The Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange (PAE) was established in 1979 by the Department of Public Welfare to help County Children and Youth agencies find adoptive families for Pennsylvania’s waiting children. PAE is a major component of the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) as it serves the counties, SWAN affiliate agencies, the general public and interfaces with other state and national adoption exchanges. PAE is not an adoption agency, but serves to connect families who want to adopt with children waiting for a permanent home. Final decisions about adoption are the sole responsibility of the agency with custody of the child.

What Do We Do?

As part of our service, this website helps to recruit and assist families who are interested in adopting or learning more about Pennsylvania’s waiting children.

Who Are These Children?

The boys and girls in our Photo Album are in the custody of a county children and youth agency or a private adoption agency. They are special children who require special families. Many have suffered from abuse or neglect. These children may be older, part of a minority group, or a siblings group. Many may have one or more disabilities. Like all children, they will thrive in a family who accepts and nurtures them and helps them reach their full potential.

How Does PAE Connect Children and Families?

In addition to this website, PAE provides the following services to children, families and agencies:

• Matching and Referral:   Families registered with PAE are identified using a computer database with children identified to meet their interest. Families and agencies are notified about the suggested matches through the referral process.
  
  
• Child Photo Listing Book:   This book contains the same children as those featured on our website as well as others who may not be available on the website. The book is available in more than 300 adoption agencies and libraries throughout the nation.



• Recruitment:   The recruitment of prospective families for our waiting children is a fundamental mission. PAE participates in many activities to connect waiting children with interested families including outreach, training and referral.



• Information and Referral:   PAE acts as a clearinghouse for information about the many aspects of adoption, including the adoption process, financial assistance, contacting birth parents, and managing the Adoption Medical History Registry. If we cannot answer your questions, you will be referred to another source for information.


For more information on PAE, contact us at:

Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange
DPW / OCYF
P.O. Box 1441
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-1441
800-227-0225

OR

See our Resource Family Applicant Registration/Update Form