Indianapolis Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Whether you are considering adoption as an expectant mother or hopeful parent in Indianapolis, you are likely wondering what to expect through the adoption process.
Read on to learn more about Indianapolis adoption agencies, home study professionals and other local adoption and foster care services, and find more information about state adoption laws, processes and qualifications on our Adoption in Indiana page.

Adoption Agencies in Indianapolis

Adoption agencies are professionals that provide full pre- and post-adoption services to birth parents and adoptive families. By working with an agency, you can receive counseling, education, assistance with finding a match, and guidance through each step of the process. If you are interested in working with an agency, you can contact one of the following Indianapolis professionals:

• Adoption Support Center
• Elizabeth/Coleman Pregnancy & Adoption Services
• KidsFirst Adoption
• Kirsh & Kirsh, P.C.

Indianapolis Foster Care Professionals
If you are looking to adopt from foster care in Indianapolis, you must meet the state's foster care requirements, which include:

• Complete a licensing packet
• Attend 10 hours of foster parent training
• Pass a home study
• Complete a background check

If you are considering becoming a foster parent or adding to your family through foster care adoption, these local agencies and resources can provide information about foster care in the Indianapolis area:

• Children’s Bureau, Inc.
• The Villages
• Adult & Child Foster Care

Home Study Professionals

Regardless of the adoption or foster care professional you choose to work with, you will need to complete an Indiana home study before a child can be placed in your care. Whether you are fostering or adopting, the home study ensures you are ready to provide a suitable home for a child.
Information about the home study process is available on our Adoption in Indiana page. The following home study providers can provide additional information about completing the home study in your area:
Near Indianapolis:

• MLJ Adoptions
  317-875-0058
  MLJ Adoptions performs home studies for domestic, international, relative, and stepparent adoptions to assist Indiana families.
• A Bond of Life Adoptions
  317-873-3841
  ABL Adoptions is licensed in Indiana and Louisiana to complete home studies for families, specializing in embryo adoption.

In Indiana:

• Adoptions of Indiana
  317-574-8950
  The specialists at Adoptions of Indiana are available at all times by phone to help you, and they will assist you through your home study and follow-up assessments.
• Adoptions and Family Support Network
  219-924-2600
  Among the varied services this professional provides to Indiana families, they are qualified to complete your home study and provide adoption education.
• All Blessings International
  270-684-2598
  ABI works in four states, including Indiana, to provide domestic adoption services such as home studies.
• Miriam Project Adoption Services
  765-640-1580
  Miriam Project is licensed to complete domestic, international, and relative home studies for families in Indiana.

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

Indianapolis Hospitals

Pregnant mothers who are considering adoption must also consider their hospital plan as their due date approaches. If you are planning your hospital stay, you can work with your adoption specialist to determine where and how you would like to have your baby, who you want to be present with you, and how much contact you would like with your baby and the adoptive family on the big day.
To help you plan your hospital stay, you can contact one of the following hospitals near Indianapolis for more information on their facilities:

• IU Health North Hospital
  11700 N. Meridian Street
  Carmel, IN 46032
  317-688-2000
• Riverview Health
  395 Westfield Rd
  Noblesville, IN 46060
  317-773-0760
• Johnson Memorial Hospital Maternity Care Center
  1125 West Jefferson Street
  Franklin, IN 46131
  317-736-3300
• Franciscan St. Francis Health Indianapolis
  8111 South Emerson Avenue
  Indianapolis, IN 46237
  317-528-5000

Indiana Adoption Laws and Requirements

Adoption is a legal process, and couples and individuals considering adoption should work closely with an adoption professional to understand Indiana adoption laws and qualifications. Read on to learn more about adoption requirements for birth parents and adoptive families in Indianapolis and throughout the state.
Birth Parents:
To legally complete an adoption, birth parents must sign paperwork relinquishing their parental rights after the child is born. In Indiana, consent can be executed any time after the child is born.
Information about executing consent, along with other birth parent rights and legal responsibilities, is available on our Adoption in Indiana page.
Adoptive Families:
Prospective parents in Virginia must meet certain state criteria and follow laws regulating adoption finalization, adoption expenses and more. Information about these and other adoption and foster care laws is available at our Adoption in Indiana page.

County Court Information

While adoption is a lifelong journey, the legal process ends with the finalization of the adoption. This usually takes place about six months after you take your baby home, and your adoption professional will let you know when to appear in court. Find information about court proceedings at the Marion County Clerk of the Court website.

Things to Do in Indianapolis

Families adopting in Indianapolis from out-of-state must remain in Missouri for 7-10 business days after placement. This allows the necessary legal processes to go through so you can bring your child home. While you wait, here are some places in Indianapolis that you can visit:

• White River State Park
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Indianapolis Zoo
• Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites