Understanding Adoption Agencies: Nonprofit, For-Profit, National, and More
Adoption is a deeply personal journey, but it’s also one that involves navigating a complex legal and institutional landscape. One of the most important early decisions a prospective adoptive parent can make is choosing what kind of adoption agency or professional to work with.
Below, we break down the main types of adoption providers—from nonprofit agencies to attorneys—so you can better understand their structures, services, and missions.
Nonprofit Private Adoption Agencies
A nonprofit adoption agency offers services similar to a for-profit agency, including matching, counseling, legal coordination, and support for both adoptive and birth families. However, the key difference lies in how they use their earnings.
What Makes Them “Nonprofit”?
These agencies operate under a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as recognized by the IRS, meaning any profits must be reinvested into their mission rather than paid to shareholders or owners.
Common Services Include:
- Counseling for birth and adoptive parents
- Educational workshops
- Post-placement services
- Home studies
- Matching services
Where Do the Profits Go?
Nonprofits often reinvest into:
- Adoption education
- Birth family support
- Community outreach
- Foster-to-adopt programs
- Scholarships or grants for families
Note: Not all nonprofits are transparent about how their funds are used. Be sure to request annual reports or visit platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar for financial accountability data.
Faith-Based Nonprofit Example:
Children’s Home Society of Minnesota & Lutheran Social Service is a faith-based nonprofit that offers domestic and international adoption services. Their mission:
“To express the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires hope, changes lives, and builds community.”
Many nonprofit agencies also work in partnership with state foster systems to help place children and offer hybrid foster-to-adopt services.
For-Profit Private Adoption Agencies
Though less common, for-profit adoption agencies do exist. These organizations operate like any traditional business, distributing profits to owners or shareholders.
Similar Services, Different Structure
For-profit and nonprofit agencies often provide the same core services, including:
- Screening and home studies
- Adoption education
- Birth family coordination
- Legal documentation
Is There a Downside?
The main concern with for-profit agencies is ethical transparency. Critics argue that turning a profit from adoption may lead to coercive practices or cut corners in birth family counseling. However, reputable for-profit agencies are fully licensed and regulated by state authorities.
Example:
Bethany Christian Services is one of the most well-known agencies in the U.S. It is technically a nonprofit, but its large scale, broad reach, and complex structure often place it in conversations about for-profit-like practices in nonprofit clothing.
National Adoption Agencies
National adoption agencies work across all 50 U.S. states and must hold licensure in each state where they operate. These agencies are usually larger and offer streamlined services for long-distance matches.
Pros:
- Shorter wait times
- Larger pool of birth parents and adoptive families
- More staff and support infrastructure
- Assistance with interstate adoption laws
Cons:
- Limited in-person meetings
- May feel more institutional or corporate
- Higher administrative costs
Examples Include:
Local or Regional Adoption Agencies
Local agencies operate within a specific city, county, or state, making them ideal for families who want in-person interaction and deep understanding of state-specific laws.
Benefits:
- More personalized, face-to-face experience
- Often lower costs than national agencies
- Deeper relationships with local birth parent networks
Limitations:
- Smaller placement pool
- Potentially longer wait times
- Must adhere strictly to state guidelines
Public Adoption Agencies / Foster Care Adoption
Public adoption agencies are state-funded and focus on placing children from the foster care system.
Most Affordable Option:
This is usually the least expensive adoption path, often covered partially or fully by state programs.
What to Expect:
- Older children or sibling groups
- Higher likelihood of children with trauma or special needs
- More required training for adoptive parents
According to AdoptUSKids, more than 100,000 children in foster care are waiting to be adopted in the U.S.
Fewer Infant Placements:
Infant adoptions through public agencies are rare, as infants are typically not placed into foster care unless in emergency cases.
Adoption Through an Attorney
Some families choose to work with an adoption attorney directly rather than go through an agency. This path can be more flexible, especially for those who:
- Have identified a birth parent independently
- Were turned away by agencies due to age, marital status, or other factors
- Want to customize every step of the process
Key Points:
- You must hire your own social worker for the home study
- You’ll need to handle or outsource advertising and outreach
- Not all states allow private attorney-facilitated adoptions without agency involvement
How to Find an Attorney:
Visit the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys to find a licensed adoption attorney near you.
Every path to adoption is different. Whether you choose a nonprofit agency, foster care adoption, or work through an attorney, the key is to stay informed, ask hard questions, and follow your instincts.
Jean Widner’s Note:
“Ethics matter more than structure. Whether a place is nonprofit or for-profit doesn’t tell you everything. Ask how they treat birth mothers. Ask what post-placement support they provide. Transparency should never be optional.”
