Adoption Process in Alaska
If you're considering adoption in Alaska, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect when working with Alaska Adoption Services.
If you're facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be wondering what the adoption process in Alaska actually looks like. The truth is, there's no single path. Every expectant parent has different circumstances, concerns, and goals. At Alaska Adoption Services, our role isn't to pressure you into choosing adoption. It's to provide education, resources, and compassionate support so you can make the decision that's right for you. As Alaska's only licensed domestic infant adoption agency, we work with expectant parents throughout the state, from Anchorage to remote villages, helping them explore all of their options while creating an adoption plan that reflects their wishes.
Step 1: Reach Out for Free, Confidential Support
The first step is simply contacting us. Whether you're just finding out you're pregnant, already parenting other children, or preparing to deliver soon, you can reach out whenever you feel ready. Your conversation is confidential, and there is never any obligation to choose adoption. We'll spend time learning about your situation, answering your questions, and helping you understand all of your pregnancy options, not just adoption.
Step 2: Explore Your Options
Choosing adoption should never feel rushed. We'll talk through your support system, your goals, your financial situation, housing, medical care, and the resources available to help you if you decide to parent. If parenting is the best choice for you, we'll do everything we can to connect you with services that support your family. If adoption feels like the right path, we'll explain exactly how the process works so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Step 3: Create Your Adoption Plan
If you choose adoption, you'll create an adoption plan that's completely centered around you. We often tell expectant parents, "You're running the train." This is your plan, your baby, and your decision. You'll decide things like:
The type of adoptive family you'd like to choose
Your preferences for the hospital experience
How much contact you'd like before and after placement
The level of openness you want after your baby is born
Your plan isn't permanent. It can evolve as your feelings or circumstances change. Learn more about creating an adoption plan here.
Step 4: Choose an Adoptive Family
Unlike many national agencies, Alaska Adoption Services already has approved, home study-certified families waiting to adopt. You'll have the opportunity to learn about families and choose the one that feels right for you. Many expectant parents appreciate knowing their child can remain connected to Alaska, their culture, and their community whenever possible. If you're Alaska Native, we'll also discuss cultural considerations and explain how the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) may apply to your situation.
Step 5: Receive Support Throughout Your Pregnancy
You're never expected to go through your pregnancy alone. Our team continues supporting you throughout the process by helping connect you with resources that may include:
Pregnancy support Counseling referrals
Medicaid guidance
Community resources
Behavioral health services when appropriate
Ongoing emotional support
Our goal is to make sure you feel heard, respected, and cared for every step of the way
Step 6: Your Hospital Plan
As your due date approaches, we'll help you create a hospital plan based on your wishes. You decide who is present during labor and delivery, when the adoptive family becomes involved, and how you would like those first moments with your baby to unfold. There is no "right" way to do this. Every hospital experience is different because every family is different.
Step 7: Placement and Open Adoption
After your baby is born and all legal requirements are met, you'll make the final decision about moving forward with your adoption plan. Alaska Adoption Services believes in open adoption because children benefit from understanding their story and maintaining healthy connections whenever possible. Open adoption doesn't mean co-parenting or constant visits. Instead, you and the adoptive family decide together what communication looks like. It may include photos, letters, emails, phone calls, or occasional visits, depending on everyone's comfort level.
Step 8: Continued Support After Placement
Your adoption journey doesn't end after placement. Healing takes time, and we're committed to supporting you long after the legal process is complete. We can connect you with post-placement counseling, provide ongoing support, and remain a resource whenever you need us. Many of the families and expectant parents we work with stay connected with us for years because relationships matter here.
Whether you're considering adoption, parenting, or simply looking for someone to talk to, Alaska Adoption Services is here to help. We'll provide honest information, compassionate guidance, and unwavering support so you can make the decision that's best for you and your baby. No pressure. No judgment. Just people who care.