What Are the Types of Adoption?

Types of Adoption

1. Agency adoption: This is the most common type of adoption, in which a child is placed with an adoptive family through a licensed child welfare agency. The agency may be public, such as a county department of social services, or private, such as an adoption agency run by a nonprofit organization.

2. Private adoption: This type of adoption occurs when a child is placed with an adoptive family directly by the child's birth parents. The birth parents may choose to do this for a variety of reasons, such as concerns about their ability to parent the child or a desire to place the child in a specific type of family.

3. International adoption: This type of adoption occurs when a child from another country is placed with an adoptive family in the United States. The process of international adoption can be complex and time-consuming, as it involves working with governments and adoption agencies in multiple countries.

4. Stepparent adoption: This type of adoption occurs when a stepparent legally adopts their spouse's child or children. Stepparent adoption is often done to secure the legal rights of the child in the event of a divorce or the death of the biological parent.

5. Adult adoption: This type of adoption occurs when an adult person, 18 years or older, is legally adopted by another person. Adult adoption is often done for reasons such as inheritance, immigration, or to change a person's legal name.

Considerations When Choosing a Type of Adoption

When deciding which type of adoption is right for you, there are many factors to consider, such as your personal circumstances, financial resources, and preferences. You may also want to consult with an adoption attorney to learn about the legal implications of different types of adoption and to help you navigate the adoption process.