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Tacoma Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Tacoma, WA
As a family hoping to grow through adoption or a pregnant woman considering adoption for your baby, you have access to a variety of services and support throughout the adoption process. Here, you will find local resources and adoption information for Tacoma, Washington.
For more information, you can visit our Washington adoption information page.

Tacoma Adoption Agencies and Professionals

The adoption professional you choose will be your partner in the process; adoption agencies work with you through every stage of your adoption. Other types of adoption professionals include facilitators, adoption attorneys, and law centers.
Below are some of the local professionals you can contact in the Tacoma area:

Foster Parent Resources near Tacoma

If you are hoping to adopt an older child, you may want to adopt through the foster care system. In order to become a foster parent in Tacoma, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have proof of financial stability
  • Complete state training and licensing orientation

To learn more about foster care requirements and available children, you can contact one of your nearby foster care agencies:

Home Study Providers

Whether you are pursuing domestic infant, international or foster care adoption, all adoptive parents in Washington are required to complete an adoption home study. Information about what to expect throughout the home study process is available on our state information page. In addition, the following professionals can help you complete the home study in your area:
Near Tacoma:

In Washington:

  • Your Adoptive Family
    206-408-7219
    Your Adoptive Family is a licensed, non-profit agency that provides comprehensive adoption services and will meet your family’s unique needs.
  • Evergreen Adoption Services
    425-652-1542
    Contact Evergreen Adoption Services to learn more about home studies, find guidance on what to expect, and finally complete your Washington home study.

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

Hospitals in Tacoma

If you are a pregnant mother considering adoption, you will eventually need to create a hospital plan. Your adoption specialist and healthcare provider can assist you with this part of your adoption plan. When arranging for your hospital stay, you should consider where and how you want to give birth and who you want to be there with you.
As you think about your hospital trip, you can find more information about hospitals near you:

Washington Adoption Laws and Qualifications

Many local adoptive and birth parents have questions about Tacoma adoption laws and regulations. These laws are determined by the state of Washington and are the same in Tacoma as they are in Seattle, Spokane, and anywhere else in the state. The following provides an overview of the types of laws regulating Washington adoptions.
Adoption Laws for Birth Parents:
As the parent to your unborn child, you must legally consent to the adoption by signing relinquishment papers after giving birth. The state of Washington does not allow a mother’s parental rights to be terminated until at least 48 hours after delivery; this protects you from making a decision in a compromised state. You may give consent before this time, but it will not be filed until the 48 hours have passed.
The father of the child may give his consent up to six months prior to the adoption. In certain cases, a court may be able to terminate a father’s parental rights without his consent. If you are unable to obtain his consent for any reason, speak to your adoption specialist or attorney about your options, and visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway for more details.
Laws for Adoptive Families:
Each state has a unique set of basic requirements that families must meet before they can pursue adoption. Adoptive parents in Washington must be at least eighteen years old and successfully complete a home study.
Additionally, you must meet the requirements put in place by your adoption professional. Adoption agencies and other professionals may have more stringent eligibility criteria, so make sure to take this into account when choosing who to work with in your adoption.

County Court Information

After you take your child home and complete your follow-up assessments, you will finalize your adoption in court. After your hearing, the process will be officially complete. Your adoption specialist will let you know what you need to do when the time comes, and in the meantime you can visit the Pierce County District Court for information on local proceedings.

Things to Do in Tacoma

If you are adopting a child from the Tacoma 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 Tacoma:

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