Adoption Agencies, Information and Resources in Nebraska

Start your research with this quick-reference, and confirm any updates with your local representation.
More in depth information is provided on our Adoption Laws By State page.

Our use of the terms “putting up” or “giving up” does not reflect how we feel about adoptive placement. These terms remain the most widely used search terms for those who are considering adoption for their baby, and we wish to reach all who seek this important information.

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Lincoln

How to Adopt in Nebraska

Whether you are looking to adopt, looking to place your child for adoption, or searching for information about home studies and where to begin the process, the following information will be your guide to all things adoption in Nebraska.

Take a look at some of the families seeking adoption opportunities near you.

What you need to know about adopting a baby in Nebraska

To get started on your adoption journey, it is important to understand some of the fundamental aspects and frequently asked question about the process. Here are a few things to know when considering adoption in Nebraska.

What are the laws and requirements for adopting a baby in Nebraska?

To adopt a child in Nebraska, you be at least 19 years old, be physically and mentally able to care for a child, and have financial means to support a child.

How much does it cost to adopt a baby in Nebraska?

Expenses related to adoption in Nebraska range widely depending on the type of adoption you decide to pursue. Are you looking to adopt internationally or domestically? Through a private agency or the foster care system? Depending on what you decide, Adoptive Parents may be asked to cover Birth Mother expenses such as:

• Medical costs of the Birth Mother and child
• Travel expenses
• Counseling services
• Rent
• Legal representation
• Fees from an adoption agency

How do you become a foster parent in Nebraska?

To become a Foster Parent in Nebraska, you must obtain a foster license and go through a training process called TIPS-MAPP. During the TIPS-MAPP training, Potential Foster Parents will learn more about the foster care system, prepare for issues that may arise as the child gets older, and be given guidelines on how to care for the child.

You will also need to go through the home study process where a social worker or licensed adoption agency worker will assess your readiness to be a parent and ensure your home will be a safe environment for the child.

Can you finalize an international adoption in Nebraska?

Once a child from a foreign country has been adopted into a Nebraska home, they are able to receive a U.S. birth certificate. To do so, the Adoptive Family must submit their proof of adoption and the child’s foreign birth certificate in court. If it is approved, the child will receive their new birth certificate indicating their name, date of birth, sex, probable place of birth, and Adoptive Parent information.

What is a facilitator and is it legal to use their services for adoption in Nebraska?

An adoption facilitator specializes in matching prospective Adoptive Families with expectant mothers; however, they are usually unlicensed and unregulated.

In Nebraska, only licensed agencies, professionals or the department may take part in advertising, matching, and placing a child during the adoption process. Using the services of unlicensed facilitators are not permitted.

Click here to read about the difference between adoption agencies, attorneys, and facilitators.

What you need to know about placing your baby for adoption in Nebraska

If you are considering placing your child for adoption, understanding how the adoption process works as well as knowing your rights may relieve some of your worry. Here are a few things to know when considering adoption for your child in Nebraska.

Who must consent to an adoption in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, consent to adoption must be given by the following:

• The Birth Parents, if living
• The Birth Mother of the child born out of wedlock
• Any court or adoption agency having custody of the child
• The adoptee if they are at least 14 years old

The Birth Father of a child born out of wedlock may or may not be required to give consent to adoption.

For more information about adoption consent in Nebraska, click here

When is consent not necessary for adoption in Nebraska?

Consent to adoption in Nebraska is not required by a parent if:

• They are incapable of giving consent
• They have relinquished the child in writing
• They abandoned the child at least 6 months before filing for adoption
• The court has terminated their parental rights

How and when can Birth Parents consent to adoption in Nebraska?

For consent to be valid, it must be signed before an authorized officer and at least one other witness. It cannot be given until 48 hours after the child’s birth.

What rights do Birth Fathers have in the adoption process in Nebraska?

