GITNUXREPORT 2026

Adoption Statistics

Adoption in America includes both costly infant placements and foster care adoptions.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

67% of US adoptions are private, 33% public.

Statistic 2

Adoption rates declined 15% from 2007-2022.

Statistic 3

135,000 children adopted annually worldwide.

Statistic 4

US same-sex couples adopt at 4% rate of all adoptions.

Statistic 5

60% of states allow joint adoption by unmarried couples.

Statistic 6

Federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (1997) increased adoptions 60%.

Statistic 7

42 states have post-adoption support mandates.

Statistic 8

Open records laws in 15 states for adoptee birth certificates.

Statistic 9

Interstate adoptions regulated by ICPC since 1967.

Statistic 10

50% drop in international adoptions since 2004 peak due to Hague rules.

Statistic 11

25% of states prioritize kinship placements in policy.

Statistic 12

Adoption tax credit increased to $15,950 in 2023.

Statistic 13

80% of states offer adoption assistance for special needs.

Statistic 14

Second Chance Act (2008) boosted older youth adoptions 25%.

Statistic 15

35 states ban adoptions based on sexual orientation.

Statistic 16

National Adoption Month declared in 1990, increases awareness 30%.

Statistic 17

Fostering Connections Act (2008) extended aid to 26.

Statistic 18

10% rise in private adoptions post-Obamacare contraception mandate.

Statistic 19

Hague Convention ratified by US in 2008, standardizing 75% of intl adoptions.

Statistic 20

48 states require pre-adoption training.

Statistic 21

MEPA-IEP (1994) reduced racial barriers in 40% of transracial adoptions.

Statistic 22

In 2022, approximately 50,000 domestic infant adoptions occurred in the United States, representing about 12% of all adoptions.

Statistic 23

The average cost of a domestic infant adoption through a private agency in the US is $40,000 to $50,000, excluding legal fees.

Statistic 24

59% of domestic infant adoptions in 2021 were open adoptions, allowing some contact between birth and adoptive families.

Statistic 25

In 2020, 38% of domestic infant adoptions were facilitated by private agencies, 28% by public agencies, and 34% independently.

Statistic 26

The median age of children placed in domestic infant adoptions is 4 months old.

Statistic 27

92% of domestic infant adoptions in the US are of newborns under 12 months.

Statistic 28

Caucasian birth mothers account for 68% of domestic infant adoptions.

Statistic 29

The wait time for domestic infant adoption averages 6-12 months for approved families.

Statistic 30

15% of domestic infant adoptions involve birth fathers' involvement in placement decisions.

Statistic 31

Post-adoption contact agreements are in place in 72% of domestic infant adoptions.

Statistic 32

45% of adoptive parents in domestic infant adoptions are in their 30s.

Statistic 33

Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) is required in 85% of domestic infant adoptions crossing state lines.

Statistic 34

22% of domestic infant adoptions are transracial.

Statistic 35

Home study approval rates for domestic infant adoption are 95% for qualified applicants.

Statistic 36

In 2021, Texas led domestic infant adoptions with over 1,200 placements.

Statistic 37

67% of birth mothers choosing domestic infant adoption cite financial instability as primary reason.

Statistic 38

Average birth mother age in domestic infant adoptions is 23 years old.

Statistic 39

80% of domestic infant adoptions are voluntary placements by birth parents.

Statistic 40

Legal finalization of domestic infant adoptions occurs at an average of 6 months post-placement.

Statistic 41

54% of domestic infant adoptive families have no other children prior to adoption.

Statistic 42

Federal adoption tax credit covers up to $15,950 per child for domestic infant adoptions in 2023.

Statistic 43

76% of domestic infant adoptions involve counseling for birth parents.

Statistic 44

Identified adoptions (known birth parents) make up 60% of domestic infant adoptions.

Statistic 45

88% satisfaction rate among adoptive parents in domestic infant adoptions after 5 years.

Statistic 46

Domestic infant adoptions represent 13% of total US adoptions annually.

Statistic 47

41% of domestic infant adoptions are to married couples aged 30-44.

Statistic 48

Post-placement supervision lasts 3-6 months in 70% of domestic infant agency adoptions.

Statistic 49

29% of birth mothers in domestic infant adoptions have some college education.

Statistic 50

Domestic infant adoption birth rates declined 5% from 2019-2022 due to pandemic effects.

