Adoption in Washington: What Families and Birth Parents Should Know

Adoption in Washington is a thoughtful and supportive process 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 exploring your options, Washington offers a framework designed to ensure safety, stability, and lifelong connections.

At Choice Adoptions, we guide families and birth parents through every step of the adoption journey, offering education, resources, and compassionate care. Here is what you need to know about adoption in Washington and how to get started.

Understanding Adoption in Washington

Washington values transparency, connection, and the best interests of the child. Open adoption is encouraged whenever it is safe and desired by both birth parents and adoptive families. Open adoption allows ongoing communication, shared updates, and meaningful relationships that support the child’s identity and long-term well-being.

Families in Washington 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 type of adoption has unique requirements, and licensed agencies like Choice provide guidance to navigate every step.

Support for Birth Parents

Birth parents considering adoption often face questions and uncertainty about their choices, their rights, and their future. Washington law ensures that birth parents have access to counseling, support, and clear information before making any decisions.

Choice Adoptions provides:

• Pregnancy options counseling

• Help creating an adoption plan

• Support with housing, medical care, and transportation

• Guidance in choosing an adoptive family

• Assistance creating a birth plan and openness agreement

• Ongoing emotional and practical support after birth

Birth parents are never alone in this process and can access compassionate support from the very first phone call.

The Adoption Process for Families

Prospective adoptive families in Washington follow a structured process designed to ensure safety, readiness, and long-term success. Families typically complete:

• Agency orientation and education

• Adoption training

• Home study preparation

• Profile creation for potential birth parent matches

• Meetings and relationship-building with birth parents

• Legal finalization after placement

Licensed adoption professionals provide guidance at each step, helping families navigate the emotional, legal, and practical aspects of adoption.

Why Open Adoption Matters in Washington

Open adoption is the standard in Washington because it honors the child’s identity and the relationships that matter most. Children in open adoptions often experience a stronger sense of belonging and fewer questions about their past.

For birth parents, open adoption provides peace of mind knowing their child is safe and loved. For adoptive families, openness fosters trust, communication, and long-term relationships. Each adoption plan is tailored to the comfort of the birth and adoptive families.

Choosing a Washington Adoption Agency

Choosing the right adoption agency is one of the most important steps in the adoption journey. A trusted agency should provide clear communication, trauma-informed care, and support from start to finish.

Choice Adoptions offers:

• 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 continues to offer guidance long after placement.

Begin Your Adoption Journey in Washington

Whether you are pregnant and exploring your options or a family hoping to welcome a child, adoption in Washington is built on compassion, choice, and respect. Every adoption journey is unique, and each 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 by completing our adoptive family inquiry form: Start Your Adoption Journey

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

Learn more about our adoption programs here.