PA Adoption Exchange | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Adopt PA Kids ​Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange (PAE) The Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange (PAE) was established in 1979 by the Department of Human Services (DHS) 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 county agency with custody of the child. What do we do? As part of our service, this Web site helps to recruit and assist families who are interested in adopting or learning more about Pennsylvania's waiting children. Who are these children? The children 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 that accepts and nurtures them and helps them reach their full potential. How does PAE connect children to families? In addition to this Web site, 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. 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 PA Adoption Information Registry . If we cannot answer your questions, you will be referred to another source for that information. PAE Contact Information Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange P.O. Box 959 Camp Hill, PA 17101 Additional PAE Resources PA Adoption Exchange 8 Steps in the Adoption Process 5 Things You Should Know About Adoption Adoption Terminology Adoption Assistance Available Adoption Forms PAE Annual Reports View the 2021 PAE Annual Report 2020 PAE Annual Report 2019 PAE Annual Report 2018 PAE Annual Report 2017 PAE Annual Report 2016 PAE Annual Report 2015 PAE Annual Report 2013-14 PAE Annual Report 2012 PAE Annual Report 2010-11 PAE Annual Report 2009 PAE Annual Report 2008 PAE Annual Report Meet Zymir You can make a difference in a child’s life. Meet real kids from Pennsylvania who are waiting for adoption — waiting for someone like you to offer the love, stability, and sense of home every kid deserves. Meet kids waiting for a loving home (opens in a new tab) Learn about becoming a foster parent (opens in a new tab) Learn about becoming an adoptive parent (opens in a new tab) Meet Tori You can make a difference in a child’s life. Meet real kids from Pennsylvania who are waiting for adoption — waiting for someone like you to offer the love, stability, and sense of home every kid deserves. Meet kids waiting for a loving home (opens in a new tab) Learn about becoming a foster parent (opens in a new tab) Learn about becoming an adoptive parent (opens in a new tab) Meet Jaxon You can make a difference in a child’s life. Meet real kids from Pennsylvania who are waiting for adoption — waiting for someone like you to offer the love, stability, and sense of home every kid deserves. Meet kids waiting for a loving home (opens in a new tab) Learn about becoming a foster parent (opens in a new tab) Learn about becoming an adoptive parent (opens in a new tab) The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which is in part comprised of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.