Columbus Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Couples and individuals considering adoption often wonder whether there are local adoption agencies, home study providers and other resources in their area. Whether you are considering adoption as prospective adoptive parents or as a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, this guide provides the information you need about home study professionals, foster care resources and adoption agencies in the Columbus, Ohio, area.

Adoption Agencies and Adoption Professionals in Columbus

Adoption professionals are often great resources for adoptive families and prospective birth parents looking for local adoption information. If you are interested in working with an adoption agency in Columbus, these local and regional professionals can provide the information you need to complete your Columbus adoption:

• American Adoptions

• American Adoptions of Ohio 20 S. 3^rd Street, Suite 210, Columbus, OH 43215

• Adoption Circle
• Adoption by Gentle Care
• Choice Network

Become a Foster Parent in Columbus

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 Columbus area:

• Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
• Franklin County Children Services

Additional foster care information and resources are available on our state adoption information page or through the Department of Job and Family Services.  

Columbus Home Study Services

Regardless of the adoption or foster care professional you choose to work with, you will need to complete an Ohio 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 Ohio page. The following home study providers can provide additional information about completing the home study in your area:
Near Columbus:

• Adoption by Gentle Care
  800-824-9633
  Adoption by Gentle Care is a state licensed, nonprofit, full service adoption agency whose accredited adoption assessors offer domestic adoption home studies throughout Ohio.

• Adoption Circle
  800-927-7222
  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.

In 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 STAR
  513-631-3900
  Adoption STAR will conduct home studies for prospective clients in Ohio as well as New York and Florida.

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

Hospitals in Columbus

When the time comes to finally meet the new baby, a hospital plan will be in place to determine who is in the delivery room when the baby is born, how much time the birth and adoptive parents will spend with the new baby, and more.
If you are a prospective birth mother, your adoption professional can help you create your hospital plan and coordinate with the delivery hospital to ensure you have the experience you are hoping for.
Find more information about some Columbus-area maternity hospitals below:

• Riverside Methodist Hospital
  3535 Olentangy River Rd
  Columbus, OH 43214
  614-566-5000

• Ann Burba Crane Center for Women and Babies
  Grant Medical Center
  111 South Grant Avenue
  Columbus, OH 43215
  614-566-9008

• Ohio State University Hospital
  410 West 10^th Avenue
  Columbus, OH 43210
  614-293-5123

• Mount Carmel East
  6001 East Broad Street
  Columbus, OH 43213
  614-234-6000

• Mount Carmel West
  793 West State Street
  Columbus, OH 43222
  614-234-5000
  

Adoption Laws and Qualifications

Adoptions in Columbus must be completed according to Ohio law. Detailed information about Ohio adoption laws, processes and qualifications is included in our Ohio adoption information. Below, find an overview of some of the areas of adoption that are regulated by state laws.
Laws for Birth Parents:
For birth mothers and fathers, the primary legal process in adoption is the execution of consent. If you are considering an adoption plan for your baby, you can learn about adoption consent, relinquishment, paternity establishment and more here.
Laws for Adoptive Parents:
Many prospective adoptive parents have questions about the laws, rules and qualifications for adopting a baby in Columbus. Ohio statutes regulate many areas of adoption, including the expenses that can be paid by adoptive families, the use of advertising and facilitators and more. More information about these laws and regulations is available here.
County Courts
The final stage of the legal adoption process is the finalization of the adoption, which will be completed in family court. If you are adopting in Columbus, Ohio, find additional information for your county below:

• Delaware County
• Fairfield County
• Franklin County
• Hocking County
• Licking County
• Madison County
• Morrow County
• Perry County
• Pickaway County
• Union County

Things to do in Columbus

If your adoption journey leads you to the Columbus area, either to meet with prospective birth parents or to wait for ICPC paperwork to be processed, be sure to take advantage of all the city has to offer. Here are some top attractions to visit in Columbus before returning to your home state:

• Easton Town Center
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Ohio Theater
• North Market Farmer’s Market
• Short North Arts District
• German Village