LGBTQIA+ Adoption in the USA: A State-by-State Guide (2026)
Can LGBTQIA+ people adopt in the USA?
Yes. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or anywhere else under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, you can build a family through adoption. No state currently bans LGBTQ people from adopting, and since 2015 married same-sex couples have had the same right to adopt together as any other married couple.
Where you live still matters a lot. Some states ban discrimination by adoption agencies. Some say nothing either way. And 16 states let faith-based child welfare agencies turn away LGBTQ applicants if working with them conflicts with the agency's religious beliefs. This guide covers the federal rules that apply everywhere, the main ways to adopt, and then every state and Washington, DC, one by one.
The state classifications below come from the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) Equality Maps, with data as of October 9, 2026.
The numbers at a glance
More than 440,000 children are in foster care in the US, and more than 125,000 are waiting to be adopted, according to MAP.
30 states plus DC prohibit discrimination in adoption based on both sexual orientation and gender identity.
3 states (Indiana, Montana and South Carolina) cover sexual orientation only.
17 states have no explicit adoption protections.
16 states allow some religious child welfare agencies to decline LGBTQ families. Alabama, Michigan and Utah limit this to certain agencies.
Rules that apply in every state
Marriage is protected nationwide. In Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), the Supreme Court ruled that states must license and recognize same-sex marriages. Married couples can petition to adopt jointly, and a spouse can adopt the other spouse's child as a stepparent.
Other states must honor your adoption decree. In V.L. v. E.L. (2016), the Supreme Court ruled that Alabama had to respect a Georgia court's adoption by a same-sex parent. An adoption finalized in one state is valid in all of them.
Both spouses go on the birth certificate. In Pavan v. Smith (2017), the Court held that states must list a birth mother's female spouse on the child's birth certificate on the same terms as a husband. Many family lawyers still recommend an adoption order on top of that, because a court judgment is harder to challenge than a birth certificate.
Religious agencies keep fighting for room. In Fulton v. City of Philadelphia (2021), the Court ruled unanimously that Philadelphia could not cut ties with Catholic Social Services over its refusal to certify same-sex foster couples. The ruling was narrow and tied to the city's contract, but it shows how often these disputes reach court.
The federal foster care placement rule is gone. In 2024, the Biden administration issued a rule requiring child welfare agencies to offer safe, affirming placements for LGBTQ youth. A federal court in Texas vacated it in June 2025, and the Department of Health and Human Services has since moved to remove it formally. No replacement has been announced, so state law matters more than ever.
Four main ways to adopt
Foster care adoption. Children in foster care whose parents' rights have ended are adopted through the state or county child welfare agency. Many are school-age children, teens or sibling groups. Costs are usually low, and many families qualify for monthly adoption assistance. Because public agencies run this route, it is often the most predictable option for LGBTQ applicants, even in states with religious exemptions.
Private domestic adoption. You work with a licensed agency or an adoption attorney, and expectant parents often choose the family. Wait times vary, and total costs commonly run from about $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Ask each agency in writing whether it works with LGBTQ clients before paying any fees.
International adoption. The child's birth country sets the rules, and many countries do not accept same-sex couples or openly LGBTQ single applicants. Costs often run $30,000 to $60,000. Check an agency's list of open countries and its record with LGBTQ clients before you start.
Stepparent, second-parent and confirmatory adoption. If your partner has a child, or you had a baby through a donor or surrogate, adoption can give both parents a legally secure bond with the child. Many LGBTQ families do this even when both parents are already on the birth certificate.
The adoption process, step by step
Pick your route. Decide between foster care, private domestic, international or stepparent adoption based on budget, timeline and the kind of child you hope to parent.
Choose an agency or attorney. Ask direct questions (see the checklist near the end of this guide). Look for agencies with LGBTQ clients and staff who will say so plainly.
Attend orientation and training. Foster and adoptive parents usually complete a pre-service course, often 10 to 30 hours depending on the state.
