Private Adoption in Pennsylvania [What You Need to Know]

Welcoming a child into your family through private adoption can open the door to the kind of future you've been dreaming about.

As hopeful parents, you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Maybe you’ve started researching adoption agencies or contacting home study providers. No matter where you are in your journey, you deserve answers and guidance you can trust.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the private adoption process in Pennsylvania, including what to expect at each step, how long the journey might take and what typical are involved. You’ll also find tips on choosing an adoption agency. When you’re ready, you can fill out our form for more information.

What Is Private Adoption in Pennsylvania?

Private adoption in Pennsylvania gives you the opportunity to adopt an infant directly from expectant parents through a licensed adoption agency. This is different from foster care adoption, where the state takes custody of children and prospective families adopt from the child welfare system.

With private infant adoption, you’ll work closely with an agency that provides emotional, legal and practical support throughout the entire process. These agencies help expectant parents find hopeful families and ensure that everyone involved has access to counseling and legal resources.

Families often choose private adoption because it offers:

A more predictable and personalized process
The chance to be chosen by expectant parents
The ability to bring a newborn home from the hospital
Greater involvement and openness in the adoption journey
Licensed professionals who guide you every step of the way

How Private Adoption Works in Pennsylvania

Understanding how private adoption works is the first step toward building your family. Here's what the process typically looks like in Pennsylvania:

Step 1: Contact a Private Adoption Agency

Working with a licensed agency like American Adoptions ensures you're not navigating this life-changing process alone. A qualified agency provides the structure and experience needed to make your adoption journey as smooth as possible.

Step 2: Complete a Home Study

This legal requirement evaluates your readiness to adopt. It includes documentation, background checks, home visits and interviews.

Step 3: Create an Adoptive Family Profile

Your profile helps expectant parents learn about you and envision the life their child would have in your family. Traditionally, these profiles feature photos and letters written by you.

Step 4: Wait for an Adoption Opportunity

Once your profile is active, expectant parents can review it. If they feel a connection, they can choose you to parent their child.

Step 5: Bring Your Baby Home

Depending on the expectant parent's wishes, you may be able to take your child home directly from the hospital. From there, you'll complete a series of post-placement visits with your social worker. These visits are a required part of the process before your adoption can be finalized in court.

Private Adoption vs. Foster Care Adoption

Here’s how private adoption compares to foster care:

Wait Time
Private adoption can be faster. Foster-to-adopt timelines are less predictable.
Child’s Age
Private adoption involves newborns. Foster care often involves older children, sibling groups or children with special needs.
Cost
Foster care adoption is generally low-cost or free. Private adoption costs can range from $30,000 to $70,000 or more.
Expectant Parent Involvement
In private adoption, expectant parents choose the adoptive family and may stay in contact post-placement. Reunification is typically the goal of foster care, but in foster care adoption situations, no contact may be best.

Choosing between public adoption vs. private adoption depends on your family-building goals, lifestyle and the type of adoption experience you want.

Finding the Right Private Adoption Agency in Pennsylvania

Choosing the right agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here are five key things to look for in private adoption agencies:

How Long Does Private Adoption Take?

Timelines vary based on your preferences, the agency you choose and external factors. With American Adoptions, most families adopt in an average of 12 months.

Your wait time depends on:

Openness to different adoption situations
How many expectant parents view your profile
State laws and court schedules
How much you prepare for the home study

What Does Private Adoption Cost — and What Do You Get?

On average, private adoption through an agency like American Adoptions costs $30,000 to $70,000 or more.

Here’s what that cost covers:

From your first consultation to final placement, our specialists manage your adoption from start to finish.

Referrals to licensed providers for the required home study evaluation.

Financial assistance for the birth parent’s living expenses, medical care, and counseling.

We promote your family nationwide to help you connect with the right opportunity faster.

Coordination of all necessary legal steps to ensure a secure adoption.

Continued services for both adoptive families and birth parents after placement.

You’re not just paying for services — you’re investing in a safe, supported and ethical adoption experience.

How American Adoptions Supports Prospective Families

At American Adoptions, we’re more than just an agency — we’re your full-service partner. Here’s what sets us apart:

You deserve peace of mind and a partner that’s with you every step of the way.

Ready to start your adoption journey? Fill out our free form to connect with a specialist today. Let’s build your family, together.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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