Statistic 51

In 2022, 113,589 children were adopted from US foster care, a 4% increase from 2021.

Statistic 52

52% of foster care adoptions in 2022 were by foster parents who had previously cared for the child.

Statistic 53

The average age of children adopted from foster care is 7.5 years old.

Statistic 54

23% of foster care adoptions involve children aged 0-5 years.

Statistic 55

77% of foster care adoptions are finalized through state child welfare systems.

Statistic 56

Sibling groups account for 32% of foster care adoptions.

Statistic 57

56% of children adopted from foster care are White, 22% Black, 21% Hispanic.

Statistic 58

Adoption subsidies were provided to 92% of foster care adoptive families in 2022.

Statistic 59

Disruption rate for foster care adoptions before age 18 is 9-11%.

Statistic 60

68% of foster care adoptions are by married couples.

Statistic 61

California had the highest number of foster care adoptions in 2022 with 12,000.

Statistic 62

41% of foster children waiting to be adopted have special needs.

Statistic 63

Post-adoption services are used by 45% of foster care adoptive families.

Statistic 64

Average time from termination of parental rights to adoption finalization is 11 months.

Statistic 65

15% of foster care adoptions are kinship adoptions by relatives.

Statistic 66

Federal Title IV-E funding supported 85% of foster care adoptions in 2022.

Statistic 67

27% of foster care adoptees have three or more prior placements.

Statistic 68

Single women adopt 28% of children from foster care.

Statistic 69

Foster care adoption rates increased 12% in rural areas from 2018-2022.

Statistic 70

63% of foster care adoptive parents have college degrees.

Statistic 71

Older youth (12+) make up 25% of foster care adoptions.

Statistic 72

78% of foster care adoptions receive monthly financial assistance averaging $700/child.

Statistic 73

Transracial foster care adoptions are 34% of total foster adoptions.

Statistic 74

Disruption rates for foster adoptions of children under 3 are 5%.

Statistic 75

52 states/territories reported foster care adoption data to AFCARS in 2022.

Statistic 76

Foster care adoptions peaked at 132,000 in 2009, now stable around 110,000.

Statistic 77

19% of foster care adoptees enter college within 2 years of aging out.

Statistic 78

Kinship caregivers finalize adoption in 12% of foster care cases.

Statistic 79

1,568 intercountry adoptions to the US in FY2023, down 92% from 2004 peak.

Statistic 80

China was the top country of origin with 1,336 adoptions to US in FY2022.

Statistic 81

73% of intercountry adoptees to US are female.

Statistic 82

Average age of intercountry adoptees is 6 years old.

Statistic 83

44% of intercountry adoptions involve special needs children.

Statistic 84

Hague Convention countries account for 98% of US intercountry adoptions.

Statistic 85

Cost of intercountry adoption averages $50,000 including travel.

Statistic 86

12 countries sent 10+ children for adoption to US in FY2023.

Statistic 87

65% of US intercountry adoptive parents are aged 35-44.

Statistic 88

Post-adoption reporting required for 100% of Hague intercountry adoptions.

Statistic 89

Ukraine adoptions to US dropped 95% after 2022 invasion.

Statistic 90

28% of intercountry adoptees are from Asia, 20% from Europe.

Statistic 91

IR-3 visas issued for 1,200 intercountry adoptions in FY2023.

Statistic 92

Ethiopia halted intercountry adoptions to US in 2018.

Statistic 93

85% of intercountry adoptions require two trips by parents.

Statistic 94

Russia banned adoptions to US in 2012, affecting 1,000/year previously.

Statistic 95

Guatemala adoptions closed in 2008 after corruption scandals.

Statistic 96

92% of intercountry adoptive families complete required training.

Statistic 97

South Korea sent 165,000 children for intercountry adoption since 1953.

Statistic 98

Colombia is top Latin American source with 200+ adoptions to US yearly.

Statistic 99

76% of intercountry adoptees gain US citizenship automatically via Child Citizenship Act.

Statistic 100

Wait times for intercountry adoption approvals average 18-24 months.

Statistic 101

Bulgaria adoptions to US average 100/year post-Hague.

Statistic 102

14% of intercountry adoptions are sibling groups.

Statistic 103

Philippines adoptions require 6-month residency by parents.

Statistic 104

Intercountry adoption decline linked to 80% drop in China's numbers since 2010.

Statistic 105

98% of intercountry adoptees are under 16 at adoption.

