Do you have to be Catholic to adopt through Catholic Charities?
What are Post-Placement Services?
What are Post- Adoption Services?
Am I required to attend any training sessions?
Are there healthy infants available for adoption in the US?
Do I have to work with another agency or can CCDBR handle everything for me?
I’m single. Can I still adopt a child?
Who are the women who choose adoption?
When should we begin talking with our child about adoption?
I am concerned that having an open adoption will be confusing for my child.
I have another question that I don't see listed here. Click here to contact one of Catholic Charities Domestic Adoption Social Workers for more information or call 225-336-8708.
Interested in learning more about adoptions? Attend one of our Adoption Matters workshops, a presentation covering all aspects of finding families for children. Many are intimidated about the process and not sure where to start. Come hear our experienced social workers demystify the journey toward a successful adoption and building happy families by registering for one of our workshops.
Do you have to be Catholic to adopt through Catholic Charities?
Catholic Charities serves families from a variety of faiths and backgrounds because of our Catholic tradition.
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What is a home study?
A home study is a report required to adopt. The home study process is both educational and evaluative. It consists of home visits, individual interviews, couple interviews and family interviews. Supporting documents are provided by the family; other documents are obtained by CCDIOBR. The report must meet the guidelines of the state of Louisiana, various agencies and foreign governments.
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What are Post-Placement Services?
Post-Placement Services are services provided after the adoption. The number and frequency of visits varies by the type of adoption. The goal of these visits is to ensure the child and family are adjusting and bonding. Our social workers provide education, support and make referrals to community resources to assist in this adjustment.
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What are Post- Adoption Services?
Post-Adoption Services are the same as post-placement services, but Hague countries use the term post-adoption rather than post-placement.
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Am I required to attend any training sessions?
Families adopting through Catholic Charities are required to attend a 10-hour training course. This Hague-compliant course is offered once a quarter and consists of 5 two-hour sessions.
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Are there healthy infants available for adoption in the US?
Thousands of families each year adopt healthy, newborn babies. We also work with families who adopt children of all ages born in the United State and abroad.
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Do I have to work with another agency or can CCDBR handle everything for me?
If you choose domestic adoption, Catholic Charities is the only agency you will be working with. For international adoptions, you will need to choose a placing agency. Catholic Charities can refer you to our partner agencies.
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I’m single. Can I still adopt a child?
Many singles are building a family through adoption. Choices may be a bit restricted, especially with international adoption rules established by each individual country. Catholic Charities will work with you to find a country that’s right for you.
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Who are the women who choose adoption?
The birthmothers we work with are usually in their twenties, single, and already parenting other children. They are experiencing multiple challenges. Because of these multiple challenges, birthmothers choose adoption because they want a family for their child. We find they often want to play an active role in their adoption plan.
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What does it cost?
For domestic adoptions, CCDIOBR’s fees are on a sliding scale which is based on your income. For international adoptions, CCDIOBR’s fees are different depending on if you have chosen a Hague country adoption vs. a non-Hague country adoption. Families also pay fees to their international adoption placing agency. These fees vary greatly.
Here are some excellent resources to help out with the costs:
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Federal Adoption Tax Credit http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html
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Employee Adoption Assistance Benefits--Many employers help their employees when they adopt by reimbursing adoption expenses with a cash benefit of several thousand dollars. If your employer does not offer this benefit, call the National Adoption Center (800-TO-ADOPT) for materials to guide you in requesting this benefit from your employer. Or visit http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/Our-Work/Adoption-Friendly-Workplace
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How to Make Adoption and Affordable Option published by the National Endowment for Financial Education http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/family/adoption/
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The National Adoption Foundation offers grants and loans to help with adoption expenses. www.nafadopt.org or call 888-627-8767.
When should we begin talking with our child about adoption?
Talking to your child about the way they came into your family is a process that is best when started from the time they become a part of your family. Waiting until they are older can be shocking and unsettling to a child. They may also wonder what else you are not telling them. There are many beautiful, age-appropriate books that can aid families in teaching about this from day one. Our social workers can provide education and assistance in helping parents learn how to talk to their children about adoption.
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I am concerned that having an open adoption will be confusing for my child.
Every relationship has its challenges and the relationships in adoption are no different. However, healthy attitudes towards adoption and respect for birth history enhance the likelihood of healthy relationships. Most likely, adoption will not be confusing for children if it is talked about openly, honestly, and consistently. Children form attachments to their primary caregivers (their parents). Depending on the amount of openness, children often develop relationships with birth parents that mirror relationships with extended family. It is important that a child has the opportunity to be informed about his/her family of origin and to maintain a relationship with them. At Catholic Charities, our social workers can provide support and assistance with the relationships in an open adoption.
A portion was adapted from an article by Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. and www.evancfa.org/Adoption/myths.htm
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