Adoption in Oregon: What Families and Birth Parents Should Know

Adoption in Oregon is a deeply thoughtful and community-centered process, one that prioritizes the well-being of children while empowering both birth parents and adoptive families. Whether you are considering placing a child for adoption, hoping to adopt, or simply trying to understand how adoption works in our state, Oregon offers a supportive framework designed to ensure safety, stability, and openness.

At Choice Adoptions, we walk with families and birth parents through every step, offering guidance, resources, and compassionate care. Here is an overview of what adoption looks like in Oregon and how you can begin your journey.

Understanding Adoption in Oregon

Oregon is known for having one of the most progressive and relationship-focused adoption systems in the country. The state values transparency and connection, encouraging open adoption whenever it is safe and desired by everyone involved. Open adoption allows birth parents and adoptive families to maintain communication, share updates, and develop meaningful relationships that support the child’s long-term well-being.

In Oregon, families can pursue several types of adoption, including infant adoption, foster care adoption, relative or kinship adoption, as well as home study only or relinquishment programs. Each option has its own requirements and timeline, and a licensed adoption agency helps guide clients through the process.

Support for Birth Parents

Birth parents considering adoption often have questions and concerns about their choices, their rights, and the future. Oregon law ensures that every birth parent has access to counseling, support, and clear information before making any decisions.

Agencies like Choice provide:

• Pregnancy options counseling

• Help creating an adoption plan

• Support with housing, medical care, and transportation

• Guidance in choosing an adoptive family

• Assistance in creating an openness agreement

• Ongoing emotional and practical support after birth

No one is expected to go through this experience alone, and compassionate care is available from the first phone call.

The Adoption Process for Families

For hopeful adoptive parents, adoption in Oregon is a structured process designed to ensure preparedness, safety, and long-term success. Families typically complete:

• An agency orientation

• Adoption education and training

• A home study

• Profile creation for potential birth parent matches

• Meetings and relationship-building with birth parents

• Legal finalization after placement

Throughout this journey, adoptive families receive guidance, education, and support from trained professionals who understand the emotional, financial, and logistical aspects of adoption.

Why Open Adoption Matters in Oregon

Open adoption has become the standard in Oregon because it honors the identities and connections of everyone involved. Research shows that children in open adoptions often experience a stronger sense of belonging and fewer unanswered questions about their past.

For birth parents, knowing their child is safe and loved brings peace of mind. For adoptive families, openness helps build trust, communication, and long-term relationships. Each adoption is unique, and the level of openness is tailored to the comfort of the birth family and adoptive family.

Choosing an Oregon Adoption Agency

Selecting a licensed, experienced, and ethical agency is one of the most important decisions in the adoption process. A trusted agency should offer clear communication, trauma-informed support, and transparency from start to finish.

Agencies like Choice Adoptions provide:

• Support for birth parents and adoptive families

• Education about open adoption

• Matching services based on shared values

• Home study only and relinquishment programs

• Post-adoption support and counseling

• Trauma-informed, child-centered care

Adoption is a lifelong relationship, and the right agency will continue offering support long after placement is complete.

Begin Your Adoption Journey in Oregon

Whether you are pregnant and exploring your options or a family hoping to welcome a child into your home, adoption in Oregon is built on compassion, choice, and respect. No two journeys are the same, and every adoption plan is created with care for everyone involved.

If you are ready to take the first step, you can sign up for adoption services and begin your journey with Choice today by completing our adoptive family inquiry form.

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, reach out to one of our advocates today: 503-550-9310.

Interested in learning more? Visit https://www.choiceadoptions.org/adoption.