Complete a home study. A social worker interviews you, visits your home, checks references and runs background checks. They ask every applicant about relationships, finances, health and parenting plans. Be honest and specific.
Get matched. You may review profiles of waiting children, or expectant parents may review your family profile.
Welcome the child. After placement, a supervision period follows with visits from a social worker, typically around six months.
Finalize in court. A judge signs the adoption decree, and you receive a new birth certificate listing you as the legal parent. Keep certified copies in a safe place.
How to read the state entries
Each entry shows two things. Protections tells you whether state law, regulation or agency policy bars adoption discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or both. Religious exemption tells you whether the state lets licensed child welfare agencies decline families for religious reasons.
Two cautions. First, protections that come from agency policy can change faster than protections written into statute. Second, an exemption usually applies to private agencies, so you can often work with a different agency or the public system. Agency names also change, so check the state's current website.
State-by-state guide
Alabama
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes, for certain agencies.
Alabama has no law or policy that specifically bars adoption discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and a state law lets some faith-based child-placing agencies decline placements that conflict with their beliefs. Same-sex couples can still adopt. The V.L. v. E.L. case began in Alabama and now guarantees that your out-of-state adoption decree will be respected. Work with the Department of Human Resources or a private agency that confirms in writing that it serves LGBTQ families, and hire a local adoption attorney.
Alaska
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: No.
Alaska has no statewide rule that names LGBTQ applicants, but it also has no religious exemption for agencies and no ban on adoption by same-sex couples. Married couples adopt jointly. Unmarried partners should ask an attorney about the safest way to give both adults legal parentage. Foster care adoption runs through the Office of Children's Services.
Arizona
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Arizona appears on both lists. MAP counts it as having adoption protections, and it also lists Arizona among states that let some religious child welfare agencies decline LGBTQ families. Before you apply to any private agency, ask for its written policy. The Department of Child Safety handles foster care adoption.
Arkansas
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Arkansas has no explicit protections and allows religious agencies to decline. The state's history here is rocky. Voters passed a 2008 ballot measure that barred unmarried couples living together from adopting or fostering, and the Arkansas Supreme Court struck it down in 2011. Married same-sex couples can adopt jointly. Foster adoption goes through the Division of Children and Family Services.
California
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
California is one of the most protective states. Same-sex couples, single LGBTQ applicants and transgender parents are covered. You can adopt through county agencies, with oversight from the Department of Social Services, or through a large network of private agencies and attorneys. Couples who used a donor or surrogate can usually get a court judgment of parentage, and many lawyers suggest an adoption as well for extra security when traveling or moving.
Colorado
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Colorado bars adoption discrimination on both grounds and has no law letting agencies turn families away for religious reasons. Foster adoption is run by county human services departments under the state Department of Human Services. Colorado also has active LGBTQ family organizations that can point you to welcoming agencies and attorneys.
Connecticut
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Connecticut protects LGBTQ applicants and has no religious exemption for child welfare agencies. The Department of Children and Families handles foster care adoption, and private agencies are licensed by the state. Married couples adopt jointly, and unmarried couples can ask an attorney about second-parent adoption.
Delaware
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Delaware is a small state with a small adoption community, so agency choices are limited. State protections apply to both sexual orientation and gender identity. Public foster adoption is run by the Division of Family Services within the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.
District of Columbia
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Washington, DC has strong protections and no religious exemption. The Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) places children from foster care, and several private agencies work with LGBTQ clients. Many families in the DC area also adopt across the Maryland and Virginia lines, so check the rules of whichever jurisdiction your agency is licensed in.
Florida
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: No.
Florida once had a ban on adoption by gay people. Courts struck it down in 2010, and the legislature formally repealed it in 2015. Today the state has no explicit protections, but gay and lesbian adoption is lawful. Florida runs child welfare through private community-based care lead agencies working under the Department of Children and Families, so policies can differ from region to region. Ask your local lead agency about its experience with LGBTQ families.
