Caritas Family Solutions

Caritas Family Solutions promotes open adoption and works to match waiting families with birth parents who choose to make an adoption plan for their child. It is a requirement of families to provide the Agency with regular updates regarding the child. The Agency may also provide services to client(s) who already have a prospective match or may have already received a placement of a child on their own. If client(s) choose, the Agency may assist them in Networking or they may Independently search on their own to locate a prospective match. We are a Hague Accredited service provider for International Adoptions. International home studies and post placement services are provided to families who choose to adopt a child from another country. Based on your country of interest, we can provide you with an International Adoption Placing Agency referral.

THE DOMESTIC ADOPTION PROCESS: 1. All adoptions require a family to participate in the home study assessment process, licensure process, and meet training requirements set forth by the state of Illinois. 2.Applicants must initially and continually pass clearances for the FBI, criminal activity (LEADS), and child abuse/neglect (CANTS). 3.The home study is an assessment process legally required for all non-related adoptions. It will: A. Examine the appropriateness of the home and family for adoption. B. Examine individual and family values, expectations, parenting talents and skills necessary for adoption. C. Assess whether or not adoption is appropriate for the client(s) D. Assess individual maturity and the stability of marriage/civil union relationship. E. Identify areas of strength and weakness in order to prepare for adoption challenge. 4.The home study process involves the completion of self-study documents, individual/couple interviews, and the administering of an ENRICH (marital assessment) and/or MMPI (personality inventory) involving a feedback session with a licensed counselor. 5.You will be asked to write a one page “Dear Birthparent” letter about your family and provide an Agency approved family picture. Several copies of these may be required and you may be asked to update them on a regular basis. Your letter and family picture along with others are compiled into a binder and presented to birthparents who are considering a plan of adoption for their child. 6. An adoption attorney will be needed for the adoption process. The cost is not included in your Agency adoption fees. The Agency can provide you with a list of state approved attorneys with adoption experience. We strongly encourage you to choose an experienced adoption attorney as not doing so can significantly delay your adoption process and put your adoption at legal risk. Don’t forget to give your attorney’s contact information to your Adoption Specialist. 7. Because the Birthparent(s) vi