Adoption Hotspots: Study Reveals The U.S. States Leading the Way in Family Building

Key Findings:

• Most recent government data reveals the top states with the highest adoption numbers in 2022
• California, Texas, and Florida emerge as the frontrunners, benefiting from strong support systems and streamlined adoption processes
• Legal expert highlights how supportive policies, economic stability, and community engagement create successful adoption environments

Each year, thousands of children find forever homes through adoption across America, yet the landscape varies dramatically from state to state. Behind these numbers lie complex stories of policy choices, economic factors, and community support systems that either facilitate or hinder the adoption process.

“Adoption numbers, static or fluctuating, are indicative of all kinds of underlying factors, from higher state funding to rising costs of living to legal changes in the adoption process,” says Kira Abernathy, the lead attorney at Your Law Firm, a firm dedicated to providing people-first legal services.

Kira and the team at Your Law Firm have conducted a study to pinpoint the states with the most adoptions, exploring how factors like streamlined adoption processes, lower costs of living, and community support can drive adoption rates.

The study

Your Law Firm conducted a comprehensive analysis of adoption trends across the United States over a ten-year span (2013-2022). The study focused on adoptions facilitated through the foster care system and intercountry adoptions, using data from the U.S. Department of State's Intercountry Adoption Statistics and foster care adoption figures from the Administration for Children and Families.

States were ranked based on total adoption numbers in 2022. 

TABLE: TOP 10 STATES WITH THE MOST ADOPTIONS

The Top 3 States

1. California - 5,998

California leads the nation in adoptions, and while its high population naturally plays a role, the state’s commitment to child welfare is a driving force behind its adoption numbers. With extensive funding for foster care and post-adoption services, California provides strong financial and emotional support for adoptive families. 

The state is also known for its progressive adoption policies, welcoming a diverse range of prospective parents, including single individuals and LGBTQ+ couples. 

Despite its high cost of living, California’s emphasis on inclusion, resources, and advocacy creates an environment where adoption is accessible and encouraged.

2. Texas - 4,475

Texas follows closely behind in second place, a statistic that reflects more than just its large population. The state has built a strong infrastructure for adoption, with numerous agencies and foster care programs dedicated to finding permanent homes for children. 

Texas also stands out for its relatively affordable cost of living, which can make the financial aspect of adoption less daunting for families. 

Beyond practicality, Texas has a deeply rooted culture of family and community support, which may encourage more people to open their homes to children in need.

“The combined strength of extensive adoption networks, lower living costs, and a strong community support system creates a framework that effectively and unsurprisingly drives high adoption rates,” says Kira. 

3. Florida - 3,988

Florida, ranking third, has carved out a reputation as one of the most adoption-friendly states in the country. The state offers significant financial incentives, particularly for foster care adoptions, helping to ease the transition for families willing to provide a permanent home. 

Florida also works to streamline the adoption process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles that often slow things down in other states. 

With a strong emphasis on adoption awareness campaigns and community engagement, Florida fosters a culture where adoption is not only supported but celebrated.

“Florida’s streamlined adoption procedures, reinforced by targeted financial incentives and proactive community engagement, demonstrate a focused approach to reducing barriers and expediting permanent family placement,” says Kira. 

Kira Abernathy, Lead Attorney at Your Law Firm, commented:

“Over the past decade, states like California, Texas, and Florida have become beacons of success in family building, showcasing how proactive policies, economic stability, and vibrant community engagement can transform the adoption process for the better. 

“In these regions, streamlined procedures and targeted support have paved the way for countless children to find permanent, loving homes, setting a powerful example for what is possible when communities actively support the adoption process. As we celebrate these adoption hotspots, the challenge ahead is to extend this model nationwide, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and stable environment.”

Further study insights: 

• The data also reveals that Delaware, New York, and Maryland have seen 10-year decreases in adoption numbers of -56.06%, -47.84%, and -46.36%, respectively. 

The full study can be viewed upon request.

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Credit

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About Your Law Firm

Your Law Firm, established in 2014 by Attorney Kira Lin Abernathy, is dedicated to providing people-first legal services. Originally known as Attorney KLA, the firm rebranded in 2023 to better reflect its commitment to client-centered representation. Specializing in criminal defense, family law, and traffic-related cases, Your Law Firm strives to empower clients by offering tailored legal assistance that addresses their unique needs and goals. The team, led by Attorney Abernathy, emphasizes creating positive outcomes and ensuring clients feel supported throughout the legal process. With plans to expand both its team and areas of practice, Your Law Firm remains steadfast in its mission to serve clients with dedication and integrity. 

Methodology

Your Law Firm conducted a comprehensive analysis of adoption trends across the United States over a ten-year period (2013-2022). The study combined data from two primary sources: intercountry adoption statistics from the U.S. Department of State and foster care adoption figures from the Administration for Children and Families.

The analysis specifically focused on documented adoptions through the foster care system and international adoption channels. Private domestic adoptions arranged through agencies or attorneys were not included in this dataset, as comprehensive reporting systems for these adoptions vary significantly by state.

To measure changes over time, we calculated the percentage decrease in adoptions from 2013 to 2022 for each state using the formula: ((Adoptions 2022 - Adoptions 2013)/Adoptions 2013) × 100. States were then ranked based on these percentage changes to identify those with the steepest declines.

For the secondary ranking of states with the highest number of adoptions in 2022, we used raw adoption totals from the most recent year of available data.

This methodology provides a data-driven approach to understanding how adoption patterns have shifted over the past decade, highlighting both regional disparities and the potential impacts of changing policies and economic factors on adoption accessibility.