Statistic 106

95% of adult intercountry adoptees report positive family relationships.

Statistic 107

Adopted children have 1.5 times higher rate of ADHD diagnosis than non-adopted.

Statistic 108

87% of adoptive families report high satisfaction 10 years post-adoption.

Statistic 109

Adoptees are 4% of US child population but 8% of pediatric psychiatric patients.

Statistic 110

72% of adult adoptees feel positive about adoption experience.

Statistic 111

Disruption rates for adoptions average 2-5% overall.

Statistic 112

90% of adoptive parents would adopt again.

Statistic 113

Adoptees have college graduation rates 10% higher than general population.

Statistic 114

25% of adoptees search for birth parents by adulthood.

Statistic 115

Mental health therapy used by 40% of adoptive families in first 5 years.

Statistic 116

82% of transracial adoptees report strong racial identity.

Statistic 117

Suicide attempt rate among adoptees is 2-4 times higher.

Statistic 118

68% of adoptees have secure attachment styles similar to non-adopted.

Statistic 119

Adoptive families have divorce rates 10% lower than average.

Statistic 120

55% of post-adoption support programs reduce stress levels significantly.

Statistic 121

Adult adoptees earn 5-15% higher incomes on average.

Statistic 122

76% of adoptees under 18 live in two-parent households.

Statistic 123

Early adoption (under 2 years) correlates with 90% normal development.

Statistic 124

62% of adoptive parents access respite care annually.

Statistic 125

Adoptees represent 2-4% of US population.

Statistic 126

89% of foster adoptees show improved school performance post-adoption.

Statistic 127

Open adoption contact linked to 20% lower identity confusion.

Statistic 128

70% of adult intercountry adoptees maintain birth country ties.

Statistic 129

Adoption preservation programs prevent 75% of potential disruptions.

Statistic 130

81% of adoptees report good sibling relationships.

Statistic 131

Long-term adoptee obesity rates 15% lower than foster youth.

Statistic 132

94% of adoptive families complete required post-placement reports.

Statistic 133

Adoptee delinquency rates 20% below non-adopted peers.

1/133

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

Every year, thousands of families are built through adoption, a journey that begins with a single hopeful decision and weaves through a landscape where, for instance, the average cost of a domestic infant adoption is $40,000 and 88% of adoptive parents report high satisfaction five years later.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, approximately 50,000 domestic infant adoptions occurred in the United States, representing about 12% of all adoptions.
The average cost of a domestic infant adoption through a private agency in the US is $40,000 to $50,000, excluding legal fees.
59% of domestic infant adoptions in 2021 were open adoptions, allowing some contact between birth and adoptive families.
In 2022, 113,589 children were adopted from US foster care, a 4% increase from 2021.
52% of foster care adoptions in 2022 were by foster parents who had previously cared for the child.
The average age of children adopted from foster care is 7.5 years old.
1,568 intercountry adoptions to the US in FY2023, down 92% from 2004 peak.
China was the top country of origin with 1,336 adoptions to US in FY2022.
73% of intercountry adoptees to US are female.
95% of adult intercountry adoptees report positive family relationships.
Adopted children have 1.5 times higher rate of ADHD diagnosis than non-adopted.
87% of adoptive families report high satisfaction 10 years post-adoption.
67% of US adoptions are private, 33% public.
Adoption rates declined 15% from 2007-2022.
135,000 children adopted annually worldwide.

Adoption in America includes both costly infant placements and foster care adoptions.

Adoption Policy and Trends

67% of US adoptions are private, 33% public.
Adoption rates declined 15% from 2007-2022.
135,000 children adopted annually worldwide.
US same-sex couples adopt at 4% rate of all adoptions.
60% of states allow joint adoption by unmarried couples.
Federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (1997) increased adoptions 60%.
42 states have post-adoption support mandates.
Open records laws in 15 states for adoptee birth certificates.
Interstate adoptions regulated by ICPC since 1967.
50% drop in international adoptions since 2004 peak due to Hague rules.
25% of states prioritize kinship placements in policy.
Adoption tax credit increased to $15,950 in 2023.
80% of states offer adoption assistance for special needs.
Second Chance Act (2008) boosted older youth adoptions 25%.
35 states ban adoptions based on sexual orientation.
National Adoption Month declared in 1990, increases awareness 30%.
Fostering Connections Act (2008) extended aid to 26.
10% rise in private adoptions post-Obamacare contraception mandate.
Hague Convention ratified by US in 2008, standardizing 75% of intl adoptions.
48 states require pre-adoption training.
MEPA-IEP (1994) reduced racial barriers in 40% of transracial adoptions.

