Pathways to Adoption in New Jersey

Exploring your options as a prospective adoptive family

Starting Your Journey

Beginning the adoption process can feel overwhelming and confusing. As a New Jersey resident, there are several adoption paths available to you. Whether you’re looking to adopt an older child from foster care, privately adopt an infant, or explore international adoption, understanding your options is the first step.

Public Foster Care Adoption (In-State)

Adopting through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families is the state’s public adoption option. This path connects families with children in foster care who are legally free for adoption.

What to Expect:

• Complete a home study and attend state-sponsored trainings
• Access information about waiting children (not all are listed publicly) and coordinate directly with state workers throughout the process

In most counties, New Jersey currently seeks adoptive families for:

• Children with complex behavioral, developmental, or medical needs
• Teenagers (ages 13–17)
• Large sibling groups (typically 4 or more children)

Out-of-State Foster Care Adoption

Families in New Jersey can also adopt from foster care systems in other U.S. states. This is another path for those open to adopting older children or children with special needs.

What to Expect:

• Work with a licensed private agency in New Jersey that specializes in older child adoption and provides advocacy and assists navigating cross-state logistics

Private Domestic Infant Adoption

Private adoption allows families to adopt an infant, often through an agency or attorney. This route emphasizes building connections with expectant parents considering adoption.

What to Expect:

• Complete a home study through a licensed New Jersey agency
• Learn about open adoption
• Match with expectant parents via an agency or attorney

International Adoption

International adoption involves adopting a child from another country and bringing them to the U.S. to live permanently. Some countries, like the US, have signed the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and adhere to strict ethical regulations to prevent the abduction, sale of, or trafficking of children. The Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act requires adoption services providers assisting families with intercountry adoption through non-Hague countries, to follow similar ethical practices.

What to Expect:

• You may have two agencies that help you in this journey
• You will need an accredited or approved agency that works with the child’s country’s central authority for adoption. This agency can be located anywhere in the United States
• You will then need to complete an international home study through a licensed NJ agency
• Your agency or agencies will help you navigate the immigration and legal processes and adhere to ethical standards

You’re Not Alone

Adoption is a significant decision and a lifelong process. Every adoption journey is different. Take time to explore your options and choose the path that’s right for your family. When in doubt, reach out—support is available every step of the way. You never have to walk this journey alone. Email NJ ARCH at warmline@njarch.org or call us at 877-4ARCHNJ