Agency, Law Center, or Facilitator?

If you’re considering adoption, one of your first — and most important — decisions is choosing who will guide you through the process.

You might be searching for “adoption agencies near me,” but there’s more than one kind of professional that can help you adopt. In fact, understanding the differences between adoption agencies, adoption law centers, and facilitators can help you make the choice that’s best for your family.

Let’s walk through your options, the key differences between them, and what to look for in a reputable, ethical adoption professional.

Types of Adoption Professionals

1. Licensed Adoption Agencies

Adoption agencies are typically nonprofit or private organizations licensed by the state to provide adoption-related services.

They often offer:

• Home studies and background checks
• Birth parent matching and outreach
• Counseling and education
• Post-placement support

Agencies are regulated by state authorities and may operate locally, regionally, or nationwide.

2. Adoption Law Centers (Like ANLC)

Adoption law centers operate under the guidance of licensed attorneys and provide legal and facilitative adoption services.

At Adoption Network Law Center (ANLC):

• We are a California law corporation, not a licensed adoption agency
• Our services are supervised by a licensed attorney
• We focus on presenting adoption opportunities to hopeful families nationwide
• We provide legal guidance, matching support, and birth mother advocacy

Law centers are ideal for families who want direct access to legal professionals throughout their journey and prefer a structure that combines legal, marketing, and placement support.

3. Adoption Facilitators

Facilitators act as independent entities that connect adoptive families with expectant mothers but are not licensed to provide legal services or conduct home studies. Many states have restricted or outlawed facilitators due to a lack of regulation and oversight.

Important: Always verify a facilitator’s legal standing in your state before engaging their services.

What Should You Look for in an Adoption Professional?

When choosing who to work with, ask these critical questions:

• Are they licensed or regulated in any way?
• Do they offer legal guidance, or will you need to hire an attorney separately?
• Can they show a track record of successful placements?
• Do they work with birth mothers nationwide?
• Will you have access to a dedicated team throughout the process?

Why Many Families Choose ANLC

Adoption Network Law Center provides a unique approach to domestic adoption by combining:

• Legal supervision from a licensed attorney
• Nationwide outreach and birth mother advocacy
• Full-service support, from profile creation to adoption opportunity presentation
• Transparent fees and fast turnaround times

With over 6,000 successful placements and more than 30 years of experience, ANLC is one of the most reviewed and recognized adoption law centers in the country — offering families clarity, access, and support every step of the way.

Key Adoption Agency Considerations

Whether you choose to work with a licensed agency, a law center like ANLC, or another professional, the most important thing is to feel informed, supported, and protected.

Take your time. Ask questions. And don’t be afraid to explore your options.