Adoption Programs

Become an
Adoptive Parent

NEW BEGINNINGS

Becoming an adoptive parent can be a great, life changing experience. Adoption provides a loving, permanent plan for a child’s future and represents a lifelong commitment by the adoptive parent(s). Caring for Kids, Inc. is dedicated to providing adoptive parents, on the quest to complete their families, with the highest level of support and compassion throughout the entire adoptive process.

Our Process

We work with Public County Children Services across the country to assist in placing children of all ages available for adoption. In addition, Caring for Kids also has a Private Infant Adoption program assisting expectant parents choosing to make a voluntary adoption plan for their baby.

Adoptive Parent Criteria

Adoptive parents are wonderfully diverse, but there are some things they all have in common!


In order to become an adoptive parent you…

Must be at least 18 years old

May be married, single, or divorced

Must have sufficient income to meet the financial needs of the family

Must have a willingness to learn and grow from the experience of adopting

Must ensure that all family members are in good physical, emotional, and mental health

Must be a mature, stable individual who can provide guidance and security to an adopted child

Must provide a home whose physical aspects meet Ohio regulations for safety and health

Cannot have any convictions for crimes related to spousal abuse, rape, sexual assault, or homicide

Adopting via the Public Child Welfare System

When the County Department of Child Protective Services receives permanent custody of a child or group of siblings they become available for adoption. There are approximately 107,000 children available for adoption through the Public Child Welfare System in the United States and approximately 4,000 available in Ohio.


Most often, the children available for adoption through the Public Child Welfare System are sibling groups and school age children, ages eight to eighteen. Some younger children with special medical, emotional, and/or behavioral needs may become available for adoption as well. Frequently, healthy babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers are adopted by their foster parents.

MORE OPTIONS

Public Adoption Program

Our Public Adoption Program staff members work with county agencies across the country to identify and match a child or children available for adoption with an adoptive family. We will work tirelessly attending match staffing meetings, participating in phone conferences, and advocating for your family. In order to help you navigate through what can sometimes be a complicated system, we will openly and effectively communicate with your family and the county agency.

The Matching Process

Children are matched with adoptive parents based upon the family’s ability to meet the needs of the child or sibling group. Once a match is made, the adoptive family and the child or children will be introduced to each other, at which point visitation begins. When ready, the child or sibling group is placed in the adoptive family’s home for a six month adjustment period before the adoption(s) can be legally finalized.


During this adjustment period, visits from our professional staff will assist both the child or children and your family. Our goal is to make sure your family is adjusting properly throughout the entire adoptive process.


Once you have been matched with a child or children, Caring for Kids will continue to provide supervision and supportive visits. At this time, we will help your family prepare for the adoptive finalization as well as assist you with any necessary legal reports and/or referrals. Please note that while finalizing an adoption your family may incur minimal costs.

Adopting Through the Domestic Private Adoption Program

Domestic Private Adoption

Caring for Kids offers a private domestic adoption program. We are licensed as a custodial placing agency by the state of Ohio. Caring for Kids is also licensed to conduct foster/adoptive home studies for families, provide matching services, and conduct post-placement services for adoptive families. We respect the right of the birth parent(s) to select the family they would like to adopt their child. Typically, birth parents select their family from a picture profile book and letter provided by the adoptive family. They may also request an interview or meeting with prospective families to help make this difficult decision, especially if ongoing contact is requested. At Caring for Kids, we pride ourselves on support to the birth parents and the adoptive family throughout the process.


Birth parents are encouraged to decide what level of openness they would like to have over the years, choosing closed/confidential, semi-open, or an open adoption plan. They are also encouraged to consider other factors that are important to them in an adoptive family (e.g. lifestyle, educational values, religion, adoptive family composition, etc.). We will work with you and the birth parent(s) to create a plan respectful of everyone involved, as well as provide counseling and support services. We are committed to a thoughtful process and offer extensive support for the adoptive parents, the birth parent(s), and the children. Working together allows for the best possible match which benefits all members of the adoption triad.

Private Identified
Adoption Services

An identified adoption generally occurs when an adoptive family and a potential birth family connect outside of the agency, and want to work together on an adoption plan. These situations occur frequently and are often the result of adoptive families networking and letting others know that they are seeking to adopt. More recently, these are occurring when a family has hired an adoption professional specifically to help connect with expectant parents. We can help you complete the legal work for your adoption process. You will benefit from the expertise of our staff, and the expectant parents will receive the counseling services that are so crucial to their well-being. We will also be there to support you through this sometimes complex process.

Attorney or Probate Adoption

If you intend to complete your adoption through an attorney, Caring for Kids can provide your family with adoption education classes, a home study, and post placement services. We are also available to provide birth parent services, such as assessments, required by Ohio law, as well as post placement support and counseling.


Fees are determined based on the extent and type of services needed. Caring for Kids has working relationships with adoption attorneys throughout the state of Ohio and provides these services as requested.


Please keep in mind that there are fees associated with the Private Infant Adoption Program for the adoptive family. To request our fee schedule and more details please Contact Us.