Saint Paul Adoption & Foster Care Resources

You may be planning to adopt a child in the capital of the North Star State, or perhaps you are an expecting mother thinking about placing a child. Whatever your circumstances are, you have a variety of resources available to you. This page will provide you with the information you need to pursue an adoption in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

For even more information on adoption laws, requirements, and procedures, visit our page on How to Adopt in Minnesota.

Saint Paul Adoption Agencies and Professionals

If you are pursuing an adoption, you will need some type of adoption professional to help you with the process. Adoption agencies can be beneficial because they provide all of the services you will need, and local or regional agencies can help you right in your home town.
If you are interested in working with a local agency, consider one of the following:

• Holy Family Catholic Adoption Agency
• Children’s Home Society of Minnesota
• MN ADOPT
• EVOLVE Adoption & Family Services

Become a Foster Parent in Saint Paul

Many hopeful parents will pursue foster care if they would like to adopt an older child. To be approved as a foster parent in Minnesota, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Send in a foster parent application
• Complete a background check and home study
• Attend required foster parent training
• Receive foster parenting license

Here are a few of the foster care professionals near Saint Paul that you can contact for more information:

• Volunteers of America
• St. David’s Center

Home Study Providers

All prospective adoptive parents must complete a pre-placement and post-placement assessment to be approved to foster or adopt a child. These assessments determine whether the adoptive parents are able to provide a safe, nurturing home to a child. If you are interested in adopting a child, you can reach out to any one of these Minnesota-licensed home study providers to start the process:
Near Saint Paul:

• International Adoption Services
  952-893-1343
  Whether your adoption is domestic or international, International Adoption services can complete your home study in the state of Minnesota.

In Minnesota:

• Adoption Minnesota
  612-333-0489
  While Adoption Minnesota is a full-service adoption professional, they will work with in-state families who need only home study services.
• New Horizons Adoption Agency
  507-526-3518
  At New Horizons, you will be able to complete your Minnesota home study as well as receive education, support, referrals, and guidance during your adoption.

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

Hospitals near Saint Paul

If you are pursuing adoption as an expectant mother, you will need to consider your hospital plan as your due date approaches. You can work with your adoption specialist and healthcare provider to determine the type of labor and delivery experience you want to have.
When you are ready to begin creating your hospital plan, here are some Saint Paul hospitals that may be able to assist you:

• The Mother Baby Center
  345 Smith Avenue North
  St. Paul, MN 55102
  651-241-6290
• St. Joseph’s Hospital
  45 West 10th Street
  St. Paul, MN 55102
  651-232-3000
• Regions Hospital
  640 Jackson Street
  St. Paul, MN 55101
  651-254-3456

Minnesota Adoption Law and Eligibility

For prospective birth parents and adoptive families in Saint Paul, it may be helpful to understand some Minnesota adoption laws, qualifications and processes. Our Minnesota adoption page includes information about the most important state adoption laws and regulations. Below, find an overview of some of the state laws impacting adoptive and birth parents.
Laws for Birth Parents:
If you are considering an adoption plan for your baby, the primary legal process in adoption is consent. Minnesota adoption laws allow a birth mother to consent to an adoption no sooner than 72 hours after the birth of the child. Additionally, the birth father’s rights must be terminated either voluntarily or involuntarily. If you are unable to gain the birth father’s consent or are unsure if you need it, speak to your adoption service provider.
Laws for Adoptive Families:
Any adult who has lived in Minnesota for at least one year is allowed to adopt in the state, provided that they complete a home study. In addition to state laws, you may also have to meet other requirements put in place by your adoption professional.
See our Minnesota adoption information for more on adoption laws regarding birth parent expenses, finalization, and more.

County Court Information

Following an adoption placement, the adoption must be finalized in court. Your adoption professional will work with you to coordinate the finalization process and help you complete the finalization process. Visit the Ramsey County District Court page for more information on court proceedings in your area.

Things to do in Saint Paul

If you are adopting a child from the Saint Paul area, you may find yourself spending some time in the city, either visiting prospective birth parents or waiting for ICPC clearances. Here are some fun local attractions to visit if you are looking for ways to spend your time in Saint Paul:

• Cathedral of Saint Paul
• Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
• Science Museum of Minnesota
• Minnesota State Capitol