These 31 Adoption Professionals Received a Warning from the FTC

Whether you are a birth mother considering adoption or a hopeful adoptive family, working with a trusted adoption service provider should be a top priority.

While adoption facilitators may be initially appealing, are you aware of the increased risk you could face when choosing to work with them? Here, you will find information about the FTC adoption warning letter sent out to 31 professionals throughout the United States and what you can do to avoid unnecessary risks.

Key Takeaway: If you are working with or considering any of the 31 adoption professionals listed below, it could put your adoption process at risk.

What is The FTC Adoption Warning Letter?

In late 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters to 31 unlicensed adoption facilitators and adoption intermediaries. These letters were issued based on concerns of deceptive practices in violation of the FTC Act and the Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA). These deceptive practices include:

• Misrepresentation of their licensing or lack thereof
• False claims and promises about wait times
• Review suppression
• Inflated placement numbers
• Other unethical behavior

The letter instructs the businesses to immediately cease any unlawful and unethical conduct. The FTC warns adoption intermediaries/facilitators to review their advertising practices as well as all contracts and agreements. The businesses will be continually monitored, and the FTC will take follow-up action as necessary, including $50,000 fines per violation and the potential for permanent closure.

What are Adoption Facilitators and Adoption Intermediaries?

Adoption facilitators are commonly referred to as adoption intermediaries. They are unlicensed and unregulated individuals or organizations that connect potential birth mothers with hopeful adoptive families. They are not capable of providing all of the necessary services involved in the adoption process.

Many states have banned these types of businesses, as birth mothers and adoptive families who choose to work with intermediaries are at a higher risk of failure, financial loss, and being scammed.

Are Adoption Intermediaries the Same as Adoption Agencies?

No.  Adoption agencies are licensed organizations that provide a full range of adoption services necessary to complete a successful, ethical, and legal adoption. Agencies are regulated by the government and are subject to annual audits and reviews to ensure their practices are following local and national law.

If you are researching adoption service providers, it is highly recommended you work with a licensed, trusted, and highly rated adoption agency. In doing so, you are avoiding the risks you face when choosing unlicensed and unregulated adoption intermediaries.

Which Adoption Intermediaries Received an FTC Adoption Warning?

The following adoption intermediaries received the FTC adoption warning letter and are subject to continued monitoring, fines, and any other warranted follow-up actions.

• A Bundle of Joy Adoption Referral
• A is 4 Adoption
• A Rainbows End Adoption
• A Step Ahead Adoption
• Adopt Connect
• Adoption Advice and Guidance
• Adoption for My Child
• Adoption Information Services
• AdoptLink
• All About Adoption
• Angel Adoptions, Inc.
• By Your Side Adoption Consultants
• Chosen Parents Adoptions
• Christian Adoption Consultants
• Cradled in Grace
• Everlasting Adoptions, Inc.
• Evermore Adoption Consultants
• Faithful Adoption Consultants
• Hello Baby Adoption Consultants
• High Country Inc. dba A Birthmother’s Choice
• Journey Adoption Consultants
• Katherine Ottie Adoption Consultants
• Lifelong Adoptions, Inc.
• Little Bit of Heaven
• Love Grown Adoption Consultants
• Mustard Seed Adoption Consultants
• Purl Adoption Advisory
• ReachSOURCE Adoptions, LLC dba Bithmother’s Choice
• Selfless Love Adoptions
• The Adoption Consultancy
• Unique Adoptions Incorporated

What Does This Mean for Your Adoption Process?

If you are currently working with any of these providers for your adoption services, you want to protect yourself. You may consider taking the following steps:

• Express your knowledge and concern of the FTC adoption warning letter to them
• Ask what changes they have made
• Discuss your situation with a lawyer specializing in adoption/family law
• Determine your ability to be refunded and work with a licensed provided

Your overall comfort, trust, and safety are key to a successful adoption relationship with the service provider you choose. When you choose to work with an adoption facilitator, you are exposing yourself to a higher risk of failure, financial loss, and potential scams.

To discuss the benefits of working with a licensed professional, contact an adoption professional.