How to Adopt a Baby in West Virginia: A Guide to Licensed Adoption Agencies
Considering private, foster care or international adoption in West Virginia? We’ll walk you through every step to help you feel prepared.
Adopting a baby in West Virginia isn’t a journey you have to navigate alone. Working with a licensed adoption agency can provide you with the guidance and resources needed to make the process smoother, safer and more successful.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to adopt a baby in West Virginia, including the steps involved, the types of agencies you can work with and what to expect along the way. Our goal is to help you feel more confident in your next steps.
Ready to begin your journey?
Adoption Agencies in West Virginia
Adoption agencies provide essential services that can help you fulfill your dream of parenthood. Here’s a look at some of the agencies available to assist you in West Virginia.
Private Adoption Agencies Near Me
- American Adoptions
- Burlington United Methodist Family Services Inc. (Keyser)
- Children’s Home Society of West Virginia (Princeton, Huntington, Summersville, Charleston, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Northfork, Lewisburg)
Foster Care Adoption Agencies Near Me
- Burlington United Methodist Family Services Inc. (Keyser)
- Children’s Home Society of West Virginia (Princeton, Huntington, Summersville, Charleston, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Northfork, Lewisburg)
- KVC West Virginia (Charleston)
- Necco Foster Care (Beckley, Barboursville, Fairmont, Logan, Elkview)
International Adoption Agencies Near Me
Adoption Agencies in West Virginia and What to Look For
Choosing the right adoption agency can make all the difference in your adoption journey. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a licensed agency in West Virginia.
Licensing Matters
Licensed agencies are positioned to operate legally in specific states. Unlicensed “match-and-abandon” providers often mislead families, leaving them to navigate legal risks, financial burdens and emotional fallout on their own.
Learn more about how licensed agencies are regulated.
National vs. Local
National agencies with strong outreach and vetting processes can consistently present more viable adoption opportunities. Families should confirm whether an agency truly provides national services beyond just matching and whether their wait time estimates are realistic.
Financial Protection
Unlicensed professionals often leave families unaware of the financial risks involved. This can sometimes result in significant losses. Licensed, full-service agencies may cost more upfront but provide transparency and financial safeguards in case of adoption disruptions.
Learn more about adoption financial protection.
Full-Service Capabilities
Many professionals present themselves as full-service agencies but only provide matching, lacking the ability to offer legal, emotional or case management support. Without licensed staff or comprehensive resources, they often leave families to handle things on their own.
Experience and Interstate Expertise
Unlicensed professionals typically lack the expertise to manage interstate adoptions, which require in-depth knowledge of varying state laws and processes. Agencies licensed across multiple states are better equipped to handle complex, cross-border cases.
What Do Adoption Agencies Do, and How Can They Help?
Adoption agencies provide essential support throughout every stage of the adoption process. Their services include:
Learn more about how an adoption agency can help you.
How to Adopt a Baby in West Virginia: 5 Steps to Parenthood
Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in adopting a baby in West Virginia:
Step 1. Find an Adoption Agency in West Virginia
Working with a qualified adoption professional is crucial in ensuring your adoption process is ethical and legally compliant. A reputable agency will guide you through each step, provide resources and offer ongoing support.
Step 2. Complete the Pre-Adoption Process
During this phase, you’ll need to complete a home study and create an adoptive family profile. The home study involves background checks, interviews, and home inspections to assess your readiness to adopt. The adoptive family profile serves as an introduction to expectant parents and typically includes photos, personal letters and sometimes a video.
Learn more about creating an adoptive family video profile.
Step 3. Wait for an Adoption Opportunity
Adoption wait times vary by agency. Expectant parents initiate the adoption opportunity, and if they choose you, you may have the chance to get to know each other through open or semi-open adoption arrangements. This contact may continue after the child is placed in your home.
Step 4. Prepare for Delivery
As the birth approaches, you’ll receive updates on the expectant parent’s hospital plan. Depending on your arrangement, you may be invited to be present at the birth or meet the baby shortly after delivery. Preparing a hospital bag ahead of time can help you feel more prepared for the big day.
