FAQs
Common questions asked by prospective adoptive parents are:
What is the Hague Convention and why is it important?
The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention) is an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions. The Hague Adoption Convention protects children and their families against the risks of unregulated adoptions abroad, ensures that intercountry adoptions are in the best interests of the children and helps prevent the abduction, sale of, or traffic in children. The United States signed the Convention in 1994, and the Convention entered into force for the United States in April 2008. The Hague Adoption Convention applies to all adoptions between the United States and other counties that have joined the Convention. Approximately 87 countries have joined the Convention thus far View Convention Countries
If adopting from a country that has joined the Hague Convention, it is important for prospective adoptive parents to understand the Hague Process. As indicated by the U.S. Department of State, the first step is to choose an accredited adoption service provider. Although the placing agency must be accredited when adopting from a Hague country, non-accredited or secondary providers can be utilized for certain services such as home studies though it is important to note that the home study must be reviewed by a Hague accredited agency prior to submission to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The review by the accredited agency results in an additional charge to the adoptive parents. Home studies generated by an accredited agency are not subject to an additional review.
The procedure and guidelines for intercountry adoptions with non-Hague countries are unchanged.
Why use an accredited agency?
As a Hague accredited agency, CAS is well versed on the requirements for home studies for both Hague and non-Hague countries. CAS has established the necessary policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Hague standards. All aspects of the services offered by CAS from home studies, postplacement services and training conform to Hague standards. Whether pursuing an adoption or just requesting specific services from CAS, this agency can address your needs.
How do I find out more about your adoption programs?
CAS provides FREE domestic and international adoption informational meetings approximately once a month. These meetings allow prospective adoptive parents the opportunity to learn more about our programs. CAS strongly encourages your attendance at an informational meeting prior to submitting an application.
Does Christian Adoption Services do out-of-state adoptions?
Yes, intercountry placements from The Philippines and Czech Republic occur throughout the United States. Domestic placements occur primarily in North Carolina although a limited number of placements occur in other states.
How long do clients normally wait to take placement?
The home study usually takes about 3 months to complete. Upon home study approval, the average wait for a domestic placement in 2011 was 10 months. While some families will wait a shorter than average time other families will wait a longer than average time.
How do birthparents find out about Christian Adoption Services?
Many of our birthparent referrals result from our extensive outreach efforts to pregnancy care centers, healthcare programs and social service organizations. Birthparents also learn about us: through ads in the yellow pages, world of mouth, and the CAS website.
Do you ever place toddlers or older children in adoptive homes?
Occasionally a birth parent relinquishes custody of a toddler or sibling group voluntarily and these children are placed by CAS; however, the focus of the CAS domestic program is infant adoption since the staff usually works with women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Does Christian Adoption Services complete both “open” and “closed” adoptions?
The birthmother determines the type of adoption either “open” or “closed”. In a “closed” adoption no identifying information is exchanged between the birth and adoptive families.