Life Connections FAQs

Domestic Adoptions

1. Do we have to be Catholic to come to Catholic Charities?

Many individuals have the mistaken belief that we will only work with Catholics.  This is not the case, however, Catholic Charities does make adoptive placements within Christian settings.  We believe the greatest act of love a parent can show a child is to teach the beliefs and values of Jesus Christ.

2. How much is it going to cost to adopt through Catholic Charities?

Adoption costs are based on a sliding scale and also may vary dependent upon the level of services provided and occasionally may reflect the specific circumstances related to the child placed with you.  For more information contact us.

3. What kind of adoption is facilitated at Catholic Charities?

Our agency believes that open adoption is best for all parties involved and we train prospective adoptive families for participation in an open adoption.  Ultimately the decision is left up to the birthparents as to whether an adoption plan includes openness.

4. How much information will I be able to obtain concerning the birth family background?

All the information that is received from the birth family is shared with the adoptive family. In cases where the birth family requests confidentiality, we will share non-identifying information.

5. Is there a requirement to inform the child that he/she is adopted?

An open adoption is based on honesty and trust. We strongly encourage open communication regarding the adoption with you and your family. There are many resources available to help adoptive parents talk to the child from an early age about adoption.

6. What are the age limits?

You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt a child.

7. What if we are not an infertile couple?

Often those who seek expanding their family through adoption may be dealing with issues of infertility.  Others are drawn to adoption based on their values and beliefs.  No matter the particular path of a family, Catholic Charities desires to partner with families that can provide a loving, stable home for the children that are in our care.

8. What is involved in a Family Assessment?

The Family Assessment, also known as a Home Study, generally involves a number of interviews with a caseworker who is assigned to your family to assess your motivation and readiness to adopt.  Included are topics such as financial stability, parenting attitudes, family history, communication patterns, marriage stability and physical and psychological capacity to parent a child placed through adoption.  You will also be required to submit a variety of state required documentation.

9. Do we have to own our home?

No, but your residence must meet requirements established for foster parents by the state.

10. How long does it take to have a baby placed in our home?

We cannot guarantee when a placement will occur and predicting a time frame for a family can be very difficult.  We have had families placed almost immediately after they were certified as a Family Foster Home and others have waited several years.  Specific waiting times are often dependent upon the birth parent’s selection process, as well as, the adoptive family’s openness to various placement circumstances.
If you have any additional questions that were not addressed here, please contact us.