Your adoption journey begins here

Adoption is a life-changing experience for everyone involved. For over 75 years we've brought families together, while supporting the child, birth parents, and adoptive parents along the way.

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Explore the types of adoption

Foster Care Adoption

More than 25 percent of children in foster care in the U.S. are waiting to be adopted. The goal of foster care adoption is to unite children with a stable, nurturing family.

Infant Adoption

When an expectant parent chooses adoption for their baby, Bethany offers support and helps them find the adoptive parents they desire for their child.

Adoption Around the World

Whenever possible, we work to connect children in need with adoptive families in the child's country of origin.

young adopted boy plays with a balloon in his backyard

Adoption is not a single event

Adoption is a journey, not a single event. Adoption is both a legal and emotional process, as families build bonds of love, commitment, and attachment.

It takes planning to find the path that suits you. It takes preparation to navigate the inevitable twists and turns of parenting. While it’s not always easy, the rewards are great, and you will not be alone.

We’re here to walk with you as you travel toward your ultimate goal of welcoming a child into your family. It will be life-changing for all of you.

Factors to consider for adoption

Consider the Child's Age

Adopting an infant occurs soon after the child is born.

Children in need of adoption internationally range from toddler to pre-teen.

The average age of a child in foster care waiting to be adopted is 7 years old.

Consider the Financial Cost

Foster care adoption offers the lowest cost of adoption.

The middle range is infant adoption.

The highest cost is international adoption.

EXPLORE ADOPTION COSTS & FINANCIAL AID

Consider the Waiting Period

International adoption can take as little as 12–15 months.

Foster care adoption typically takes 18–24 months.

The average time for infant adoption can range from 1–3 years.

We can work together to help this child

A foster mom shares how and why she began building relationships with her foster kids’ parents, and the difference that trust has made for everyone.

It’s never too late: How a mother and daughter found each other 60 years after an adoption 

For decades, Laurie wondered if she would ever meet her birth mother. Through the help of a Bethany post-adoption specialist, her dream came true. 

4 things to know about adopting sibling groups

By adopting siblings, you’re helping children who have already been through unimaginable loss be together with their brothers and sisters in the same home—rather than being separated into multiple families.

Resources you can rely on

You deserve information you can trust. Explore our collection of articles and blogs designed to help you and your family thrive.

4 things to know about adopting sibling groups

4 things to know about adopting sibling groups

By adopting siblings, you’re helping children who have already been through unimaginable loss be together with their brothers and sisters in the same home—rather than being separated into multiple families.

Read More
Young white adoptive couple meets with birth mother and baby on urban street

5 tips for your first open adoption visit

The first visit post-placement is usually emotional, as it lays the foundation for a lifelong relationship. These tips can make your experience more comfortable.

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Contact us

When you’re ready to take the next step, we'll connect you with an adoption specialist in your area. You'll also be emailed a packet of additional information.

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Begin the process

Get started by submitting your free preliminary application.

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Attend a meeting

Find a location and sign up for a free informational meeting.

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Contact

Global Headquarters

901 Eastern Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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