The Department of Human Resources

Adoption

Adoption is a wonderful way to build a family. People who choose to adopt are very special. They have a strong belief that all children deserve a loving family to call their own. There are hundreds of children in Maryland that want nothing more than to become part of a loving stable family.

The children available for adoption through the departments of social services are often the victims of unfortunate circumstances that led to their need for new homes. Although many of the children have special needs, their greatest need is for a permanent family where they can be loved and nurtured by dedicated individuals. Your marital status, wealth and education are not critical requirements for adoption. We only require your willingness and ability to provide a permanent and loving home.

The Maryland Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) helps to match prospective adoptive families with children who want to be adopted. MARE helps perspective parents search for a particular child by entering specific criteria. For example, you may enter a specific age range, gender, and special needs of a child. You may also indicate if you are interested in a sibling placement. The search feature will help identify possible matches with children more easily.

MARE has a supplementary Abbreviated Listing for All Children that consists of a very brief description of children that have a permanency plan of adoption. These children are photo listed locally on MARE and nationally on www.adoptuskids.org

We also assist adults who were adopted in Maryland and would now like to locate their birth parents. In addition, we help birth parents who placed a child for adoption and now want to locate that child. If you fit any of these criteria, the Maryland Department of Human Resources adoption staff is here to help you.

Adopt US Kids, is an initiative of the federal Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau that was developed and operatedby a collaboration of nationally recognized organizations that include the University of Texas, Austin School of Social Work, Northwest Adoption Exchange, North American Council on Adoptable Children, The Adoption Exchange, and spearheaded by the Adoption Exchange Association. Adopt US Kids brings waiting children "online" through photographs and biographies. A wealth of information is also available to help you learn more about adoption.

Foster Care

Are you interested in becoming a foster parent? Foster care provides short-term care and supportive services to children who are unable to live at home due to child abuse and neglect. DHR places children in family foster homes or group-care settings while making important decisions about their future.

DHR is looking for foster parents who love children and can help give children the emotional support and stability they need to grow into strong, healthy adults. There are many children in need of stable homes as we work to find them permanent placements. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please call us at 1-888MDKIDS2 or 1-888-635-4372 let us show you how you can make an enormous difference in the lives of children.

Siblings Find Forever Family With the Williams Bunch | NBC Washington*