Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code
Volunteer in this Community
Ways we help in this Community
Donate to this Community
Hear More from this Community

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code
Adoption Image

Adoption

Matching Adoption Through The Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network (SWAN)

What is Matching Adoption?

The matching adoption service we provide is in collaboration with Pennsylvania's Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN).  Matching adoption is the process of identifying and preparing an adoptive family for a child or sibling group whose parental rights have been terminated and who is legally ready for adoption, or close to becoming legally free.   We lovingly refer to these children as "Waiting Children," because they are waiting for a family.  There are nearly 3,000 waiting children in Pennsylvania and sadly, some children wait years for a family.  

This process is not about “choosing” a child as though adoption is one-size-fits-all. It is about carefully considering which family can best meet a child’s needs and provide lasting safety, stability, connection, and belonging.

Every child is different. Every family is different. Good matching takes time, care, and thoughtful planning.

Who are the Waiting Children?

Most children waiting for adoption are:

  • Older children and teens
  • Sibling groups of three or more children who need to stay together
  • Children with emotional, developmental, or medical needs

Younger children are rarely waiting. If they become legally free for adoption, they are typically adopted by the families who have been fostering them.

  • To be eligible for SWAN Matching Adoption, families need to be open to the children who are most often waiting—those who are over age 10, part of a sibling group, and/or have more significant special needs. These are children who deeply need committed, caring families, and for the right family, the impact can be truly life-changing.
  • When you choose to be a SWAN Matching Adoption family, you'll be assigned a matching worker who will partner with you throughout the process. You'll have an experienced professional by your side every step of the way.
  • If you are hoping to adopt If you are hoping to adopt a single child, a younger child, or a child with fewer special needs, this typically does not happen through SWAN Matching Adoption. However, you can still make an incredible difference in a child’s life through foster care. Many children who are able to be adopted are adopted by their foster families before they ever become “waiting children."  If you feel open to supporting a child through the reunification process - and also open to becoming their adoptive family if reunification or placement with relatives is not possible, foster care may be the right path for you.