When you first begin to seriously consider adoption — whether as a prospective birth mother or adoptive parent — the idea can seem overwhelming. And, while there are many kind and knowledgeable professionals out there who can help you complete an adoption in West Virginia, knowing how to find them isn’t always easy.

To that end, we’ve compiled the following guide to adoption in Charleston, West Virginia. In it, you’ll find a list of valuable resources, like Charleston adoption agencies, attorneys, home study professionals and more.

But before you dive in, it’s important to mention that you don’t have to piece together the services you need on your own. In fact, you can get all of the assistance you need for an adoption in Charleston through one professional: American Adoptions.

As a national, full-service adoption agency, American Adoptions has worked with plenty of prospective birth parents and adoptive families in Charleston, and we can help you, too. As you’re contemplating your options for adoption in Charleston, feel free to call 1-800-ADOPTION with any questions that pop up, or get free information now if you’d like to learn more about our services.

Otherwise, the following resources may also help answer your questions about adoption in West Virginia:

Charleston Adoption Agencies

As we mentioned before, American Adoptions is a full-service, national adoption agency — meaning we’re more than capable of offering all the services you need for your Charleston adoption. These include things like:

• Free, 24/7 counseling for prospective birth mothers and women facing unplanned pregnancies

• Screening services to ensure you only end up connecting with adoptive or prospective birth parents who are safe to work with and committed to adoption

• Assistance finding the adoptive family or adoption opportunity that is perfect for you

• Limited wait times for hopeful waiting parents

• Open adoption services and contact mediation (as needed) during and after the adoption process

• Financial assistance for expectant mothers making an adoption plan

• Referrals to home study services, legal representation and any other professionals you might need beyond our agency

• Post-placement services and support for birth parents and adoptive families

• Financial protection for adoptive parents in the case of an adoption disruption

• And much more

Many of these services go above and beyond what smaller, local adoption agencies are typically able to provide. However, if you are interested in exploring more local adoption agencies in Charleston, you might consider:

• Children’s Home Society of West Virginia

• Burlington United Methodist Family Services

Charleston Adoption Attorneys

No matter which side of the adoption triad you’re on (prospective birth mother or adoptive parent), a Charleston adoption attorney will be a key player in your adoption experience. Your attorney will guide you through the legal steps of your adoption process, advocating for your rights and interests and ensuring your adoption complies with West Virginia adoption laws.

When you choose American Adoptions as your primary adoption professional, you won’t need to worry about contacting a Charleston adoption attorney on your own; your adoption specialist will set that up for you. Otherwise, your options for an adoption attorney in Charleston, WV, include:

• Julia Shalhoup

• Lyne Ranson Law Offices

• Stroebel & Johnson

• Law Office of James T. Cooper

Foster Care in Charleston, WV

As a private domestic adoption agency, American Adoptions specializes in infant adoption services. If becoming a foster parent or adopting an older child seems like a better fit for your family, you will need to work with a foster care professional to help you reach those goals.

If this is something you’re interested in, contact one of the following organizations for foster care in Charleston:

• Mission West Virginia

• Necco

• KVC West Virginia

The Bureau for Children and Families is another great resource for any Charleston families considering an adoption from foster care.

International Adoption in Charleston

Similarly, because American Adoptions is a domestic adoption agency, we cannot facilitate international adoptions in Charleston. However, if you think that international adoption might be the best way to grow your family, there are professionals who may be able to help:

• Children’s Home Society of West Virginia

• Burlington United Methodist Family Services

• Nightlight Christian Adoptions

Charleston Adoption Home Study Services

Whatever type of adoption you decide on — domestic or international, infant or older child, private or foster care — you will need to complete a West Virginia adoption home study before you’ll be approved for a placement. The home study is essentially an investigation into your family’s home and life to ensure you are fully prepared to adopt.

If you live in Charleston, your adoption home study will need to be completed by a professional that is licensed in West Virginia. Your American Adoptions specialist will refer you to a trusted home study worker near you, or you can contact:

• Opt 2 Adopt

• Children’s Home Society of West Virginia

You can find more information about these Charleston home study providers at 1-800-homestudy.com.

Charleston Maternity Hospitals

For women considering adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option, the hospital stay can be one of the most emotional and anticipated parts of the entire process. To help you feel more comfortable and prepared for the big day, you can create a hospital plan outlining exactly how you want this experience to go.

As a part of your hospital plan, you’ll decide who you want to have at the hospital with you, how much time you want to spend alone with your baby and more. Your adoption specialist will make sure the hospital staff and adoptive family are all aware of your hospital plan so the day goes exactly how you want it to.

One of the most important details of your hospital plan will be where you want to deliver. Here are some of the maternity hospitals in Charleston that you might involve in your adoption plan:

• CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital

• Thomas Memorial Hospital

Charleston Courts for Finalization

If you are an adoptive parent, meeting your baby for the first time will be an experience you’ll never forget — but your Charleston adoption process doesn’t end there. Before your adoption in Charleston is complete, you’ll need to take a few more steps, ending with a finalization hearing in your county court several months after placement. Your adoption attorney will prepare you for this final step in your legal adoption process.

If you are adopting in the Charleston area, you can find information about your local courthouse below:

• Kanawha County

• Boone County

• Clay County

Start Your Adoption in Charleston Today

American Adoptions is here to help you complete every step of your Charleston adoption whenever you are ready. We work with those interested in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption in Charleston, across West Virginia and throughout the country — and we can help you, too. You can start the process or receive more information now by calling 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.