Georgia
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: No.
Georgia neither protects nor bars LGBTQ adopters, and MAP lists no child welfare religious exemption in the state. Lawmakers have debated religious-liberty bills in past sessions, so check for updates. Foster adoption goes through the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Choose private agencies carefully and get their LGBTQ policy in writing.
Hawaii
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Hawaii protects LGBTQ adopters and has no religious exemption. The Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Services, runs foster care adoption. Because the state is geographically spread out, home studies and training may involve travel between islands, so ask your agency how it handles that.
Idaho
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Idaho has no explicit adoption protections and allows religious child welfare agencies to decline families. Public foster care adoption through the Department of Health and Welfare is the most reliable route for LGBTQ applicants. If you use a private agency, confirm its position in writing before paying fees.
Illinois
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Illinois has strong protections and a modern parentage law that recognizes same-sex parents. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) handles foster adoption, and Chicago has many LGBTQ-friendly agencies and adoption attorneys. Even with a strong parentage law, an adoption decree is still a good idea if you plan to travel or move.
Indiana
Protections: Sexual orientation only.
Religious exemption: Yes (new in 2026).
Indiana covers sexual orientation but not gender identity, so transgender and nonbinary applicants have fewer protections. In February 2026, HB 1389 made Indiana the 16th state with a religious exemption for child welfare agencies, according to MAP. The Department of Child Services runs foster adoption. If you are an LGBTQ applicant here, ask every private agency about its policy up front.
Iowa
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity (per MAP).
Religious exemption: No.
MAP lists Iowa as protecting both grounds in adoption. In 2025, however, Iowa removed gender identity from its civil rights law, so transgender applicants should ask the Department of Health and Human Services and any private agency exactly which protections still apply to them. Married same-sex couples can adopt jointly.
Kansas
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Kansas passed a law in 2018 that lets religious child placement agencies decline placements that conflict with their beliefs. There are no explicit protections for LGBTQ adopters. The Department for Children and Families runs foster care adoption, and that is the more dependable route. Married same-sex couples adopt jointly.
Kentucky
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity (per MAP).
Religious exemption: No.
MAP lists Kentucky as having adoption protections on both grounds and no child welfare religious exemption. Foster care adoption is handled through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Because policy-based protections are easier to change than laws, ask the agency to confirm its current rules when you start.
Louisiana
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: No.
Louisiana has no explicit LGBTQ protections in adoption, though it also has no religious exemption on MAP's list. In general, a single adult or a married couple can adopt, while unmarried couples usually cannot adopt jointly, so unmarried partners should speak with a Louisiana adoption attorney. The Department of Children and Family Services runs foster adoption.
Maine
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Maine protects LGBTQ adopters and has no religious exemption. The Office of Child and Family Services within the Department of Health and Human Services handles foster adoption. Maine is a rural state, so waiting times for training classes and home studies can depend on your county.
Maryland
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Maryland protects LGBTQ applicants and has no child welfare religious exemption. Foster adoption goes through local departments of social services under the Department of Human Services. The state has many private agencies, so ask for LGBTQ-specific experience when you compare them.
Massachusetts
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Massachusetts became the first state to issue same-sex marriage licenses in 2004 and has long welcomed LGBTQ adopters. The Department of Children and Families runs foster adoption, and there are many private agencies and attorneys with deep experience in LGBTQ family building.
Michigan
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: Yes, for certain agencies.
Michigan passed a law in 2015 letting faith-based agencies decline families. A legal settlement in 2019 (Dumont v. Lyon) stopped state-contracted agencies from turning away same-sex couples, and the state has since added sexual orientation and gender identity to its civil rights law. Foster adoption runs through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Still, ask any private agency to confirm in writing how it treats LGBTQ applicants.
Minnesota
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Minnesota bars adoption discrimination on both grounds and has no religious exemption. Foster adoption is overseen by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which took over many child welfare duties in 2024, and county agencies do the day-to-day work. The Twin Cities area has a large community of LGBTQ adoptive families.
