Cedar Rapids Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Whether you are considering adopting a child or placing your baby for adoption in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, there are many local resources available to you. The following provides information about local adoption agencies, home study providers and other adoption and foster care services in Cedar Rapids.
Additional resources for expectant mothers and adoptive parents throughout the state can be found on our adoption in Iowa page.

Cedar Rapids Adoption Agencies and Adoption Professionals

Whether you are ready to begin the adoption process or still need more adoption information, adoption professionals can often provide the services and support you need. The following adoption agencies are located in Cedar Rapids and are experienced in meeting the needs of adoptive and birth parents in Iowa:

• Hillcrest Family Services
• Birthright International
• Bethany Christian Services

Become a Foster Parent in Cedar Rapids

If you are interesting in adopting an older child or becoming a foster parent in Cedar Rapids, you will need to meet the requirements for foster parents in Iowa and complete the home study process. For information about foster care and foster adoption in Cedar Rapids and throughout the rest of the state, visit our Iowa adoption page.
These agencies and organizations can also provide additional information and help you get started as a foster parent in the Cedar Rapids area:

• Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association
• Iowa Department of Human Services
• Iowa Foster Care and Adoption

Completing the Home Study in Cedar Rapids

The home study is a major component of every adoption and foster placement, and home study requirements are determined by state adoption laws. Information about Iowa home study requirements, qualifications and approval is included with our Iowa adoption information.
When you are ready to begin the home study process, contact any of these legally qualified home study providers in the Cedar Rapids area:

• William Pearce Adoption Services
  515-262-9047
  William Pearce Adoption Services offers domestic and international home studies and post-placement services.
• Adoption Associates of Iowa
  515-262-9047
  Adoption Associates of Iowa provides adoption home studies throughout Iowa.
• Children & Families of Iowa
  515-288-1981
  Children & Families of Iowa provides domestic and international adoption home study services and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation to provide international home studies.

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

Hospitals in Cedar Rapids

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and making an adoption plan for your baby, you will have the opportunity to make many important choices throughout the adoption process, including complete control over your hospital stay. You will create a hospital plan that outlines all of your preferences for your labor and delivery.
The hospital will be aware of your plan ahead of time to ensure a smooth labor and delivery process. When you are ready to make your hospital plan, here are some Cedar Rapids area hospitals that you may be working with:

• Birth Care Center at St. Luke’s
  1026 A Ave. NE
  Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
  319-369-7264
• Mercy Medical Center Birth Place
  701 10^th Street SE
  Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
  319-398-6332

Adoption Laws and Qualifications

Hopeful adoptive parents and pregnant women considering adoption in Cedar Rapids commonly have questions about local adoption laws, qualifications and processes. Adoption laws are determined by the state and can be found on our Iowa adoption information page. Below is an overview of some of the types of laws and regulations impacting adoptive and birth parents in Cedar Rapids.
For Birth Parents
Birth parents often have questions about the laws for placing a baby for adoption in Cedar Rapids. Information about consent and relinquishment, as well as birth father rights and other important adoption information, can be found here.
For Adoptive Families
There are certain eligibility requirements prospective parents must meet before fostering or adopting a child in Iowa. State laws also impact other areas of the adoption, including expenses that may be paid, finalization requirements, and more. These laws for adoptive families are available on our How to Adopt in Iowa page.
County Courts
The final step in the legal adoption process is finalization. If you are finalizing your adoption in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, find your local courthouse and other information about finalizing your adoption in Linn County.

Things to do in Cedar Rapids

If you are adopting in Cedar Rapids from out of state, you may end up spending some time in Iowa, either visiting prospective birth parents or waiting for ICPC paperwork to be processed. Should your adoption plans bring you to Iowa, consider visiting the following Cedar Rapids attractions during your stay:

• National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
• Brucemore
• Paramount Theater
• Czech Village/New Bohemia District
• Cedar Rapids Museum of Art