If you live anywhere in Minnesota or in northwestern Wisconsin, HOPE can help you adopt!

The process begins with a phone call to HOPE to request a packet of information, or if you prefer, fill out our online request form. We'll try to answer your questions on the phone or by email, and we’ll send you a packet of information about HOPE. The packet will include a list of upcoming meetings.

If you're thinking about a United States adoption, you'll find out more by attending either one of our general informational meetings or one of our specialized waiting child orientation meetings. Attending a meeting doesn't mean you have to apply. It's just a chance to find out more about our agency and help you decide whether you feel comfortable with us. The meetings usually last one and a half to two hours and are held either at HOPE or another designated location. You'll hear an overview of the adoption process, have an opportunity to ask questions in an informal atmosphere and take home our Request for Services (application form) in case you decide to apply.

If you're thinking about an international adoption, you'll learn more by attending a general informational meeting. HOPE has helped people adopt children from 48 different countries through a variety of agencies and contacts.

If you're undecided, that's OK! We suggest you attend one of our general informational meetings or one of our specialized waiting child orientation meetings to explore which type of adoption may be right for you.

For all adoptions, the steps are:

1. Attend an appropriate informational or orientation meeting
2. Apply with HOPE
3. Participate in pre-adoption workshops and training
4. Gather and complete the documents and forms required for your situation
5. Participate in interviews with a social worker for the adoptive home study
6. Distribute the completed adoptive home study to those entities that require it
7. Wait for assignment of a particular child, or locate a child who needs a family
8. Complete child-related documentation
9. Welcome your child home!
10. Participate in post-placement visits
11. Finalize the adoption in court if required
12. CELEBRATE!

Remember, at HOPE there is no waiting list. You can start right away. If you’re already connected with a particular child, you can apply under a “rush” status. We’ll expedite the process as much as we can so you may bring your child home as soon as possible!