Nebraska has established a putative father registry to give unmarried men the right to receive notice of adoption proceedings involving a child they may have fathered. A putative father is a man who claims to be a child’s father, but was not married to the child’s mother at the time of birth and has no legal relationship to the child.

For more information about Birth Father rights in Nebraska, click here.

Home study and Post Placement Requirements in Nebraska

Prospective Adoptive Parents in Nebraska are required to complete a home study before beginning the adoption process and a postplacement assessment after the adoption takes place. Both will assess your ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child you wish to adopt.

What is a home study and what happens during the process?

The home study is a critical component to the adoption process. While it is to ensure your home will provide a child with stability, safety, and support, it is also a resource for Prospective Adoptive Parents to asks questions and prepare for the adoption. A home study also helps the social worker determine the types of adoptions that are appropriate for a family.

During a home study in Nebraska, you should expect:

• Home visits
• Interviews with all members living in the home
• Criminal background checks
• Medical records and history of family members
• 3 positive references
• A self-assessment from the Prospective Parents
• Background checks with the Adult Protective Services Central Registry and the Central Register of Child Protection Cases

To learn more about the home study process in Nebraska, click here.

Who oversees a home study in Nebraska and who is included in it?

A home study in Nebraska must be conducted by a licensed child-placing agency or the Department of Health and Human Services. Anyone living in the home will be investigated during the study, including the Prospective Adoptive Parents and children.

Why would my home study not be approved in Nebraska?

A home study in Nebraska may not be approved if a Prospective Parent receives a negative medical report indicating they are not able to properly care for the child based on their condition. Conviction of certain crimes, such as crimes against a child or sexual assault are also grounds for disapproval.

Is a home study different for stepparent or relative adoptions in Nebraska?

If the Adoptive Parent is the stepparent of the child, no home study process will be required in Nebraska adoptions.

What are the requirements for adopting a baby from another state?

Whether the adoptee is from Nebraska and being placed out of state, or the adoptee is from out of state and is being placed in Nebraska:

• A home study must be completed
• An approval to place the child must be given from the Interstate Compact Administrators from both States

What is a post placement requirement and what happens during the process?

Before the adoption has been finalized, a post placement assessment will take place to ensure the transition into adoption is going well and that the Adoptive Family’s circumstances have not child to no longer fit the child’s best interest.

A minimum of 6 months of supervision is required before the adoption finalization, unless the child has special needs. In that case, the post placement supervision will last 1 year.

During the process, Adoptive Families should expect:

• Regular family contact
• In-home visits with the parents
• Visits with the child individually, if they are old enough
• Contact with any other person living in the home
• An assessment of the family’s progress
• Help ensuring the integration of the child into the Adoptive Home

What are the requirements for a Foster to Adopt placement in Nebraska?

Foster Parents who wish to adopt a child in their care are exempt from the home study requirements, but they must go through the postplacement study process.

Nebraska Adoption Agencies and Professionals

Nebraska is home to some amazing adoption professionals who are ready to get your journey started. Whether you are interested in adopting a child or seeking resources to place your child for adoption, these professionals will guide you through the legal pathways and offer you support throughout your journey:

Nebraska Family Collaborative402-492-2500

Holt International1-800-355-4658

Lutheran Family Services402-342-7028

Things to do in Nebraska

If you find yourself in Nebraska while waiting for your adoption process to be finalized, spend some of your free time visiting the states most popular sites and attractions:

Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha

Museum of American Speed in Lincoln

Memorial Stadium in Omaha

Carhenge in Alliance

Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering

A note from Adoption Network Law Center

No matter your decision, we appreciate the time you have taken to read about how to adopt in Nebraska. Adoption Network Law Center wishes you the best of luck and is available to answer any further questions you may have about the adoption process. Call 1-866-602-9541 to speak with one of our amazing team members or visit https://adoptionnetwork.com/ to read more about our services. Whether you’re a soon-to-be Birth Parent or Prospective Adoptive Parent, ANLC wishes you the best on your adoption journey.