Adoption in Virginia

In the United States, there are three ways to adopt a child:

(1) domestic agency adoption;

(2) domestic independent adoption (sometimes called “parental placement” adoption); and

(3) intercountry adoption.

All domestic adoptions, whether an agency adoption or an independent adoption, involve children born in the United States. Intercountry adoptions involve children born outside the United States.

Each type of adoption has risks and benefits. The decision regarding which type of adoption is best to pursue is entirely up to the adoptive parents; however, this decision should only be made after careful review of each type of adoption and any unique circumstances facing the adoptive family.