History

MAPS was created in 1977 through the caring and insightful vision of Dawn Degenhardt, an adoptive mother of nine, and a pioneer group of other adoptive parents and volunteers. Our guiding principle is that all children deserve and need their own family. What began as a small non-profit agency for children in the U.S. foster care system has evolved into a multi-service organization serving children and families around the world. Since MAPS’ humble beginnings, we have placed more than 4,460 children with loving, permanent families through domestic and international adoption programs.