The profile of adoptive parents has changed dramatically over the years. Single people, same sex couples, retirees and trans-racial adoptive parents have joined the traditional nuclear family. Prospective adoptive parents must first submit an application to the National Adoption Center. This application will then be forwarded to a licensed adoption agency that conducts background checks, an in-home assessment, and the necessary training and orientation. The prospective family then works with the licensed agency and with the assigned DHS social worker through the adoption process. To contact the National Adoption Center, please call 215-735-9988.