Holt International

Why We Like It

Holt International was founded in 1956 and literally wrote the playbook for ethical international adoption. Their focus extends beyond placement — they run child welfare, education, and family strengthening programs in every country they operate in. For families committed to international adoption with strong ethical standards, Holt remains the gold standard.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pioneered ethical international adoption practices since 1956
• Active in child welfare programs in 10+ countries
• Strong in-country support networks and post-adoption resources

Cons

• International adoption timelines are long and subject to country policy changes
• Program availability shifts based on geopolitical conditions

Score Breakdown

Adoption agencies were evaluated on placement track record, the depth of support provided to adoptive families before and after placement, transparency of fees and timelines, and ethical practices toward birth parents.