When Your Child Chooses Your Back
Voices of Adoption Show
42
minDec 15, 2024
You want to adopt.
We’ll show you how.
The choices stay yours.
Clear steps, honest costs, and a team beside you the whole way.
- Licensed nonprofit
- Clear, predictable costs
- With you after placement
Hear from some of our families who adopted here
Adoptive Family StoryThings work out the way they're supposed to.
Adoptive Family Story
We felt love for her before she was even born.
Adoptive Family Story
You just know when it's the right forever.
Adoptive Family StoryEven though we hadn't met until now, you start to feel connected.
Learn How to Adopt
Short video lessons from adoption experts, made for hopeful parents.
Lesson 1 18 minPreview
Available
What Adoption Costs & How to Pay
Understand every fee, explore grants, loans, and employer benefits that make adoption affordable.
Adoption Specialist
Lesson 2 22 minSign Up to Watch
Talk to a Birth Mom
Hear directly from birth mothers their journey, feelings, and what they wish adoptive parents knew.
Birth Mom Panel
Lesson 3 31 minSign Up to Watch
Create an Amazing Profile & Get Chosen
Step-by-step guide to crafting an irresistible adoptive family profile that attracts birth mothers.
Profile Expert
Lesson 4 22 minSign Up to Watch
Successful Open Adoptions: Parent Stories
Real adoptive parents share how they navigate open adoption relationships with grace and confidence.
Adoptive ParentsADOPTIVE ACADEMY
Your next lesson is a sign-up away.
Join 3,200+ adoptive families getting expert guidance delivered to their inbox.
Five steps to becoming a family
Click each step to explore what's involved. Every family moves at their own pace — we're with you through all of it.
Step 1 — Apply
Submit your application
Your journey begins with a straightforward online application. This helps us understand your family, your goals, and how we can best support you. Our team reviews every application personally — no automated filtering.
- Complete the online family application form
- Provide basic background and household information
- Share your adoption goals and preferences
- Our team reviews and responds within 2–3 business days
Step 2 — Approval
Home study & background check
Once approved, you'll complete a home study — a professional evaluation that confirms your family is ready to adopt. We guide you through every document, appointment, and requirement.
- Complete a licensed home study evaluation
- Gather required background check documents
- Prepare your home and family references
- Receive your home study approval letter
Step 3 — Matching
Create your profile & get matched
We create a beautiful family profile that birth mothers review when choosing an adoptive family. When a birth mother selects you, we connect you personally — with care and honesty.
- Work with our team to build your family profile
- Professional photo and personal letter guidance
- Birth mothers browse profiles at their own pace
- We notify you immediately when selected
Step 4 — Placement
Hospital plan & baby placement
When the baby arrives, our team coordinates every detail — from the hospital birth plan to the placement itself. You'll have a dedicated coordinator with you every step of the way.
- Create a detailed hospital plan together
- Be present at the hospital during birth
- Receive placement of your baby
- Begin the ICPC process if placing out of state
Step 5 — Post-Placement
Finalization & ongoing support
After placement, we continue to support your family through supervision visits, legal finalization, and long-term resources for your open adoption relationship.
- Complete required post-placement supervision visits
- Work with your attorney toward legal finalization
- Access ongoing counseling and support resources
- Begin your open adoption communication plan
Hoping to adopt?
Benefit 1
Benefit 2
Benefit 3
Benefit 4
Benefit 5
Benefit 6
Benefit 7
Benefit 8
We will guide you through the adoption process.
Matching, placement, and the care that follows. Here’s what working with us includes.
Benefit 1Personalized adoption matching
Benefit 2Transparent, predictable costs
Benefit 3Stable, ethical placements
Benefit 4A team that stays beside you
Benefit 530+ years experience
Benefit 6Adoption tax credit guidance
Benefit 7Licensed nonprofit
Benefit 8Continued post adoption support
From the moment that I saw [the adoptive family's] profile, I just knew that they were the family for me. All that mattered to me was that they were interested and invested in bringing home a baby. I can only imagine how much they loved [my son] before even meeting me.
The support doesn't end when the paperwork does
Support that stays with you, application to finalization
Heart to Heart Adoptions does its own social work. The same team completes your home study, walks you through matching, and stays with your family through the post-placement visits and finalization.
