For those who are facing unplanned pregnancies, the journey is hard.
We want you to know we are here for you, to walk gently and compassionately with you. We want to answer your questions, spend time getting to know you, and help you make the best decisions for the circumstances you find yourself in. Adoption can be a beautiful outcome.
Catholic Charities provides a professional, compassionate birthparent coordinator to walk alongside you during your pregnancy and beyond.
"Catholic Charities brought me peace and clarity in my time of need."
“Catholic Charities brought me peace and clarity in my time of need. To anyone considering adoption take that first step and reach out there is no pressure only love and resources for you. Thank you Catholic Charities for providing my sweet Benjamin with a forever home! “
-Lucy Shields
Frequently Asked Questions
If I contact an adoption agency, am I obligated to choose adoption?
No, a birthparent coordinator will help her objectively explore adoption to determine if it’s the best choice for her and her baby.
How much will adoption cost?
Services are free, including some medical expenses, legal services, counseling services, adoptive family matching services and more.
Do I choose the adoptive family?
The birthmother is in charge of nearly every part of the adoption, including choosing the adoptive family to raise her baby. The birthparent coordinator will work with her to find exactly the type of family she sees her child growing up in.
Can I get to know the adoptive family?
We believe it is very important for birthmothers to get to know the family they have chosen before proceeding with the adoption. This ensures that it is a good match and that they both share the same goals. The birthparent coordinator will help guide her throughout this process of getting to know the adoptive parents.
Can I choose adoption if I have other children?
Yes, many are surprised to learn that many women we work with already have children.
Can I have a relationship with my baby?
Over the past few decades, adoption has become increasingly “open” in that birth parents have more opportunities than ever to continue a relationship with their child and the adoptive parents. Women have the opportunity to stay a part of their child’s life with:
- Pictures and letters – The adoptive family sends pictures and letters three times the first 6 months through the agency, and longer if desired.
- Visits – Many adoptive families are interested in open adoption, meaning they are excited for birthmom to maintain a personal relationship with the child through the agency or directly.
How do agencies screen adoptive families?
By law, agencies pre-screen all adoptive families to ensure that they:
- Have completed an extensive home study, ensuring the family has a strong marriage, completed criminal, medical and financial checks, and that their home is a safe environment for a child.
- Are accepting of certain birthmother backgrounds and possible contact with her before and after the adoption.
Will adoptive parents love my child like a biological child?
Yes. Most of these parents have waited for years for a baby, and over and over again adoptive parents express how instantaneously they fell in love with the child.
Get help
If you have more specific questions, please email us at adoptions@ccharities.com or call or text 816.659.8235 to speak with an adoption social worker. You can also fill out the form below to be contacted with more information.
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