How to Find Children Needing Adoption

Step 1

Decide what type of adoption you wish to pursue. There are several types of adoptions–including international, domestic, private, and open adoptions. Consider what age child you are hoping to adopt. Decide if you are open to a child with special needs or a sibling group. Determining what type of adoption you are hoping to do will help you narrow down your search for children needing adoption.

Step 2

Go to The Adoption Guide Website for information on adoption agencies throughout the Unites States. In the United States, orphanages have been replaced with the foster care system. However, some other countries still have children in orphanages waiting to be adopted. If you’re interested in international adoptions, working with an agency is the easiest way to locate children in countries outside the country that need adoption.

Step 3

Consider going through the foster care system in your state. Children who were removed from their home–and whose parents had their parental rights terminated–may be available for adoption through the foster-adopt program in their state. Each state’s foster care system may have different requirements for becoming an adoptive parent. However, most states will require perspective adoptive parents to become a certified foster parent first. This usually involves a criminal background check, TB test and the completion of a series of parenting classes. After you become certified, a social worker will usually help locate children that may be a good fit for your home.

Step 4

Call a charitable organization, such as Bethany Christian Services. This organization has 75 locations throughout the United States. Bethany can facilitate the adoption process, including completing the required home study. Bethany provides information on children waiting for adoption–including special needs children and children from several foreign countries.

Step 5

Visit the Adopting Website located in the Resources section. It provides links to various state Health and Human Services Departments or Child Service Departments; these organizations oversee adoptions. The state Websites often have photo listings of children needing adoption. The listing includes information regarding special needs and conditions the child may have. Not all states provide detailed information due to protecting the privacy of the children.

Step 6

Talk with family, friends and co-workers to let them know you are interested in adopting. Someone may know a birth parent who is considering placing a child for adoption.