Adoption counseling centers

Counseling services for couples wishing to adopt

Text last updated: 2024-07-08

Information, advice and support are essential

Adopting a child is a big step - both emotionally and legally. The decision should be well prepared. It is preceded by an extensive information phase and intensive counseling.

Couples or individuals considering adoption must contact an adoption agency in advance. Find out here which agencies are involved and what topics they can advise you on.

What is an adoption agency?

What is adoption counseling about?

Which adoption agencies are there?

Adoption agencies are either state-run or independent. Independent adoption agencies must be recognized by the state. Other institutions or agencies are not permitted to operate adoption agencies in Germany.

State switching centers

State placement offices are, on the one hand, the state youth welfare offices. The employees of the central adoption offices at the LVR State Youth Welfare Office (responsible for the Rhineland) and the LWL State Youth Welfare Office (responsible for Westphalia-Lippe) provide advice on all issues and arrange adoptions abroad in particular.
The state placement offices also include the adoption placement offices of the local youth welfare offices, which are responsible for domestic placements.

Find the youth welfare office responsible for you

Independent placement agencies

In addition to the state-run placement agencies, there are also independent placement agencies, most of which are run by Catholics or Protestants. There is also a recognized non-denominational adoption agency. Contact addresses can be found on the following websites:

Foreign placement offices

A list of approved placement agencies for foreign adoptions can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Justice.

Important to know!

Under no circumstances should you use the services of an unrecognized placement agency - either in Germany or in the child's home country. Adoption in Germany is generally not recognized without the support of authorized specialist agencies and is also prohibited. In this case, they face serious legal and financial consequences, including accusations of involvement in child trafficking.

The State Youth Welfare Office of the LVR (responsible for the Rhineland) provides detailed information on the subject of adoption on its website.

Adoption enthusiasts from Westphalia-Lippe can find lots of helpful information on the topic on the website of the LWL State Youth Welfare Office.

The Adoption Assistance Act of 2021 will provide families with even better support when adopting children. Details can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs.

The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs has published a magazine that provides insights, experiences and background information on adoption. You can download the magazine here.

The state association PAN e.V. is an association of foster and adoptive families in NRW, which has set itself the task of supporting and networking in local and supra-local groups and self-help initiatives.

The brochure "Adoption" provides a good overview for anyone interested. It is published by the two regional associations LVR and LWL. The brochure is available for you to download free of charge.