Akron Adoption & Foster Care Resources

As a prospective adoptive or birth parent in Akron, you likely have many questions about how to adopt or place a baby for adoption in Ohio. Fortunately, there are many local resources and professionals available to assist you through the adoption process. Below, learn more about these professionals and find answers to common questions about adoption in Akron.

Akron Adoption Professionals and Adoption Agencies

One of the first steps for birth mothers and adoptive parents in the adoption process is to choose an adoption professional. You will work with your adoption professional to get the services and support you need through every step of the adoption process.
The following Akron adoption agencies have experience completing local adoptions and can help you reach your adoption goals:

• American Adoptions
• American Adoptions of Ohio 20 S. 3^rd Street, Suite 210, Columbus, OH 43215
• Caring for Kids, Inc.
• Adoption Circle
• Loving Choice

Become a Foster Parent in Akron

Prospective foster and foster-adoptive parents in Ohio must meet certain eligibility requirements and attend training, complete the home study and submit background checks. More information about becoming a foster parent in Ohio is available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
The following local agencies and resources can also provide additional information about becoming a foster parent in Akron:

• Summit County Children Services
• Pathway Caring for Children
• Ohio Guidestone

Home Study Providers in Akron

For adoptive parents, the home study is one of the most important parts of every adoption and foster care process. The Ohio home study includes the following elements:

• Documentation of marital status
• Financial statements
• Background checks
• Personal interviews
• Medical statements
• Character references
• Home safety inspection
• Water testing

For more information about what to expect during the home study process, visit our Ohio adoption page.
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 home study provider in your area:

• Adoption by Gentle Care800-824-9633Adoption by Gentle Care is a state licensed, nonprofit, full service adoption agency whose accredited adoption assessors offer domestic adoption home studies throughout Ohio.
• Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc.866-321-2367
  Building Blocks Adoptions is an Ohio-licensed Christian adoption agency that offers services through its domestic, embryo and international adoption programs.
• Adoption Circle800-927-7222
  Adoption Circle is a state licensed, full-service, nonprofit adoption agency that provides home study and other services to adoptive families and birth parents in Ohio.

Hospitals in Akron

One of the most emotional parts of the adoption process, both for birth parents and adoptive families, is the time spent in the hospital when the baby is born. It is entirely up to the birth mother to decide how she would like her hospital stay to go.
If you are making an adoption plan for your baby, you will work with your adoption professional and your delivery hospital to ensure everything happens exactly as you want it to. When you are ready to begin creating your hospital plan, here are some Akron area hospitals that may be able to assist you:

• Summa Akron City Hospital525 East Market Street
  Akron, OH 44309
  234-312-5194
• Summa Barberton Hospital155 Fifth Street, NE
  Barberton, OH 44203
  330-615-3350
• Akron General Hospital1 Akron General Avenue
  Akron, OH 44307
  330-344-2229
• Maternal Fetal Medicine Center215 W. Bowery Street, Suite 5500
  Akron, OH 44308
  330-543-4500

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

Adoption Laws and Qualifications

Some of the most common questions for birth parents and adoptive families in Akron are about local adoption laws and regulations. Adoption laws are determined by the state and are the same in Akron as they are in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and anywhere else in the state.
The following provides an overview of the types of laws and regulations in place in Ohio.
Adoption Laws for Birth Parents
For prospective birth parents, some of the most important adoption laws are those regarding consent and relinquishment. Ohio statutes regulate who must consent to an adoption, when and how consent can be executed, when consent becomes irrevocable, and more. This information, along with other Ohio adoption laws, can be found here.
Laws for Adoptive Families
Hopeful adoptive parents often wonder whether they are eligible to adopt, what adoption expenses they are permitted to pay, and the types of adoption professionals who may advertise or facilitate an adoption. An outline of these and other Ohio adoption laws is available in our Ohio adoption information.
County Courts
At the end of the adoption process, every adoption must be finalized in family court. If you are adopting in Akron, Ohio, find information about finalizing your adoption in Summit County.

Things to do in Akron

As you visit prospective birth parents or wait for ICPC paperwork to be processed, you may find yourself spending some time in Akron during the adoption process. Here are some fun ways to spend your time if you are looking for things to do in the area:

• Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
• Akron Zoo
• A. Seiberling Nature Realm
• Akron Art Museum