Salem Adoption & Foster Care Resources

If you are a family hoping to grow through adoption or a pregnant woman considering adoption for your baby, you will need a variety of services and support throughout the adoption process. Here, you will find local resources and adoption information for the Salem area.
Visit our How to Adopt in Oregon page for additional resources and information about adoption in the Beaver State.

Salem Adoption Professionals and Adoption Agencies

Prospective birth parents and hopeful adoptive families should work closely with an adoption professional throughout the process. This professional will provide education, counseling and the adoption services you need to complete your adoption.
When choosing an adoption agency, some people prefer to work with an adoption professional in their area. The following adoption professionals are based in the Salem area and have experience completing local adoptions:

• Birthright
• Morning Star Community Church

How to Become a Foster Parent in Salem

To be a foster parent in Salem, couples and individuals must meet the requirements of the state and their chosen agency. In Oregon, prospective foster parents must be at least 21 years old and be financially able to support themselves and a child.
If you are interested in becoming a foster family, contact a local foster care organization:

• Marion County Foster Care & Adoption
• Catholic Community Services
• Oregon Foster Parent Association

Additional foster care information is available on our Oregon adoption page.

Home Study Providers in Salem

For prospective parents, the home study is one of the most important parts of every adoption and foster care process. Consisting of interviews, background checks, home visits and a written report, the Oregon home study helps ensure that your home is fit for a child.
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:

• All God’s Children
  503-282-7652
  All God’s Children International is licensed to perform home studies in Oregon for families adopting through any adoption agency.
• Holt International
  541-687-2202
  Holt International provides home study and post-placement services for families in Oregon.
• Christian Family Adoptions
  503-232-1211
  Christian Family Adoptions offers home study and post-placement services for independent adoptions, infant adoptions and state foster care adoption programs in Oregon.

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

Hospitals in Salem

If you are an expectant mother pursuing adoption, you will need to consider your hospital plan as your due date approaches. As a prospective birth mother, 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 Salem area hospitals that may be able to assist you:

• Salem Health Family Birth Center
  890 Oak Street SE
  Salem, OR 97301
  503-561-5200
• Silverton Health Family Birth Center
  342 Fairview Street
  Silverton, OR 97381
  503-873-1680
• Santiam Hospital
  1401 North 10^th Avenue
  Stayton, OR 97383
  503-769-2175

Adoption Laws and Qualifications

Some of the most common questions for couples and individuals considering adoption in Salem are about local adoption laws and regulations. Adoption laws are determined by the state and are the same in Salem as they are in Portland, Eugene, and anywhere else in the state.
The following provides an overview of the types of laws and regulations in place in Oregon.
Adoption Laws for Birth Parents
For prospective birth parents, some of the most important adoption laws are those regarding consent and relinquishment. Oregon statutes regulate who must consent to an adoption, when and how consent can be executed, and more. This information and other Oregon birth parent laws can be found on our Adoption in Oregon page.
Laws for Adoptive Families
In Oregon, there are laws in place regulating who is eligible to adopt, what expenses an adoptive family is permitted to pay, the types of adoption professionals who may advertise or facilitate an adoption, and more. An outline of these and other Oregon adoption laws is available on our Oregon adoption page.
County Courts
Following the placement of the child, every adoption must be finalized in court. This usually takes place about six months after placement, following the post-placement supervisory period. Your adoption professional will work with you to coordinate the finalization process and help you complete your adoption. Find more information about the local court system in Marion County or Polk County.

Things to do in Salem

Throughout the adoption process, you may find yourself spending some time in Salem, either visiting prospective birth parents or waiting for ICPC clearances. Here are some local sights to enjoy during your time in the area:

• Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
• Enchanted Forest Theme Park
• Oregon State Capitol
• Minto-Brown Island Park
• Bush’s Pasture Park
• Riverfront Park
• Gilbert House Children’s Museum