Our Mission and Values
AdoptDCKids exists to support and empower families throughout their adoption and foster care journeys in the Washington, DC area. We believe every child deserves a loving, stable home, and every parent deserves access to the resources, community, and knowledge they need to thrive.
Our work is guided by our core values:
Empathy – We recognize the complex emotions and challenges that come with adoption, foster care, and parenting. Every piece of content we create starts with understanding the real human experiences behind the journey.
Trust – We’re committed to providing reliable, accurate information that families can count on during some of their most important life decisions.
Inclusivity – We celebrate diverse family structures and backgrounds, recognizing that there are many ways to build a loving family.
Community – We believe in the power of connection and shared experiences to support parents and children through every stage of their journey.
Our Story
AdoptDCKids began in 2018 when a small group of adoptive parents in the District found themselves repeatedly sharing the same resources, advice, and local connections with other families considering adoption. What started as an email list grew into a Facebook group, and eventually, we realized the need for a comprehensive resource hub specifically tailored to the unique context of adoption and foster care in Washington, DC.
Over time, our community expanded to include foster parents, kinship caregivers, and families formed through various paths. As we listened to the needs of our growing community, we expanded our focus to include broader parenting resources, local events, and DC-specific family activities—all while maintaining our core commitment to supporting adoptive and foster families.
Who We Serve
AdoptDCKids is here for:
- Prospective adoptive and foster parents considering their options
- Current adoptive and foster parents navigating day-to-day challenges
- Birth parents seeking information about adoption processes
- Kinship caregivers taking on new family responsibilities
- Social workers, counselors, and other professionals supporting families
- Any parent or caregiver in the DC area looking for local resources and community
Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or foster care, or you’re an experienced parent looking for local activities for your teenagers, you’ll find resources and community here.
Meet the Team
Sarah Johnson, Founder & Executive Director
As an adoptive mother of two and former social worker with DC Child and Family Services, I founded AdoptDCKids to bridge the information gap I experienced firsthand. With over 15 years of experience in child welfare, I’m passionate about creating accessible resources for families navigating complex systems.
Michael Chen, Content Director
Michael brings 8 years of experience in educational content development and a personal connection to foster care, having grown up in a family that fostered over 20 children. He ensures our resources are engaging, accurate, and truly helpful for families.
Amara Washington, Community Outreach Coordinator
Born and raised in DC, Amara’s background in community organizing helps us build meaningful connections with local organizations, host in-person events, and ensure our content reflects the diverse needs of District families.
Our Contributors
We’re grateful to work with a diverse network of contributors including adoption attorneys, child development specialists, educators, and most importantly, parents and caregivers who share their lived experiences.
Why DC Focus?
Washington, DC offers unique opportunities and challenges for families. From navigating the specific legal requirements for adoption in the District to finding family-friendly activities in our urban environment, local context matters.
The District’s complex system of public and private agencies, legal jurisdictions (involving DC, Maryland, and Virginia), and community resources requires specialized knowledge. We’re committed to providing information that addresses these unique aspects of building and raising a family in the nation’s capital.
Our local focus allows us to:
- Provide accurate information about DC-specific adoption and foster care processes
- Connect families with truly local resources, events, and support groups
- Address the unique needs of families raising children in an urban environment
- Build community among families who share similar geographic experiences
Our Approach to Resources
We believe in providing information that is:
Evidence-based – We reference current research and best practices in child welfare, development, and parenting.
Experience-informed – We incorporate the lived experiences of adoptive families, foster parents, and child welfare professionals.
Locally relevant – We focus on resources, regulations, and opportunities specific to the Washington, DC area.
Our content is developed through:
- Interviews with local experts and professionals
- Partnerships with DC-area family service organizations
- Input from our community of parents and caregivers
- Regular review and updates to ensure accuracy
We collaborate with organizations like the DC Child and Family Services Agency, local adoption agencies, parent support groups, and family advocacy organizations to ensure our information is comprehensive and current.
Community Impact
AdoptDCKids extends beyond our digital presence. We’re active in the DC community through:
- Quarterly meetups for adoptive and foster families at parks throughout the District
- Annual resource fair connecting families with service providers
- Volunteer opportunities with local children’s organizations
- Advocacy efforts supporting family-friendly policies
We’re proud of the community we’ve built, with over 1,500 families participating in our events and programs each year. As one parent shared: “AdoptDCKids was my lifeline when we began fostering. Not only did I find critical information, but I found my village.”
How to Get Involved
We believe in the power of shared experiences and community wisdom. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Share Your Story: Consider writing a guest post for our blog about your adoption or foster care journey
- Submit Resources: Let us know about helpful services or organizations we should feature
- Volunteer: Join us at community events or help with behind-the-scenes content development
- Participate: Attend our meetups, workshops, or online discussions
Ready to connect? Visit our Contact page or email us directly at community@adoptdckids.org.
Staying Connected
Join our community and stay updated on new resources, local events, and support opportunities:
- Newsletter: Subscribe to our monthly email for curated resources and upcoming events
- Social Media: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
- Resource Alerts: Sign up for notifications when we add new resources in your areas of interest
Disclaimer & Next Steps
While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, AdoptDCKids is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or psychological advice. We encourage all families to work with qualified professionals when making important decisions about adoption, foster care, and parenting.
Ready to explore? Start by browsing our Adoption & Foster Care Guide, checking out Family-Friendly Spots in DC, or reading our latest Blog posts for inspiration and practical advice.
We’re honored to be part of your family’s journey, whatever path you’re on.