Open adoption tools
Hearts Connect gives you a secure, monitored way to share photos and updates with your child’s birth family, as much as you both choose.
Support during the match
An adoptive family caseworker is assigned to you at the match, a private group opens in Our Hearts Connect, and updates continue until delivery.
Post-placement care
Visits, reports to the agency, and counseling continue after placement. The Post-Adoption Communication Agreement and Our Hearts Connect keep the relationship with the birth family going.
3–6 moSupervisory period after placement
2–3Required social worker visits, more as needed
support
Counseling that fits your family.
Licensed counselors help with adjustment, attachment, and the questions that come up as your child grows.
- Professional copywriting review
- Photo selection and layout
- Revisions until it's right
Legal guidance.
We coordinate with attorneys in your state to keep filings, finalization, and tax credit paperwork on track.
Learn about the legal process
1,977+Families guided through adoption by Heart to Heart since 2003.
Adoption Opportunities
Noire Adoption Caseest. service fees
Minnesota Birth Mom
$35k
Boy
Black /
Latinx Open
- Heterosexual couples
- No substance exposure
- Open adoption
Sunshine Adoption Caseest. service fees
New Born Baby Texas
$38k
Twins
African
American
Closed
- Heterosexual couples
- No substance exposure
- Closed adoption
Heartland Adoption Caseest. service fees
Florida Birth Mom
$42k
Girl
Caucasian /
Hispanic
Semi-Open
- Any couple welcome
- Limited exposure
- Semi-open adoption
Sunshine Adoption Caseest. service fees
Baby Boys Utah
$38k
Twins
African
American
Closed
- Heterosexual couples
- No substance exposure
- Closed adoption
Heartland Adoption Caseest. service fees
Florida Birth Mom
$42k
Girl
Caucasian /
Hispanic
Semi-Open
- Any couple welcome
- Limited exposure
- Semi-open adoption
Adoption is not for the faint of heart. But things work out the way they're supposed to, and you land where you're supposed to land. You just have to have faith.
Can I afford adoption? Here's the transparent math.
Real costs, real ways to pay, and the federal tax credit explained plainly so you can plan with confidence.
What does it cost to adopt a baby in the US? 7 strategies to help pay for it.
What adopting through Heart to Heart costs
Flat fee
Application Fee
you
know the cost before you adopt, and it does not change.
$2,000 · one time
Agency Fee · At Match
The
flat fee covers birth mother expenses, agency overhead, and
personnel. No add-ons.
$24,000
Agency Fee · Placement
Only legal and medical can
vary. Those are paid to outside providers.
$24,000
Legal & Court Costs
If
an adoption fails, most fees roll over or are refunded.
Placement Legal Included
Adoption is more affordable than you think
Federal Adoption Tax Credit
Key BenefitUp to $17,670 per child for adoptions finalized in 2026. Up to $5,120 of it is refundable, so you may receive it even if your tax bill is lower.
Employer Adoption Benefits
Ask HRAbout half of large employers offer adoption assistance. Ask HR before assuming you don’t have it. Many families are surprised to find they qualify.
Adoption Grants from Nonprofits
No repaymentDozens of nonprofits offer adoption grants, some worth $15,000 or more. Grants are not loans. Your coordinator can point you to the ones that fit your situation.
Adoption Loans & Payment Plans
Repay over timeSpecialty adoption lenders offer loans built for this exact purpose. Ask us about spreading costs over time.
State Adoption Tax Credits
Varies by stateSome states add their own credit or deduction on top of the federal one. We’ll help you check yours.
Military Adoption Reimbursement
$2,000 per childActive-duty families can get up to $2,000 per child back through the Department of Defense, up to $5,000 per year.
Adoption Crowdfunding
CommunityFamily, friends, and community can chip in through our adoption fundraising platform.
Two Ways To Get Your Questions Answered
Learn with other families in the weekly webinar, or talk one-on-one with a specialist.
Free How To Adopt Webinar
A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of how adoption works. Join once, or come back as new questions come up.
What You’ll Learn
- How the adoption process works, step by step
- Costs, realistic timelines, and what to expect
- Creating a profile expectant mothers connect with
Book A Free One-on-One Adoption Consultation
A private conversation about your specific situation, timeline, and next steps with a dedicated adoption specialist.