Mississippi
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Mississippi once banned adoption by same-sex couples, and a federal court struck the ban down in 2016. The state also has a religious exemption that lets agencies decline families. Public foster adoption through the Department of Child Protection Services is usually the most dependable route for LGBTQ applicants. Hire a Mississippi adoption attorney early, especially for unmarried couples.
Missouri
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity (per MAP).
Religious exemption: No.
MAP lists Missouri as protecting LGBTQ adopters on both grounds, with no child welfare religious exemption. The Children's Division of the Department of Social Services runs foster care adoption. Ask private agencies for their written non-discrimination policy, since state law outside child welfare is less protective.
Montana
Protections: Sexual orientation only.
Religious exemption: No.
Montana covers sexual orientation in adoption but not gender identity, so transgender applicants should ask agencies directly about their policies. Foster adoption goes through the Child and Family Services Division. With long distances between towns, ask how home visits and training are scheduled.
Nebraska
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: No.
Nebraska has no explicit adoption protections and no child welfare religious exemption on MAP's list. Married couples adopt jointly, and single adults can adopt. Foster adoption goes through the Department of Health and Human Services. Because the state has few explicit rules, a local adoption attorney is especially useful for unmarried partners.
Nevada
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Nevada protects LGBTQ adopters and has no religious exemption. Foster adoption is handled through the Division of Child and Family Services and county agencies, including those in Clark and Washoe counties. Las Vegas and Reno both have private agencies and attorneys who work with same-sex couples.
New Hampshire
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
New Hampshire protects LGBTQ applicants and has no religious exemption for child welfare agencies. The Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) runs foster adoption. The state is small, so ask your agency early how long its home study and matching process usually takes.
New Jersey
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
New Jersey has strong protections and no religious exemption. The Department of Children and Families runs foster adoption, and the state has many private agencies and attorneys experienced with LGBTQ families. Families who used a surrogate or donor can also ask their attorney about parentage orders alongside adoption.
New Mexico
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
New Mexico protects LGBTQ adopters and has no child welfare religious exemption. The Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) handles foster adoption. Rural families should ask about travel for training, and tribal families should ask about the Indian Child Welfare Act, which applies to Native children in every state.
New York
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
New York offers strong protection for LGBTQ adoptive parents. Foster care adoption runs through local departments of social services under the Office of Children and Family Services, and New York City has many agencies and legal clinics focused on LGBTQ families. The Child-Parent Security Act, in effect since 2021, also created a clearer path to legal parentage for families using surrogacy or donors.
North Carolina
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity (per MAP).
Religious exemption: No.
MAP lists North Carolina as having adoption protections on both grounds. Foster adoption is run by county departments of social services under the state Department of Health and Human Services, so your experience can vary from county to county. Ask your county office and any private agency for their policies in writing.
North Dakota
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: Yes.
North Dakota is another state on both lists. It has protections on paper but also lets religious child-placing agencies decline to serve families when it conflicts with their beliefs. Public foster adoption through the Department of Health and Human Services is the most predictable route. With few agencies in the state, many families also look at agencies in Minnesota.
Ohio
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity (per MAP).
Religious exemption: No.
MAP lists Ohio as protecting LGBTQ adopters on both grounds. Foster adoption goes through county public children services agencies under the Department of Children and Youth, so county practices matter. Obergefell itself began with an Ohio couple, and married same-sex couples adopt jointly in the state.
Oklahoma
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Oklahoma signed a law in 2018 that lets private child-placing agencies decline placements that conflict with their religious beliefs. There are no explicit protections for LGBTQ applicants. The Department of Human Services runs foster adoption. If you work with a private agency, ask whether it is religiously affiliated and get its policy in writing.
Oregon
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Oregon protects LGBTQ adopters and has no religious exemption. The Department of Human Services runs foster adoption, and Portland has an active community of LGBTQ foster and adoptive parents. Oregon also has clear laws on parentage for families built through donors.
