Private vs. Public Adoption

What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You

If you’re exploring the path to adoption, one of the most important choices you’ll make early on is whether to pursue a private adoption or a public (foster care) adoption.

These two paths are very different in terms of timeline, cost, legal structure, and the level of control you have throughout the process.

Here’s a breakdown of what each option offers — and how to decide what’s best for your family.

What Is Public Adoption?

Public adoption typically refers to adopting a child from the foster care system. These children have been removed from their birth families due to neglect, abuse, or unsafe living conditions.

Key traits of public adoption:

Run by state and county child welfare agencies
Often involves children ages 3+ or sibling groups
Many children have experienced trauma or special needs
Home study and licensing are typically free
Costs are minimal or reimbursed
Timeline and placement are less predictable

Public adoption can be a meaningful path for families who are open to older children, waiting for legal clearance to adopt, and comfortable navigating the state system.

What Is Private Adoption?

Private adoption refers to the voluntary placement of a child (typically a newborn) by a birth mother through an adoption professional — such as a licensed agency, an adoption law center, or a private attorney.

At Adoption Network Law Center (ANLC), we facilitate private domestic adoptions nationwide under the supervision of a licensed attorney. ANLC is not a licensed agency, but a California law corporation that provides legal and adoption services to families and expectant mothers.

Key traits of private adoption:

Often involves infant adoption at birth
You can be presented to expectant mothers early in their pregnancy
You may have direct communication with the birth mother
You can choose open, semi-open, or closed adoption
Services are provided by a licensed agency or adoption law center
Typically more expensive than foster care adoption
Timelines can be faster depending on flexibility and exposure

Which Path Is Right for You?

Here’s how private and public adoption compare:

Feature	Public Adoption (Foster Care)	Private Adoption
Child’s Age	Usually 3+ or sibling groups	Usually newborn or infant
Cost	Low to none	$40,000–$60,000 (on average)
Timeline	Unpredictable; can take years	Often 6–24 months, depending on profile
Legal Risk	May involve reunification attempts	Birth mother voluntarily chooses plan
Level of Control	Limited	High — you choose preferences
Birth Parent Relationship	Often unknown or court-ordered	Chosen by you and the birth mother
Support Team	State-assigned social workers	Agency, attorney, or adoption law team

Why Families Choose Private Adoption With ANLC

Private adoption through a law center like ANLC offers:

Personalized adoption opportunity presentations
Nationwide access to birth mothers
A legal team that protects your rights from day one
Clear timelines, education, and guidance
A more proactive and direct process compared to state systems

ANLC is a licensed California law center, operating under attorney supervision and focusing exclusively on adoption — helping over 6,000 families build their families through private domestic adoption.

Key Adoption Agency Considerations

Whether you feel called to adopt through foster care or are seeking the infant adoption experience of private adoption, both paths are valid — and life-changing.

Make sure to evaluate your priorities, timeline, and resources before deciding which route fits your journey