Adoption Counseling Centers

Counseling Services for Couples Interested in Adoption

Text last updated: 2026-08-12

Information, guidance, and support are essential

Adopting a child is a major step—both emotionally and legally. The decision should be well thought out. It is preceded by an extensive information phase and in-depth counseling.

Couples or individuals considering adoption must first contact an adoption agency. Find out here which agencies are available and what kinds of advice they can provide.

What is an adoption agency?

What is adoption counseling about?

What adoption agencies are there?

Adoption agencies are either state-run or privately operated. Privately operated agencies must be state-approved. No other institutions or organizations are permitted to facilitate adoptions in Germany.

State Adoption Agencies

State adoption agencies include, first and foremost, the state youth welfare offices. Staff at the central adoption agencies within the LVR State Youth Welfare Office (responsible for Rhineland) and the LWL State Youth Welfare Office (responsible for Westphalia-Lippe) provide advice on all matters and, in particular, facilitate international adoptions.

State placement agencies also include the adoption placement offices of the local youth welfare offices, which are responsible for domestic adoptions.

Find the youth welfare office responsible for you

Independently Operated Placement Agencies

In addition to state-run placement agencies, there are also independently operated placement agencies, most of which are run by Catholic or Protestant organizations. You can find contact information on the following websites:

International Adoption Agencies

A list of accredited intermediary agencies for international 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 unaccredited adoption agency—neither in Germany nor in the child’s home country. Without the involvement of authorized agencies, an adoption is generally not recognized in Germany and is also prohibited. In this case, you face serious legal and financial consequences, including charges of complicity in child trafficking.

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

Prospective adoptive parents in Westfalen-Lippe can find a wealth of helpful information on this topic on the website of the LWL State Youth Welfare Office.

The 2021 Adoption Assistance Act provides even better support to families as they welcome children into their homes. For more details, visit the website of the Federal Ministry for 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 Landesverband PAN e.V. is an association of foster and adoptive families in North Rhine-Westphalia that is dedicated to supporting and connecting these families through local and regional groups and self-help initiatives.

The brochure “Adoption” provides a good overview for those interested. It is published by the two regional associations, LVR and LWL. The brochure is available for free download.