Northwest Adoption Exchange is now Alongside

For more than 50 years, we have worked with young people, families, professionals, and communities to create lasting family connections for youth in care. As our work has grown, we knew our name needed to evolve too.

Alongside captures who we are and how we work. We work alongside young people in foster care, support the professionals who advocate for them, and welcome families who step forward to build lasting connections.

Why we are changing our name

We listen to and learn from young people, families, and caseworkers. Their experiences shape our work and strengthen our commitment.

Over the years, many people shared that the name Northwest Adoption Exchange (NWAE) no longer conveyed how we support young people and families. Adoption suggests only one path to family. And exchange does not clearly describe the relationships, support, and services we provide.

While adoption remains an important part of our work, we also support youth and families pursuing guardianship and other pathways to permanency.

What’s changing (and what is not)

Our new name takes effect on Sunday, October 11.

Our website is changing from nwae.org to wa.alongsidekids.org and will be called Alongside Washington. The new name reflects the site’s primary focus on serving youth, families, and professionals in Washington while remaining accessible to audiences beyond the state.

Our staff and program emails will also change. Messages from our new @alongsidekids.org email addresses are legitimate and will come directly from our team. As a reminder, we will never ask for your password by email.

What matters most hasn’t changed. Our mission, staff, and services remain the same. You can continue to count on the support that has always been at the heart of our work.

What to do next

For many, no action is needed as we transition to our new name and website.

If you have an NWAE family or caseworker account, you will keep using your current account. There is no change needed. You can log in to access youth profiles and submit inquiries.

If you don’t have a family account, you can apply for one by providing an approved home study or current license.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We want to thank the young people, families, and professionals who partner with us. Your voices continue to guide our priorities, strengthen our programs, and inspire our vision for the future.