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Wilmington Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Adoption is a long and intricate process involving many steps, and each step of the process raises new questions for both hopeful families and prospective birth parents. If you are considering adoption, looking for adoption professionals in the Wilmington area, or simply trying to find information, the following list of resources can help you find what you need.

Adoption Agencies and Professionals in Wilmington

When you are ready to begin the adoption process, you will likely need to work with an adoption professional to receive the services and support you need to complete the adoption.

Some adoptive families and birth parents prefer to work with a local or regional adoption agency. The following adoption agencies have locations in Wilmington and can ensure that you meet all Delaware requirements as you move through the adoption process:

Wilmington Foster Care Resources

Being a foster parent or adopting from the foster system can be a rewarding way to grow your family. Prior to beginning the foster care or foster-to-adopt process in Wilmington, all prospective parents must meet certain Delaware state requirements. These requirements can be found on our Delaware adoption information page.

If you are ready to become a foster parent or if you have additional questions, contact a foster care professional in the Wilmington area:

Home Study Providers

For adoptive and foster parents, the home study is one of the most important parts of the process. The Delaware home study process includes criminal records checks, financial information, personal interviews and more.

It is important to choose the right professional to complete your adoption home study and ensure it complies with all state laws and requirements. To get started, contact a licensed home study provider in your area:

  • Adoptions from the Heart
    302-658-8883
    AFTH is licensed in several states, including Delaware, to provide home studies and other adoption services to families and birth mothers.
  • Madison Adoption Associates
    302-475-8977
    This agency works in domestic, international, and foster care adoption, and they are licensed in Delaware to complete your home study and post-placement assessments.

Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about Delaware home study providers.

Hospitals near Wilmington

If you choose adoption for your baby, it will be up to you to plan your hospital stay. Your hospital plan will include your preferences for who is in the delivery room with you, how much you will interact with your baby and the adoptive family, and more.

The delivery hospital will be aware of your hospital plan ahead of time to ensure a smooth labor and delivery process. When you are ready to make your hospital plan, here are some local Wilmington hospitals you may be working with:

Delaware Adoption Laws and Requirements

Adoption is a legal process, and each state has its own legal requirements for adoptive and birth parents. Detailed information about adoption laws, qualifications and processes in Wilmington and throughout the rest of the state is available on our Delaware adoption information page. Below is an overview of some of the regulations impacting adoptive parents and birth parents in Wilmington.

Birth Parents:

Some of the most important adoption laws for prospective birth parents are those regarding consent and relinquishment. Information about executing consent, protecting birth father rights and more is included in our Delaware adoption information and can also be found at the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Adoptive Families:

Hopeful adoptive parents often wonder what types of adoption professionals they can work with, what adoption expenses they can pay, and even whether they meet the eligibility requirements to adopt in Delaware. This information, along with other Delaware adoption laws and home study information, is outlined in the adoptive family section of our Delaware adoption information.

County Court Information

At the end of the adoption process, every adoption must be legally finalized in court. If you are adopting in Baltimore, Maryland, find information about finalizing your adoption in your county by visiting the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center.

Things to Do in Wilmington

Throughout the adoption process, you may find yourself spending some time in Wilmington, either visiting prospective birth parents or waiting for ICPC clearances. Here are some local sights to enjoy during your time in the area:

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