Confidential
100% private
No Obligation
Zero pressure
Expert Team
Avg 9+ yrs exp.
Jodi Grizzle
Adoption Specialist · 8 yrs exp.
"From the moment I saw their profile, I knew they were the family for me. It didn't matter what they looked like or their background. What mattered was that they were ready to love him."
Meet your adoption specialists
Licensed professionals who've walked beside a thousand families, and who'll know yours by name.
Adoptions Stories
Every placement is a story of love, choice, and connection.
April
28,
2026
A Sweet Baby Girl
Elizabeth's family grew by one tiny, perfect person. A courageous birth mother's loving choice created this beautiful new beginning for everyone.
April
28, 2026
Amanda & Rob's Baby Boy
Amanda and Rob's hearts and home are full with their adorable new baby boy.
April
28, 2026
Eric & Ashley in Utah
A journey of patience and faith that led to a day they'll never forget.
April
28, 2026
Brett & Emily's Second Child
Brett and Emily trusted us again, and their family grew even more beautifully.
April
28, 2026
Chris & Maria's Baby Boy
Two families forever connected through one loving birth mother's choice.
April
28,
2026
A Sweet Baby Girl
Elizabeth's family grew by one tiny, perfect person. A courageous birth mother's loving choice created this beautiful new beginning for everyone.
April
28, 2026
Amanda & Rob's Baby Boy
Amanda and Rob's hearts and home are full with their adorable new baby boy.
April
28, 2026
Eric & Ashley in Utah
A journey of patience and faith that led to a day they'll never forget.
April
28, 2026
Brett & Emily's Second Child
Brett and Emily trusted us again, and their family grew even more beautifully.
April
28, 2026
Chris & Maria's Baby Boy
Two families forever connected through one loving birth mother's choice.
April
28,
2026
A Sweet Baby Girl
Elizabeth's family grew by one tiny, perfect person. A courageous birth mother's loving choice created this beautiful new beginning for everyone.
April
28, 2026
Amanda & Rob's Baby Boy
Amanda and Rob's hearts and home are full with their adorable new baby boy.
April
28, 2026
Eric & Ashley in Utah
A journey of patience and faith that led to a day they'll never forget.
April
28, 2026
Brett & Emily's Second Child
Brett and Emily trusted us again, and their family grew even more beautifully.
April
28, 2026
Chris & Maria's Baby Boy
Two families forever connected through one loving birth mother's choice.
Adoptive Parents Frequently Asked Questions
Birth mothers review family profiles and choose the home that
fits what they want for their baby. We help you create a
profile that tells your story well. When a birth mother picks
you, we guide both sides through the next steps.
A home study reviews your background, finances, health, and
home safety. A licensed social worker visits, checks
references, and runs background checks. We guide you through
each document so nothing catches you off guard.
Honest photos and a warm, real story do the most work. Show
your daily life, your values, and what excites you about
becoming parents. We help you shape it so birth mothers see
who you are.
Yes. Single parents can adopt. We help you build a profile
that shows birth mothers the loving home you offer.
You get help with the legal steps to finalize the adoption. We
also connect you with counseling and parent resources for the
months that follow. Support continues after your baby comes
home.
Costs depend on your situation and the services you need. They
can cover the home study, legal fees, and birth mother
support. We give you a clear breakdown up front so you can
plan ahead.
Still have questions?
Our compassionate team is available around the clock to support you.
How We Can Help You
HOW WE CAN HELP
YOU
2:34
SEE OUR HEART IN ACTIONSee what adoption can look like for you
Ready to start your adoption journey? Begin here.
Adoptive Parent Plan
How open do you picture staying with the birth family?
No contact
Letters & photos
Calls & updates
Visits
1How open do you picture staying with the birth family?
2Pick the one closest to where your thinking is right now:
3What age are you hoping for?
4What matters most to you right now?
5Where are you right now?
Here's what your plan could look like
You picture staying open through letters and photos with the birth family. You're hoping to adopt an infant under 1 and a toddler or young child. It sounds like you're just exploring.
This is a starting point, not a commitment. You can change any of it as you learn more, and our team can walk you through the parts that feel unclear.
Real adoption stories
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