At American Adoptions, we know there are several steps to complete and several professionals to work with along the way, and it may be difficult to know where to get started. That’s why we have compiled a list of resources to help you begin your adoption journey. No matter if you are a pregnant woman thinking about adoption in Indiana or a parent hoping to adopt, American Adoptions can help you every step of the way.

This list may not answer every question that you have, so please feel free to call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time or follow this link for more information about adoption with our agency.

South Bend Adoption Agencies

As a national adoption agency completing adoptions in Indiana, we have plenty of services to be proud of at American Adoptions. We offer everything from 24/7 counseling for prospective birth mothers to limited wait times for adoptive families — and so much more.

Anytime you have questions about the adoption process or would like to speak with a specialist, call 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more about the services we provide.

South Bend Home Study Professionals

Before a family is able to adopt a child, all household members will need to undergo a home study. This process will assess their readiness to adopt a child and to welcome him or her into their home. It will generally consist of three parts: background checks, an inspection of the home, and an interview with each family member.

As a licensed home study provider in Indiana, American Adoptions has streamlined the home study process so that you can complete your home study with us faster and more efficiently than any other agency.

Follow this link to begin your home study and to learn more about the services we offer.

Foster Care in South Bend

While American Adoptions is only able to perform private domestic adoptions, we still believe that adopting from foster care is a great option. If you are thinking about adopting from foster care or becoming a foster parent, there are several professionals in South Bend who may be able to assist you:

• KidsPeace Foster Care in South Bend
• Benchmark Family Services
• SAFY of Indiana
• Indiana Department of Child Services

South Bend International Adoption Agencies

Because American Adoptions is a private domestic adoption agency, we are only able to complete adoptions within the United States. However, if you would like to pursue an international adoption in South Bend, there are several resources to help get you started:

• Nightlight Christian Adoptions
• MLJ Adoptions International
• Hand-in-Hand International Adoption
• KidsFirst International Adoption

South Bend Adoption Attorneys

In every adoption, both parties will need an attorney to represent their legal interests. If you choose to work with American Adoptions, we will help connect you with a professional and trusted adoption lawyer in Indianapolis. If you would like to look at other options, you can begin by contacting the following local professionals:

• Longstreet Law
• Michael Wandling Law Offices
• Cohen Garelick & Glazier

South Bend Courts

Before an adoption is considered legally complete, an adoptive family will need to attend a finalization hearing. During this process, a judge will hear your case and, after deciding that adoption is in the child’s best interest, will issue a final decree of adoption. If you are pursuing an adoption in South Bend, you can find more information on court proceedings through the St. Joseph County Court website.

Hospitals in South Bend

If you are a pregnant woman choosing to pursue adoption in South Bend, an American Adoption specialist will work with you to create a hospital plan. Similar to a birthing plan, but with a few additional details, your hospital plan will determine what you want your delivery process to look like. You can choose how involved you want the adoptive family to be during the delivery, as well as how much time you would like to spend with your baby. This plan is completely up to you, and an adoption specialist will be there to support you every step of the way.

If you are thinking about starting your hospital plan, you can begin looking at the following hospitals for more information:

• Memorial Women’s and Children’s Services
• Mishawaka Medical Center

Fun Tourist Attractions in South Bend

If you are traveling from another state for your South Bend adoption, you will have to stay in Indiana for about a week to follow the interstate adoption laws. In this case, you may consider taking advantage of the sights in South Bend as you enjoy your first days with your baby. Think about visiting:

• Potawatomi Zoo
• Studebaker National Museum
• South Bend Museum of Art

If you would like to learn more about an adoption in South Bend with our agency, please call 1-800-ADOPTION.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.