Counties served by the Oakland Regional Office

Adoption Information

For general information on the adoption application process and other adoption services provided by the Oakland Regional Office, please call (510) 622-2650.

Independent Adoption Program

In an Independent adoption, it is the birth/legal parent's decision and responsibility to select the adoptive parent(s) and to place the child directly with the adoptive family.  The function of the Oakland Regional Office for Independent adoptions is to investigate Independent adoptions for the counties listed above and then file a report with the courts.  Another function of this office includes investigating set-aside adoption petitions in the same counties.

In the Independent Adoption Program, if you are adopting an unrelated minor, you must obtain the services of an Adoption Service Provider (ASP).  Please visit the Adoption Service Provider website for a list of ASPs near you.  

If you are related to the minor, or have had guardianship for at least one year, you will not need the services of an ASP.  However, if you would like to enlist the services of an ASP, the ASP may provide the services.  Please note, the Oakland Regional Office is able to take consents in these adoptions.

If you have questions regarding the Independent Adoption Program, please call us at (510) 622-2650.

Please note, Alameda County Social Services Agency is one of three county child welfare service agencies that are delegated to provide Independent Adoption services.

• If you have questions regarding Alameda County Social Services Agency’s Independent Adoption Program, please call (510) 268-2428.

The Oakland Regional Office provides services to families and children who have finalized their adoptions with our office, but who have a continued need for assistance or have Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) questions.  The Post Adoption Services (PAS) program offers information and referral services, individual and family counseling, specialized adoption training events, regular group meetings with adoptive parents to offer support and guidance, and respite care and educational resources.  For more information about resources in your area, call us at (510) 622-2650.

• If you have questions regarding AAP with Alameda County Social Services Agency, please call Alameda County’s Post Permanency Services Line at (510) 268-2553.

For more information about post adoption contact between birth parent, adoptee, and sibling, confidential intermediary, birth parent or adoptee obtaining non-identifying background information about the adoption, adoption record, and original birth certificate, please review the Adoptee Information website.

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is a contract among member states and U.S. territories authorizing them to work together to ensure that children who are placed across state lines for foster care or adoption receive adequate protection and support services.  The ICPC establishes procedures for the adoption of children coming into California from another state and for children who are leaving California to be adopted by individuals who live in other states.

To learn more about ICPC and resources available such as forms and policies, please visit the CDSS ICPC website.

Inter-Country Adoptions

The Oakland Regional Office does not provide Intercountry Adoption services.  To obtain information about the program requirements, please contact a private adoption agency licensed to provide these services in the county where you reside.  To obtain a copy of licensed adoption agencies, please visit the Directory of Public and Licensed California Adoption Agencies website or call 1 (800) KIDS-4-US.

For further details on Intercountry adoptions, please visit the U.S. Department of State website and USCIS website which provides detailed explanation on the process for intercountry adoptions.  If you have any questions after reviewing these websites, you may contact the Adoption Policy Unit by emailing APU@dss.ca.gov.