What does CAT mean in FOSTER & ADOPTION

The first step is to contact your nearest Adoption Team office. They will be able to provide you with an introduction to the process, a list of available resources and support for families considering adoption.

Adopting allows individuals and couples to grow their families – creating strong, loving bonds that come from shared experiences and shared love. It also provides children in need with a family, security and opportunities they may not have otherwise had.

Yes. If you are married, your spouse must consent to the adoption before any legal proceedings can take place. Even if you are single, some states require both parents (if known) or other interested parties be notified of your plans to adopt.

Generally speaking, prospective adoptive parents must pass background checks and home studies conducted by the Adoption Team or another licensed agency – this is required by law in most areas. Additionally, some states may require additional financials or other forms of qualifications depending on their laws.

There are many different factors that go into selecting an adoptive family for your child – including but not limited to lifestyle choices, parenting styles, living environment, religious beliefs and more. Ultimately it is ultimately up to individual circumstances as there isn’t one size fits all when it comes to choosing an adoptive family profile that best suits your needs as an expectant mother.

Yes - unplanned pregnancy situations can feel intimidating and overwhelming but there is help available! The Adoption Team offers counseling services free of charge for women considering adoption along with access to community resources such as housing options and financial assistance programs if needed.

This largely depends on individual circumstances; however our team believes that open adoptions (where identifying information is exchanged between birthparents & adoptive parents) allow for less confusion & uncertainty surrounding the relationship between birthparents & adoptees which can be beneficial when it comes time for important conversations about identity & heritage later in life. Closed adoptions still offer security while preserving privacy & anonymity when desired.

Yes! Many women choose open-adoptions so they can maintain communications post-placement with their baby's adoptive family such as exchange letters/photos/videos or even occasional visits depending upon everyone's comfort level & state laws regarding how much communication can take place while still honoring the rights promised at placement.

Yes - birthmothers have up until they sign relinquishment paperwork (depending on state laws) & after signing relinquishment paperwork (in most states within 30 days) to revoke consent & reclaim parental rights over their child regardless of whether placement has occurred or not.