Pennsylvania
Protections: None explicit statewide.
Religious exemption: No.
Pennsylvania has no explicit statewide adoption protections, though local rules help in places like Philadelphia. The Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case began here, so religious agencies and the city have a recent history of conflict. Foster adoption goes through county children and youth agencies under the Department of Human Services. Choose your county and agency with care and ask for their LGBTQ policy up front.
Rhode Island
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Rhode Island protects LGBTQ adopters and has no religious exemption. The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) runs foster adoption. The state is small, which can mean shorter distances to training and court, and also fewer private agencies to compare.
South Carolina
Protections: Sexual orientation only.
Religious exemption: Yes.
South Carolina covers sexual orientation but not gender identity in adoption, and it allows faith-based child welfare agencies to decline families. Transgender applicants have fewer guarantees. The Department of Social Services runs foster adoption. Private agencies vary widely, so check each one's policy before applying.
South Dakota
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: Yes.
South Dakota passed SB 149 in 2017, which lets child-placing agencies make placement decisions based on their religious beliefs. MAP also lists the state as having adoption protections, so the two exist side by side. The Department of Social Services runs foster adoption. Ask private agencies for their policy in writing before paying fees.
Tennessee
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Tennessee's 2020 law lets private adoption and foster agencies keep receiving state funds even if they exclude families for religious reasons. MAP also lists adoption protections, so the picture is mixed. The Department of Children's Services runs public foster adoption, and several private agencies across Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville say they serve LGBTQ clients. Confirm before you apply.
Texas
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Texas passed HB 3859 in 2017, allowing child welfare providers to decline services on religious grounds, and it has no explicit protections for LGBTQ applicants. Same-sex couples still adopt every year, especially through public foster care run by the Department of Family and Protective Services. Texas has several large cities with LGBTQ-friendly private agencies and attorneys, so you have options if you do your homework.
Utah
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes, for certain agencies.
Utah allows only legally married couples or single individuals to adopt, so unmarried partners cannot adopt together. Married same-sex couples can. MAP also notes a religious exemption for certain child welfare agencies. The Division of Child and Family Services handles foster adoption. If you are unmarried, speak to a Utah attorney before you apply.
Vermont
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Vermont protects LGBTQ adopters and has no religious exemption. The Department for Children and Families, Family Services Division, runs foster adoption. The state has long recognized same-sex relationships, and its small adoption community tends to be familiar with LGBTQ families.
Virginia
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: Yes.
Virginia has no explicit adoption protections and lets private child-placing agencies decline families for religious reasons. The Department of Social Services oversees foster adoption through local departments. Northern Virginia families sometimes use agencies in DC or Maryland, where protections are stronger, but check which state's rules your home study falls under.
Washington
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Religious exemption: No.
Washington has strong protections and no religious exemption. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families runs foster adoption. Seattle and the Puget Sound area have many private agencies and lawyers with deep experience helping LGBTQ families.
West Virginia
Protections: Yes, sexual orientation and gender identity (per MAP).
Religious exemption: No.
MAP lists West Virginia as protecting adoption applicants on both grounds. Foster adoption goes through the state's human services department, and the state has many children waiting in foster care, so the system actively recruits families. Ask local staff how they work with LGBTQ applicants.
Wisconsin
Protections: None explicit for adoption (foster care covers sexual orientation).
Religious exemption: No.
Wisconsin has no explicit adoption protections, though MAP notes foster care rules that cover sexual orientation. Married same-sex couples can adopt jointly. The Department of Children and Families oversees adoption, and Milwaukee and Madison have the most LGBTQ-friendly agencies. For unmarried partners, ask an attorney about second-parent options.
Wyoming
Protections: None explicit.
Religious exemption: No.
Wyoming has no explicit adoption protections and no child welfare religious exemption. Married same-sex couples adopt jointly. The Department of Family Services runs foster adoption, and with so few agencies in the state, many families work with out-of-state agencies for private adoption.
