Considering the possibility of placing a child for adoption can bring up many complex emotions. All-Options can help you explore your questions and feelings about adoption, and find organizations that will support you in learning if adoption is a good path for you, without pressure or judgment. If you have already had an experience with adoption – whether as a birth/first parent, an adopted person, an adoptive parent, or all of the above – we are here to listen and support you in whatever ways you need. Call our All-Options Talkline toll-free at 1-888-493-0092.
Note: These links will take you to outside websites. We are not affiliated with these websites and we are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the external sites or for any actions you take based on information you find on the sites.
Adoption Referrals:
When someone is considering adoption, All-Options may refer to select nonprofit adoption agencies and placement organizations (download PDF here). To the best of our knowledge, these organizations all meet the following standards:
- They support pregnant people in all options including abortion and parenting.
- They are committed to arranging and supporting fully open adoptions (while level of contact and openness may vary by specific situation, the agency does not arrange closed adoptions where no future information or contact is possible); here is a good resource on open adoption (PDF).
- They include single parents, interracial couples, or same sex couples as prospective adoptive families.
- They are nonprofit organizations that provide lifelong support for first/birth parents.
We refer to:
- Adoption Connection (office in CA; pregnant people in any state): http://www.adoptionconnection.org
- Paths for Families (formerly Adoptions Together – serving DC, MD & VA): https://pathsforfamilies.org
- Open Adoption & Family Services (offices in OR & WA; pregnant people in any state): http://www.openadopt.org
- JustChoice (formerly Choice Network Adoptions – offices in OH and clinic partners in many states): https://justchoice.org
- Friends in Adoption (offices in NY & VT, but will work with pregnant people in all states): http://www.friendsinadoption.org
- Pact: An Adoption Alliance (office in CA but will work with pregnant people in all states): http://www.pactadopt.org
- Adoptions of Indiana (Works with pregnant people in Indiana and adoptive families worldwide): https://adoptionsofindiana.org/
Resources by and for Birth/First Parents:
- On Your Feet Foundation is one of the only independent, non-profit organizations dedicated to providing birthparents with comprehensive case management services, grants for adoption-competent counseling, tuition, and emergency rent assistance, as well as online communities, support groups, and birthmom-facilitated in-person and virtual retreats for birthmoms in the US and beyond.
- Concerned United Birthparents provides support for all family members separated by adoption; resources to help prevent unnecessary family separations; education about the life-long impact on all who are affected by adoption; and advocates for fair and ethical adoption laws, policies, and practices.
- Birth Mother, First Mother Forum
Resources by and for Adopted People:
- Adoption Mosaic is a BIPOC woman owned, adoptee-led mission-driven business. They offer a variety of adoptee-centered resources including a monthly speaker series called We the Experts and an engaging Instagram account.
- Adoptees Connect: At Adoptees Connect, we focus on putting adoptee voices first by creating a safe and valuable adoptee-centric space, created by and for adoptees, where their voices can meet and be heard.
Other Resources:
- Adoption Network Cleveland offers a variety of programs, resources, and advocacy campaigns as well as hosting an incredible list of online resources, podcasts, and books on adoption.
- American Adoption Congress: The American Adoption Congress (AAC) is an International organization devoted to family connections by providing the needed education for all members of the adoption constellation. Includes a list of national support groups.
- In addition to being an adoption placement agency, Pact: An Adoption Alliance offers a wealth of support groups, webinars, and resources for adopted children and adults of color, first/birth families, adoptive families, and professionals interested in learning more about adoption.