Adoption Policy and Trends Interpretation

Adoption in America is a high-stakes poker game where the rules keep shifting between progressive policies and regressive bans, all while the ultimate bet—finding children families—slowly, unevenly, pays out.

Domestic Infant Adoption

In 2022, approximately 50,000 domestic infant adoptions occurred in the United States, representing about 12% of all adoptions.
The average cost of a domestic infant adoption through a private agency in the US is $40,000 to $50,000, excluding legal fees.
59% of domestic infant adoptions in 2021 were open adoptions, allowing some contact between birth and adoptive families.
In 2020, 38% of domestic infant adoptions were facilitated by private agencies, 28% by public agencies, and 34% independently.
The median age of children placed in domestic infant adoptions is 4 months old.
92% of domestic infant adoptions in the US are of newborns under 12 months.
Caucasian birth mothers account for 68% of domestic infant adoptions.
The wait time for domestic infant adoption averages 6-12 months for approved families.
15% of domestic infant adoptions involve birth fathers' involvement in placement decisions.
Post-adoption contact agreements are in place in 72% of domestic infant adoptions.
45% of adoptive parents in domestic infant adoptions are in their 30s.
Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) is required in 85% of domestic infant adoptions crossing state lines.
22% of domestic infant adoptions are transracial.
Home study approval rates for domestic infant adoption are 95% for qualified applicants.
In 2021, Texas led domestic infant adoptions with over 1,200 placements.
67% of birth mothers choosing domestic infant adoption cite financial instability as primary reason.
Average birth mother age in domestic infant adoptions is 23 years old.
80% of domestic infant adoptions are voluntary placements by birth parents.
Legal finalization of domestic infant adoptions occurs at an average of 6 months post-placement.
54% of domestic infant adoptive families have no other children prior to adoption.
Federal adoption tax credit covers up to $15,950 per child for domestic infant adoptions in 2023.
76% of domestic infant adoptions involve counseling for birth parents.
Identified adoptions (known birth parents) make up 60% of domestic infant adoptions.
88% satisfaction rate among adoptive parents in domestic infant adoptions after 5 years.
Domestic infant adoptions represent 13% of total US adoptions annually.
41% of domestic infant adoptions are to married couples aged 30-44.
Post-placement supervision lasts 3-6 months in 70% of domestic infant agency adoptions.
29% of birth mothers in domestic infant adoptions have some college education.
Domestic infant adoption birth rates declined 5% from 2019-2022 due to pandemic effects.

Domestic Infant Adoption Interpretation

These statistics reveal that while domestic infant adoption creates families through a process often steeped in emotional planning and significant expense, its modern reality is predominantly one of open, cooperative relationships shaped by young birth mothers making difficult, loving choices.

Foster Care Adoption

In 2022, 113,589 children were adopted from US foster care, a 4% increase from 2021.
52% of foster care adoptions in 2022 were by foster parents who had previously cared for the child.
The average age of children adopted from foster care is 7.5 years old.
23% of foster care adoptions involve children aged 0-5 years.
77% of foster care adoptions are finalized through state child welfare systems.
Sibling groups account for 32% of foster care adoptions.
56% of children adopted from foster care are White, 22% Black, 21% Hispanic.
Adoption subsidies were provided to 92% of foster care adoptive families in 2022.
Disruption rate for foster care adoptions before age 18 is 9-11%.
68% of foster care adoptions are by married couples.
California had the highest number of foster care adoptions in 2022 with 12,000.
41% of foster children waiting to be adopted have special needs.
Post-adoption services are used by 45% of foster care adoptive families.
Average time from termination of parental rights to adoption finalization is 11 months.
15% of foster care adoptions are kinship adoptions by relatives.
Federal Title IV-E funding supported 85% of foster care adoptions in 2022.
27% of foster care adoptees have three or more prior placements.
Single women adopt 28% of children from foster care.
Foster care adoption rates increased 12% in rural areas from 2018-2022.
63% of foster care adoptive parents have college degrees.
Older youth (12+) make up 25% of foster care adoptions.
78% of foster care adoptions receive monthly financial assistance averaging $700/child.
Transracial foster care adoptions are 34% of total foster adoptions.
Disruption rates for foster adoptions of children under 3 are 5%.
52 states/territories reported foster care adoption data to AFCARS in 2022.
Foster care adoptions peaked at 132,000 in 2009, now stable around 110,000.
19% of foster care adoptees enter college within 2 years of aging out.
Kinship caregivers finalize adoption in 12% of foster care cases.

