Adoptions

Since 1997, Public Counsel has worked in close partnership with L.A. County’s foster care system, courts, and a dedicated network of pro bono attorneys to help families navigate the adoption process and finalize adoptions. Initially focused on providing legal assistance to complete adoptions, the program quickly grew to address a wide range of needs facing children in foster care. Today, in addition to finalizing adoptions, we support families in accessing vital mental health services, developmental disability resources through Regional Centers, medical assistance, and appropriate benefits for children with special needs.

Thanks to the ongoing support of our community and the contributions of hundreds of pro bono attorneys, we’ve helped finalize over 10,000 adoptions and continue to support hundreds of families each year.

Public Counsel finalizes adoptions for children in foster care and helps families secure essential benefits and services. We work in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and rely on referrals through their system.

We only accept adoption cases referred by DCFS. We do not take direct requests from the public. To learn more about adoption in Los Angeles County or to begin the process, please contact DCFS.

Click here to visit the DCFS adoption page.