Different Types of Adoption

• Upon receipt of an application for adoption a Catholic Family Center Adoption Worker will contact the prospective adoptive parent(s) and arrange for an intake meeting where the prospective adoptive parent(s) can explore the various adoption options open to them, gain an understanding of the adoption process at CFC and have their questions concerning adoption answered.
• For all types of adoption CFC requires a formal educational process for parents. The length of the required training and topics covered is dictated by the type of adoption sought.

• A home study is required for all adoptions. In addition to the educational and eligibility requirements the home study process also requires:
  • Individual face to face interviews with all members of the household and, for couples, joint interviews
  • Personal, family and employment references
  • A home safety tour
  • Financial disclosures
  • An assessment of the prospective adoptive parent(s)’ ability to physically, mentally, emotionally and financially care for a child under conditions favorable to his/her optimal development
• All types of adoptions have a post-placement requirement which varies by the type of adoption, the needs of the family/child and the timing of the finalization of the adoption process. Catholic Family Center’s post-placement services are designed to maximize the positive transition of a child and family joining through adoption.
• International adoptions may be finalized in the child’s country of origin prior to the family returning to the US. All other adoptions require the prospective adoptive parent(s) and child to live together for a period of time prior to the legalization of the adoption. All adoptions require the services of a qualified adoption attorney to assure that all legal requirements are met.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PROGRAM

• Catholic Family Center has Temporary Hague Accreditation and is in process of pursuing Full Hague Accreditation
• While Catholic Family Center does not do direct adoption placements of children internationally, CFC does have strong working relationships with multiple International Adoption agencies and provides the hands on, local training, preparation and supports to enable prospective adoptive parent(s) to successfully pursue international adoption
• Catholic Family Center provides a local source of support, information and services for prospective adoptive parent(s) pursuing an international adoption. CFC provides a full spectrum of home study preparation and post placement services to adoptive parents in conjunction with the chosen international adoption. agency. Services are designed to meet the requirements of the prospective adoptive parent(s)’ chosen international agency and country. Samples of the Service Agreement are available upon request to the program.
• Catholic Family Center can facilitate infant and older and/or special needs international adoptions.
• To complete an international home study four 3 hour preparation classes are required with additional online trainings required for adoption from Hague certified countries. All required trainings must be completed prior to the home study approval.
• CFC can assist prospective adoptive parent(s) with securing and understanding documents required by the immigration process.
• CFC will provide education and resources to assist prospective adoptive parent(s) in understanding and making informed decisions concerning child placement information from their international agency and can act as liaisons between the prospective adoptive parent(s) and the international agency, if needed.
• Post-placement services are designed to assist the family and child make the best adjustment possible once the placement occurs. They are also designed to meet the reporting requirements of the sending country and the international adoption agency.
• CFC can provide documentation and guidance for any post-placement legalization needs as well.
• Please consult with your international agency or check country specific requirements to determine if there are additional eligibility requirements and/or restriction for your country and international agency of choice.

OLDER/SPECIAL NEEDS (OSN) ADOPTIONS

• Children considered OSN children available for adoption are those children who have been freed for adoption by a child welfare agency, usually a state or local department of Social Services.
• CFC does not currently directly place OSN children with families but rather acts as an advocate and liaison between certified prospective adoptive parent(s) and child placing agencies including both local departments of social services as well as with other states in the US.
• Certification for an OSN adoption requires the completion of a 30 hour Modal Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) training class which is offered by the agency at no charge to prospective adoptive parent(s). This is a NYS mandated training which must be completed prior to the approval of the home study.
• Information concerning OSN children available for adoption is made available to prospective adoptive parent(s) through websites and other forms of information dispersal by the child’s placing agency. CFC provides guidance and support to prospective adoptive parent(s) during this process as well as providing opportunities for them to directly network with local placing resources such as Children Awaiting Parents and the Adoption Exchange.
• CFC provides advocacy and acts as a liaison in assisting prospective adoptive parent(s) in providing placing agencies with the home studies and other information required in the decision making process.
• CFC also provides the support, education and guidance to prospective adoptive parent(s) when considering a child study to assist them in determining the likely fit for a given child in their family
• Prior to a placement occurring CFC will assist prospective adoptive parent(s) in determining and securing support services to help assure a positive transition for all concerned and will offer ongoing, in-home support and education until finalization of the adoption.
• CFC will assist with the finalization process.
• All decisions concerning actual placements of OSN children are the responsibility of the child’s placing agency. The child remains in the custody of the placing agency until finalization of the adoption.

DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTIONS

• Catholic Family Center provides placements of domestic infants through referrals from our Pregnancy Options Program which works with birth parents wishing to make an adoption plan for their child.
• CFC provides a four week, 3 hours per week required adoption preparation training class where topics such as the dynamics of adoption including the role of the birth parent, the adoptive family life cycle, the process of adoption and other relevant topics are covered as part of the home study process.
• The majority of birth parents seeking to place their child through CFC play an active role in choosing the adoptive family for their child. CFC staff will assist prospective adoptive parent(s) to prepare a non-identifying “Dear Birth parent” letter as part of this process. They will also actively assist prospective adoptive parent(s) determine the level and degree of openness they are comfortable with in an adoption. They will be provided with both information and guidance in considering their options from both their perspective as a family and from the child’s perspective as an adopted child.
• CFC staff, with legal consultation will assist the prospective adoptive parent(s) and the birth family determines the conditions of surrender. Adoptive parent(s) should also expect to consult their own legal counsel during this process as well.
• CFC will provide, in-home post-placement monitoring and support until finalization as part of the placement fee.