FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I have to be Catholic to receive services?

No, we serve people of all faiths.

Are all of your adoptive families Catholic?

No, our adoptive pool is also open to families of all faiths.

Do I have to pay any fees?

No. The services are completely free to you.

Can I choose the adoptive family?

Yes, you can choose an adoptive family from among the families prepared by the agency or we can study a family that you choose.  You will also have the opportunity to meet and develop a relationship with the adoptive family prior to the birth of the baby.

Can I see my baby in the hospital?

You are in full control of how much time you want to spend with your baby at the hospital.

Is the adoptive family part of the birth and time at the hospital?

You are also in full control of whether the adoptive family is part of the birth and hospital experience.

What is an open adoption?

An open adoption refers to an adoption where the birth family and the adoptive family exchange identifying information and have ongoing contact throughout the child’s life.  This contact can range from pictures and letters to an extended family type relationship based on the needs of all parties involved.  Open adoptions are a way to join two families and to serve the long term identity development of the child.

Is open adoption legally enforceable?

In the state of Michigan there are no laws that make openness in adoption legally enforceable.  This relationship is based on a trust agreement between the birth and adoptive parents.  For this reason, it is important to choose an adoptive family that is fully committed to the level of open adoption you are hoping for.

What qualifications do adoptive families have to have in order to adopt?

All adoptive families need to have a pre-placement assessment as required by the State of Michigan.  This includes FBI background checks, medical clearances, references, Child Protective Services background checks and an extensive study of the family’s home, community and social history.

What about the father of the baby? Can he be involved?

The father is a very important part of the process and we work to engage him as much as possible during the process to get his input, and his genetic and social history.  If that is not possible, we will work with you to understand his legal rights as a parent and how he plays a role in the adoption process.

When do I sign the adoption consent papers?

Your baby gets to go home with the adoptive family you choose directly from the hospital in what is called a temporary placement. After a period of time passes (often around 3 to 6 weeks) you will go to court and consent to the adoption before a judge or referee. This is when you consent to the adoption and make your decision final. Up until the day you go to court you can request the return of the baby to your care.

What is an out of court consent?

Michigan law allows in some cases for birthparents to consent to their adoption in a way that does not require the consent to be before a judge/referee in a court room.  In these cases, the birthparents sign their adoption consent papers before an attorney and an adoption case worker.  Michigan law allows this to be done as early as 72 hours after the baby’s birth.

For more information, contact one of our on-call counselors at: (877) 673-6338 or email us at pregnancy@ccwestmi.org.