Step 5. Move Forward With Post-Placement Life
After the child is placed in your home, you’ll enter the post-placement period. This stage includes a minimum of six visits by a caseworker to assess how your family is adjusting. Once these visits are completed and the caseworker’s report is approved by the court, the adoption can be finalized.
Who Can Adopt a Baby in West Virginia?
To adopt in West Virginia, prospective parents must meet several state-specific requirements, including:
- Age: Adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old and no older than 65, unless a waiver is granted.
- Home Study: All adult household members must participate in the home study.
- Financial Stability: Families must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to provide for a child.
- Background Checks: Criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks are required for all adult household members.
- Post-Placement Visits: At least six visits are required after the child is placed in the home.
- Health: Adoptive parents must provide a medical statement confirming they are in good health.
- Training: Adoptive parents must complete pre-placement and child-specific training.
Understanding Adoption Costs in West Virginia
Adoption costs vary depending on the type of adoption you pursue. Foster care adoption may be low-cost or even free, while international adoption can cost upwards of $70,000 due to travel and documentation expenses.
Typical costs include agency fees, expectant parent living expenses, legal fees, medical expenses and marketing costs.
Learn more about adoption costs in West Virginia.
How the Adoption Home Study Process Works
The home study process ensures that you’re prepared to provide a safe, stable home for a child. Here’s what it involves:
Learn more about preparing for the home study.
Home Study Providers in West Virginia
- Burlington United Methodist Family Services Inc. (Keyser)
- Children’s Home Society of West Virginia (Princeton, Huntington, Summersville, Charleston, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Northfork, Lewisburg)
- KVC West Virginia (Charleston)
- Necco Foster Care (Beckley, Barboursville, Fairmont, Logan, Elkview)
Find a qualified home study provider in your area.
What You Should Know About Open Adoption in West Virginia
Open adoption allows for ongoing contact between you and the birth parents. This arrangement can be beneficial for everyone involved, especially the child. It provides a way for them to understand their biological heritage and maintain a relationship with their birth family.
Open adoption can involve various levels of contact, including:
- Phone calls
- Emails and text messages
- In-person visits
- Letters and photos
- Video chats
A contact agreement outlines the type and frequency of contact between the adoptive family and the birth parents. This agreement is typically established before finalization and can be adjusted over time based on the needs and comfort levels of both parties.
Learn more about open adoption and contact agreements.
FAQ About Adopting a Baby in West Virginia
How does adoption finalization work in West Virginia?
Adoption finalization in West Virginia involves a court hearing where a judge reviews the home study, post-placement reports and other documentation to determine that the adoption serves the child’s best interests. Before the hearing, the child must have lived with the adoptive family for at least six months under post-placement supervision. If the court approves the adoption, it issues a final adoption decree.
Can birth mothers change their mind in West Virginia?
Yes. Consent or relinquishment may be revoked if:
- Another person whose consent is required does not execute it within a specified period.
- A court determines not to terminate another person’s parental rights.
- The adoption petition by the prospective adoptive parents is denied or withdrawn.
- The consent or relinquishment was obtained by fraud or duress.
- The revocation request is filed within six months of the consent or before the adoption order is final.
Is there an adoption tax credit in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia offers a one-time $4,000 credit against personal income tax for nonfamily adoptions of children under 18. This credit may be claimed in the year of adoption or spread over three years. Additionally, families may qualify for the federal adoption tax credit.
Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?
No. LGBTQ+ couples can adopt in West Virginia, and many agencies actively support and encourage diverse families. The right agency will promote inclusivity and provide resources to guide all types of adoptive families.
Learn more about LGBTQ+ adoption agencies.
Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in West Virginia?
Yes. Once the adoption is finalized, adoptive parents’ names replace the birth parents’ names on the birth certificate. It typically takes one to three weeks to receive the amended birth certificate.
Can you adopt without an agency in West Virginia?
Yes. Independent adoptions are allowed in West Virginia. However, you will need to work with an adoption attorney to ensure that the adoption is legally compliant. Some agencies may also assist you even if you have already identified a prospective birth mother.
Adopt a Baby in West Virginia Today With Expert Help
If you’re ready to start your adoption journey in West Virginia, working with a licensed, full-service agency can provide you with the support and resources you need.
Start your adoption journey today.