaluations. The child must reside in the adoptive home for at least six months before the finalization hearing. During the hearing, the judge reviews the home study, post-placement reports and all legal documentation to confirm that the adoption is in the child’s best interest. Once approved, the judge issues a final adoption decree.

Learn more about the adoption finalization process in Utah.

Can birth mothers change their mind in Utah?

No. Once a birth mother has legally signed the consent for adoption in Utah, it cannot be revoked. According to Utah law, consent becomes irrevocable once it is signed, even if the birth mother is a minor or later becomes emancipated. However, she can change her mind up until she officially terminates her parental rights.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Utah?

Yes. In Utah, adoptive parents may claim a $1,000 refundable credit for adopting a child with special needs who meets specific criteria. This credit helps offset some of the expenses associated with the adoption process. Additionally, families may qualify for the federal adoption tax credit.

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

No. It is not difficult for a gay couple to adopt a baby in Utah, provided they work with an inclusive adoption agency. Many agencies actively support diverse families and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all hopeful adoptive parents, regardless of sexual orientation.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ adoption agencies.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Utah?

Yes. In Utah, after the adoption is finalized, adoptive parents’ names are placed on a new, amended birth certificate. This document legally recognizes the adoptive parents as the child’s parents and typically arrives within eight to ten weeks after finalization.

Can you adopt without an agency in Utah?

Yes. It is possible to adopt without an agency in Utah through an independent adoption. In this type of adoption, adoptive parents and expectant parents work directly together, with the assistance of an adoption attorney to manage the legal aspects. Some agencies may also assist with completing the adoption if you have already found a prospective birth mother.

Adopt a Baby in Utah Today With Expert Help

Adopting a baby in Utah can be a life-changing experience for hopeful parents, but the process can feel complex without the right guidance. Working with a licensed adoption agency ensures you have the support, resources and expertise to navigate each step of the adoption journey confidently.

Whether you’re exploring private, foster care or international adoption, a trusted adoption professional can provide the assistance you need to complete your adoption successfully.