OUR TEAM
Change a Life. Build a Family
Across Borders, Cultures, and Generations.
In 1974, Hand in Hand International Adoptions began helping families adopt children from around the world. This became a personal mission for MaryLee Lane after she visited orphanages in the Philippines and witnessed the urgent needs of so many children. Her mission was simple, help child find a safe, permanent home with a family who loves them.
Hand in Hand is a Hague-accredited nonprofit international adoption agency that has helped place more than ten thousand children with families across the United States. Our active international adoption programs currently include Brazil, Bulgaria, Haiti, Hong Kong, and Hungary.
Because nearly every member of our team is an adoptive parent, we understand the questions, challenges, hopes, and joys that come with building a family through adoption.
Ethical & Child-Centered
50+ Years of Experience
52 Years of Experience
Founded in 1974 by MaryLee Lane, Hand in Hand has been guiding families through international adoption longer than most agencies have existed.
Hague-Accredited & Fully Licensed
We are accredited by the Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME) and licensed in Colorado, Indiana, Florida, and Utah — meeting the highest standards for ethical international adoption practice.
More than Ten Thousand Children Placed
From newborns to teenagers, from single children to large sibling groups, we have helped build more than seven thousand families across five decades.
Staff Who Have Lived It
Nearly every member of our team is an adoptive parent. We do not just manage your paperwork — we understand your journey.
Our Adoption Process
A clear path. Every step of the way.
1
Explore
Learn about adoption and the countries we serve.
2
Prepare
Complete your home study and application.
3
Match
Receive a referral and prepare to welcome your child.
4
Travel
Travel to your child's country and bring them home.
5
Grow
Post-placement support as your family grows together.
Countries We Serve
We work in partnership with select countries to ensure the best care for children and families.
Process
How to Adopt
Walk through the 12-step process from first research to bringing your child home — and everything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost, eligibility, timelines, travel — answers to the questions families ask most before they begin.
Get Started
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to a Hand in Hand caseworker — we will answer your questions and help you begin.
Our little girl has brought us so much joy and she has made our family complete. Thank you Hand in Hand. We will never forget the important role you played in our lives.
— The Sevillena Family