Types of Adoption in Georgia
If you're considering adoption in Georgia, one of the most important choices you'll make is the type of adoption you want to pursue.
Each type offers a unique path to parenthood, with its own benefits and challenges. When you understand the different types of adoption available in Georgia, you’ll be empowered to make the best decision for your growing family.
With the right adoption agency by your side, you can take control of your journey and move forward with confidence. We’re here to break it all down — and to walk with you every step of the way.
Contact us online today to speak with an adoption specialist and get the support you deserve.
What Are the Different Types of Adoption in Georgia?
When we talk about the types of adoption, we can mean different things: the legal route, the type of relationship with the birth family, or the identity of the child being adopted. But for Georgia families pursuing adoption, there are three primary types of adoption to consider:
Domestic Infant Adoption
This is one of the most common types of adoption in Georgia and across the United States. It involves adopting a baby through a private adoption agency like American Adoptions.
You’ll work with expectant mothers who are voluntarily placing their babies for adoption and create an adoption plan to outline what the journey looks like. Domestic infant adoption:
Foster Care Adoption
This type of adoption involves children in the state’s foster care system who cannot safely return to their biological families.
Foster care adoption is often lower in cost and can provide a forever home to older children, sibling groups, or children with special needs.
- Handled through Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS)
- You may first become a foster parent before adopting
- Some children are already eligible for immediate adoption
International Adoption
This type involves adopting a child from another country and navigating both U.S. and international laws. It's a more complex process, but one that appeals to families looking to adopt from specific regions or cultures.
- Requires compliance with international treaties and U.S. immigration law
- May involve travel and longer timelines
- Typically involves older children or sibling groups
What Is the Most Popular Type of Adoption?
In Georgia and nationwide, domestic infant adoption is the most popular type of adoption. It's especially appealing to families who want to adopt a newborn and be involved from the earliest stages.
At American Adoptions, we specialize in private domestic adoption, providing unmatched support and services to hopeful families in Georgia, offering:
But remember — adoption types aren’t mutually exclusive. The most popular type of adoption could also be talking about open adoption.
Today, open adoption is the most popular type of adoption in Georgia and throughout the United States. In an open adoption, the adoptive family and birth parents maintain some level of contact, ranging from exchanging letters and photos to in-person visits.
There are several reasons why open adoption has become the most common:
What Are the Other Types of Adoption in Georgia?
While domestic, foster care, and international adoptions are the most well-known, Georgia families also have access to other types of adoption, including:
Stepparent Adoption
This allows a stepparent to gain legal parental rights for their spouse’s child. It’s a relatively straightforward legal process when both biological parents consent or one parent’s rights are terminated.
Adult Adoption
Georgia allows you to adopt another adult, often used to formalize existing relationships, such as between a foster child and foster parent once the child turns 18.
Embryo Adoption (Embryo Donation)
This allows families to adopt and implant donated embryos, carry the pregnancy themselves, and become legal parents at birth. It's a unique blend of assisted reproduction and adoption.
These options offer flexibility for families with specific legal or personal circumstances — and we’re here to help you explore every available path.
Transracial Adoption
A transracial adoption occurs when an adoptive family adopts a child of a different race or ethnicity. This can happen in domestic, foster care, or international adoptions. It’s a meaningful opportunity to build a diverse and loving family, but it also requires ongoing education and intentionality.
Families pursuing transracial adoption should be prepared to:
- Embrace and celebrate their child’s cultural background
- Talk openly about race and identity
- Surround themselves with diverse communities and resources
We help adoptive families in Georgia navigate transracial adoption with compassion, guidance, and the tools they need to raise confident, culturally aware children.
Are There Different Types of Adoption Agencies?
Yes — and it matters which one you choose.
There are different types of adoption agencies, including:
- Private domestic adoption agencies (like American Adoptions)
- State agencies (for foster care adoption)
- International adoption agencies (with country-specific licenses)
- Facilitators or consultants (which may not be licensed or full-service)
At American Adoptions, we’re a fully licensed national agency that operates in Georgia. Our comprehensive services mean we have everything under one roof for your journey, offering:
Don't risk working with unlicensed or unregulated professionals who could cost you time, money, or your chance at parenthood.
Contact Us
You deserve a family — and we’re here to help you get there faster, safer, and with the support you need. Whether you're just starting to learn about the different types of adoption or ready to move forward, we can guide you every step of the way.
Get the support you deserve — contact us online today.
Types of Adoption in Georgia [FAQ]
How does adoption work in Georgia?
Adoption in Georgia involves choosing an adoption type, completing a home study, being matched with a child or birth mother, and finalizing the process in court. Timelines and requirements vary depending on the type of adoption you pursue.
How much does it cost to adopt a baby in Georgia?
The cost of domestic infant adoption in Georgia typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000. Costs cover legal services, home study, counseling, and birth parent expenses. Foster care adoption is often free or low-cost.
What is the new adoption law in Georgia?
As of recent updates, Georgia’s adoption laws have streamlined the adoption process, shortened revocation periods, and improved protections for birth parents and adoptive families. It's best to speak with a licensed adoption specialist to understand how the law may affect your situation.
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