Questions to ask any agency before you sign
Do you work with LGBTQ applicants, including single people, same-sex couples and transgender parents? Please send your policy in writing.
Have you completed home studies and placements for LGBTQ families in the last year or two?
Do your social workers and trainers receive LGBTQ-inclusive training?
Do you receive state or federal funds, and do you claim a religious exemption in this state?
What are your fees, and which are refundable if you decide not to proceed?
Can I speak with other LGBTQ families you have placed with?
If an agency avoids these questions, treat that as an answer.
A note for transgender, nonbinary and intersex applicants
Transgender and nonbinary applicants face more uncertainty because many state laws cover sexual orientation but not gender identity. Look first at the states that protect both. Wherever you live, ask the agency how it handles name and gender on legal documents, whether the social worker has experience with trans parents, and what happens if a caseworker is uncomfortable. Public foster care adoption is often a stronger starting point than a private agency with unclear rules. Intersex and asexual applicants are generally evaluated the same way as any other applicant, but explicit protections for these groups are rare, so keep copies of everything the agency tells you.
Money and support
Foster care adoption often costs little or nothing, and many children qualify for monthly adoption assistance and Medicaid coverage until adulthood.
The federal adoption tax credit can be worth more than $17,000 per child in recent years, and recent tax law changes made part of it refundable. Check current IRS rules or ask a tax professional.
Employer benefits such as adoption reimbursement and parental leave can help. Ask your HR department.
Grants and loans for private and international adoption are available through several nonprofits.
After the adoption
Get certified copies of the adoption decree and new birth certificate, and store them with your other key documents.
Use an adoption order even if you are on the birth certificate. A court judgment is the strongest proof of your parental rights if you travel, move or face a challenge later.
Update your paperwork: wills, health care proxies, life insurance, school and medical records, and guardianship nominations.
Plan for support. Connect with other LGBTQ adoptive and foster families through local groups and online networks.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single LGBTQ person adopt?
Yes. Every state allows single adults to adopt, and public agencies place many children with single parents.
Can unmarried same-sex couples adopt together?
It depends on the state. Many states allow it, but some, including Utah, require adopting couples to be married. If you are unmarried, ask a local attorney how both of you can be legal parents.
Can transgender people adopt?
Yes, in every state. How easy it depends on whether your state and agency protect gender identity, so research both.
Does Obergefell cover adoption?
Obergefell protects the right to marry, and married couples can petition to adopt jointly on the same terms as any other married couple. As of this update, it remains the law. Once an adoption is finalized, the decree stands on its own, which is why lawyers recommend securing one.
Will the agency ask about my sexuality?
Home studies explore your relationships, support network, finances and parenting plans for every applicant. You do not need to hide who you are, and a good agency will not treat your identity as a problem.
What if an agency turns me away?
Ask for the refusal in writing, then contact another agency or the state's public child welfare office. Legal groups such as Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights can advise you.
Resources
AdoptUSKids (adoptuskids.org): national photo listing of children waiting for families
Child Welfare Information Gateway (childwelfare.gov): state adoption laws and guides
Family Equality (familyequality.org): support and resources for LGBTQ parents
Human Rights Campaign, All Children - All Families (hrc.org): agency training and a list of welcoming agencies
National Center for Lesbian Rights (nclrights.org): legal help for LGBTQ families
Lambda Legal (lambdalegal.org): legal help for discrimination cases
Movement Advancement Project (mapresearch.org): current state-by-state maps of adoption and foster care laws
American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (adoptionart.org): attorney directory
Final word
Laws vary, but the pattern is clear. Where states protect LGBTQ adopters, the path is clearer. Where they do not, you can still adopt, but you need to ask more questions, get policies in writing and work with a local attorney. Thousands of children are waiting for homes, and LGBTQ parents are already raising many of them.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws and agency policies change, so confirm current rules with a licensed adoption attorney in your state before you start.
Comments