Adoptions

Adoption is the legal and social process by which a child born to one set of parents becomes the child of another parent or set of parents. The adoptive parents assume all rights, responsibilities, and obligations to the child.

Department of Social Services

The department of social services is involved in various types of adoptions that occur in the county. This includes agency adoptions, independent adoptions, step-parent/relative adoptions, and international adoptions.

The department also completes pre-placements on families that are interested in adopting children. Certain fees do apply in some situations, with the exception of a child or children that are in the North Carolina foster care system.

Private Agencies

Would you like to pursue adoption through a private agency? (PDF)