International Adoption — Oregon & Washington
Global possibilities, local support: What you need to know and where to turn
Adopting a child from another country can be a powerful way to build your family, and for many families in Oregon and Washington, it offers the chance to welcome a child whose native culture becomes part of your journey. At the same time, intercountry adoption involves unique requirements, paperwork, travel, cultural and legal considerations—and having trusted resources makes all the difference. Below you’ll find an overview of what to expect, plus trusted agencies, support services and regional guidance for families in the Pacific Northwest.
What is International (Intercountry) Adoption?
International adoption—also called intercountry adoption—refers to adopting a child from another country and bringing them into the U.S. to become a full part of your family. Unlike domestic adoption (within the United States), international adoption involves the laws and processes of both the sending country and U.S. federal regulations (such as those governed by Hague Adoption Convention when applicable). American Adoptions+1
Key Considerations & Questions to Ask
Before you begin your international adoption journey in Oregon or Washington, here are important questions and topics to discuss:
- Is the country you’re choosing Hague-accredited, or if not, what are the implications?
- What are the total costs (agency fees, travel, legal, immigration)?
- What is the agency’s track record with that country (referral speed, delays, number of children served)?
- What will the timelines roughly look like (matching, travel, visa)?
- How does the child’s culture, language or background factor into your family’s support plan?
- What are the state-specific finalization or re-adoption laws for Oregon or Washington?
- What post-adoption services (medical, trauma-informed care, language/culture support) does the agency or your region offer?
- Are you prepared to parent across culture and possibly language, to support identity, and to connect with other internationally-adoptive families?
Regional Agencies & Resources
Agencies
- Holt International Children’s Services – Based in Eugene, OR, with a West Coast branch serving Oregon & Washington. Offers international adoption programs, homestudy services and post-adoption support. Holt International
- Agape Adoptions – A Washington-based, Hague-accredited agency serving families in WA and OR; offers homestudy and post-placement services, international programs including countries such as Ghana, Uganda, Romania, India and more. Agape Adoptions
Support
- Adoption Lawyers Serving OR & WA – For the legal side of international adoption (immigration, finalization, re-adoption), firms like Gevurtz Menashe provide expertise in both Oregon and Washington. Gevurtz Menashe
- State Department of Human Services (Oregon) – The state’s official adoption/guardianship page includes links to non-departmental and international adoption resources. Oregon
Resources
- InternationalAdoptionHelp.com – A broadly helpful directory of international adoption support organizations, legal info, country profiles and post-adoption services. International Adoption Help
- Families Rising – Provides information about adoption subsidy issues and financial support matters (though for OR/WA you may need to check specific state policy). Families Rising