If you’re thinking “I want to adopt a baby,” this is a big step because adoption will be one of the best decisions you ever make.

However, adopting a baby in Arkansas requires a few steps, and as a licensed adoption agency in the state of Arkansas, we want to make sure you’re informed every step of the way. 

Fortunately, our specialists are always happy to answer any questions you have about infant adoption in Arkansas, wherever you are at in the Arkansas adoption process. You can call American Adoptions anytime at 1-800-ADOPTION or get free information online here. A newborn adoption is a beautiful journey, and we’re here to guide you through all the ups and downs along the way.

Adoption in Arkansas is a wonderful way to expand or begin a family of your own. You are giving a child the gift of a loving family, which is incredibly selfless. If you feel unsure of where to start, we have your back. Many of our staff members are adoptive parents themselves, and we know you likely have many questions. Through our expertise and personal adoption experience we can help answer these questions.

If you’re an expectant birth mother wondering how to place your baby for adoption in Arkansas, you learn more about how the adoption process works for you.

In the meantime, we’ve offered some basic information about adopting a newborn in Arkansas below. Keep reading to start your research today.

Who can adopt a baby in Arkansas?

Arkansas itself doesn’t have an adoption age limit, although American Adoptions prefers to work with parents between the ages of 22 and 50. There are no marriage requirements for adoption in the state of Arkansas although, again, American Adoptions prefers that couples be married at least two years before adopting a child in Arkansas with our agency.

Learn more about our adoption requirements here, including any exceptions that may be made on a case-by-case basis.

How to Adopt a Child in Arkansas Today

While every adoption process is unique, there are a few big steps that everyone has to take. Whether you are interested in adopting a baby or adopting an older child in Arkansas, you should be prepared for a few general steps. Don’t worry — if you choose to pursue a baby adoption in Arkansas with American Adoptions, your specialist will guide you every step of the way.

But, if you’re still considering many ways of adopting a child in Arkansas, here’s what that process will look like:

Step 1: Decide if adoption in Arkansas is right for you.

Many families grapple with infertility for years before moving on to adoption. Others come to adoption from other paths. Either way, you should be fully committed to the process of adopting a child in Arkansas before beginning.

“It’s your child, and it’s a lifelong relationship. And you want that to be the perfect situation for you, for your child and for the birth mother. It’s a lifelong relationship for everyone involved,” said Kelly of her adoption experience.

If you are coming from a struggle with infertility, it’s important to make sure you’ve completely healed and are ready to move forward. If you’re hoping to adopt in Arkansas, you should be just as excited about having a child through adoption as you would be to have one biologically.

Step 2: Decide which type of Arkansas adoption to pursue.

Do you want to adopt a baby in Arkansas? Or would you rather adopt a child who’s older?

Does domestic adoption interest you, or would you prefer international adoption?

Would you rather adopt through foster care or privately? 

These are all important questions to ask yourself, and it’s okay to take your time finding the answers. Every family is in a unique situation, and only you can determine which type of adoption will be best for yours. Do your research and learn about each path before deciding which kind of Arkansas adoption fits your personal needs.

Step 3: Choose an Arkansas adoption professional.

Arkansas families have several options when it comes to adoption professionals.

When researching Arkansas child adoption agencies, be sure to look at factors like wait times, hidden fees, prospective birth parent services, and more. You’ll also want to ask what happens in the event of an adoption disruption.

As a national agency, American Adoptions can help Arkansas families adopt from across the country. Our agency also offers financial protection to make sure your money is safe in the event that an adoption opportunity is interrupted for any reason. You can also take advantage of our local offices, at:

103 S. 3rd Street
Rogers, AR 72756
479-631-8223

Contact our staff anytime to learn more about our full-service Arkansas adoption programs.

Step 4: Complete a home study.

American Adoptions is licensed to perform home studies in Arkansas, so you’ll work with your adoption specialist to prepare everything necessary for this step. The home study is something that many families worry about, but you don’t have to feel anxious with the guidance of a specialist from American Adoptions.

There will be three phases: an in-home visit, a home inspection, and a documentation phase. Each of these will confirm your readiness to adopt a child in Arkansas. Since many of our staff has been through the home study as adoptive families, we can give you the best advice, encouragement and support.

Step 5: Match with an expectant mother.

After you are officially approved to adopt a baby in Arkansas, our specialists will work hard to find the perfect opportunity for your family.

American Adoptions offers two services to help a pregnant woman get to know you: written and video adoptive family profiles. A written profile tells an expectant mother all about you and what her child’s life could be like if placed with you; while a video profile goes a step further to show her. Women whose situations fall within your preferences will be shown your profiles, and when one chooses you, it’s a match!

Your adoption specialist will help to facilitate contact throughout the rest of the prospective birth mom’s pregnancy, if that’s something she desires. She may even include you in her hospital and delivery plan, too.

Step 6: Finalize the Arkansas adoption.

Once a birth mom has given birth and placed her child with you, you may assume the adoption process is over. However, this is not the case. Before your infant adoption in Arkansas is official, you must complete the adoption finalization process.

In Arkansas, you can expect the adoption finalization process to include post-placement visits as well as a finalization hearing. This typically occurs around six months post-placement.

Step 7: Adjust to life as a new family!

Some people assume that once the legal proceedings are wrapped up, the adoption process is complete. But at American Adoptions, we encourage open adoption, which means maintaining contact with your child’s birth parents long after the Arkansas adoption process is complete.

We also recommend you talk with your child about adoption in age-appropriate ways and continue to do so as he or she grows up. Don’t worry — our specialists can give you tips and suggestions for doing this in a helpful way.

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Adopting a child is a life-changing decision, and it’s one that we’re passionate about. Whatever adoption path you consider, we support your decision and wish you the best of luck along the way.

If you’re interested in adopting a baby in Arkansas — or just talking to a professional about what that could look like for you — American Adoptions is always here for you. Don’t hesitate to call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a trained specialist or get free information online.

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