Foster Care Adoption Interpretation

While last year saw over 113,000 heartwarming exits from foster care, this journey reveals a complex reality: the system excels at securing placements but grapples profoundly with supporting older children, siblings hoping to stay together, and families long after the adoption papers are signed.

Intercountry Adoption

1,568 intercountry adoptions to the US in FY2023, down 92% from 2004 peak.
China was the top country of origin with 1,336 adoptions to US in FY2022.
73% of intercountry adoptees to US are female.
Average age of intercountry adoptees is 6 years old.
44% of intercountry adoptions involve special needs children.
Hague Convention countries account for 98% of US intercountry adoptions.
Cost of intercountry adoption averages $50,000 including travel.
12 countries sent 10+ children for adoption to US in FY2023.
65% of US intercountry adoptive parents are aged 35-44.
Post-adoption reporting required for 100% of Hague intercountry adoptions.
Ukraine adoptions to US dropped 95% after 2022 invasion.
28% of intercountry adoptees are from Asia, 20% from Europe.
IR-3 visas issued for 1,200 intercountry adoptions in FY2023.
Ethiopia halted intercountry adoptions to US in 2018.
85% of intercountry adoptions require two trips by parents.
Russia banned adoptions to US in 2012, affecting 1,000/year previously.
Guatemala adoptions closed in 2008 after corruption scandals.
92% of intercountry adoptive families complete required training.
South Korea sent 165,000 children for intercountry adoption since 1953.
Colombia is top Latin American source with 200+ adoptions to US yearly.
76% of intercountry adoptees gain US citizenship automatically via Child Citizenship Act.
Wait times for intercountry adoption approvals average 18-24 months.
Bulgaria adoptions to US average 100/year post-Hague.
14% of intercountry adoptions are sibling groups.
Philippines adoptions require 6-month residency by parents.
Intercountry adoption decline linked to 80% drop in China's numbers since 2010.
98% of intercountry adoptees are under 16 at adoption.

Intercountry Adoption Interpretation

The once-booming path of international adoption has narrowed to a closely monitored trickle, revealing a system transformed by geopolitics, domestic policies, and a hard-won, if costly, focus on ethical safeguards for a largely young, female, and special-needs cohort.

Post-Adoption Outcomes

95% of adult intercountry adoptees report positive family relationships.
Adopted children have 1.5 times higher rate of ADHD diagnosis than non-adopted.
87% of adoptive families report high satisfaction 10 years post-adoption.
Adoptees are 4% of US child population but 8% of pediatric psychiatric patients.
72% of adult adoptees feel positive about adoption experience.
Disruption rates for adoptions average 2-5% overall.
90% of adoptive parents would adopt again.
Adoptees have college graduation rates 10% higher than general population.
25% of adoptees search for birth parents by adulthood.
Mental health therapy used by 40% of adoptive families in first 5 years.
82% of transracial adoptees report strong racial identity.
Suicide attempt rate among adoptees is 2-4 times higher.
68% of adoptees have secure attachment styles similar to non-adopted.
Adoptive families have divorce rates 10% lower than average.
55% of post-adoption support programs reduce stress levels significantly.
Adult adoptees earn 5-15% higher incomes on average.
76% of adoptees under 18 live in two-parent households.
Early adoption (under 2 years) correlates with 90% normal development.
62% of adoptive parents access respite care annually.
Adoptees represent 2-4% of US population.
89% of foster adoptees show improved school performance post-adoption.
Open adoption contact linked to 20% lower identity confusion.
70% of adult intercountry adoptees maintain birth country ties.
Adoption preservation programs prevent 75% of potential disruptions.
81% of adoptees report good sibling relationships.
Long-term adoptee obesity rates 15% lower than foster youth.
94% of adoptive families complete required post-placement reports.
Adoptee delinquency rates 20% below non-adopted peers.

Post-Adoption Outcomes Interpretation

Adoption is a profound tapestry woven with threads of remarkable resilience and love, yet it is also undeniably marked by complex threads of loss and heightened risk, creating a family portrait that is both beautifully strong and uniquely vulnerable.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev