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Adopting a Child
Richmond, VA | Roanoke, VA | Norton, VA
Adoption is a life-changing and precious gift. But it can also be a long, complicated process that can be emotionally overwhelming. Since 1923, CCC has helped families navigate the ups and downs of adoption and today, over 100 years later, we are here to help your family grow.
Our expert team is passionate about adoption and will ensure that you have all of the support and information you need on your adoption journey.
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Types / Why CCC / Qualifications / Costs / Steps / FAQs
Types of Adoption
Not all adoptions are the same. It is important to learn about each type of adoption and choose the one that is right for your family.
In Virginia, all adoptions are either an agency placement or a non-agency placement.
Agency Placement
An agency placement is when all parental rights have been terminated, and the child is in the legal custody of the local department of social services or a licensed child-placing agency.
Non-agency Placement
In a non-agency adoption, the birth parents or legal guardians voluntarily terminate their parental rights and consent to the adoption. This can include parental placement, step-parent adoption, kinship or close relative adoption, and adult adoption.
Adoption can be open, semi-open, or closed. Your case worker can help you determine which scenario is best for your family.
Open Adoption
In an open adoption there is regular contact between the birth family and adoptive family. Typically, in an open adoption, the child grows up knowing and having some level of relationship with the birth parent(s).
Semi-open Adoption
In a semi-open adoption, the adoptive family shares periodic updates on the child but there is little ongoing relationship-building.
Closed Adoption
In a closed adoption there is no contact or information shared between the adoptive family and birth family.
Why Adopt with CCC?
"We are so happy to have gone through CCC for our placement and adoption! Aside from all the wonderful attributes CCC gives to the community, our case worker was fantastic! Every time we met with her we left feeling a lot better about the process."
- Belle & Eric
Adopting through CCC offers a range of benefits that make the process more supportive and family-centered. Many families choose to work with CCC because CCC is a full-service licensed agency that offers compassionate, personalized support for a variety of adoption paths.
As a licensed full-service adoption agency, CCC can assist with:
Parental Placement Adoption
Interstate Adoption
Domestic Adoption
International Adoption
ATCP
Adoption Through Collaborative Partnerships The ATCP program is a public-private partnership intended to increase adoptions for children and teens in foster care. CCC collaborates with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) in the Roanoke and Norton regions to eliminate barriers, stream the adoption process, and provide ongoing support to adoptive families and children.
Qualifications and Process
Who Can Adopt?
Those interested in adoption should meet the following qualifications.
If you have concerns about whether you will be approved, give us a call!
Age
Both applicants must be 45 years old or younger.
Physical Health
Must be in good health with a normal life expectancy. Any health issues will require evaluation by a specialist.
Mental Health
Must be in good mental health.
Religion
Services are provided regardless of religious affiliation.
Marital Status
Married couples must be married for at least two years. Single applicants are accepted, but may not be cohabiting.
Residence
Must live in Central or Southwestern Virginia.
Note: Applicants who move out of state before placement will no longer be eligible
Housing
Must have adequate space and a clean, safe home.
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Children may not share the parents’ bedroom after age two.
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Children over age threemay not share a room with an opposite-sex sibling.
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Either renting or owning is acceptable.
Neighborhood
Must live in a safe area appropriate for raising a child.
Children in the Home
No more than two children currently in the home.
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Exceptions may be made based on a child’s needs. Applicants with more than two children may be eligible for international, parental placement, or out-of-state adoptions.
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Applicants interested in adoption for humanitarian reasons only may be referred to other resources.
Income
Must have sufficient income to support the family after placement.
Pregnancy
If pregnancy occurs while waiting, the application will be placed on hold.
Home Study
All household members must consent to background checks and screenings. This includes checks such as criminal history, child protective services, and DMV records.
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The home study will also include references, employment and insurance verification, financial records, health reports, and family history.
How much does it cost to adopt?
The following is an estimate of expected costs.
Application Fee and Initial Interview | $500.00 |
Home Study | $2,000.00 |
Birth Parent Outreach & Assistance Fee | $1,000.00 |
Post Placement/Finalization | $1,800.00 |
Adoptive Placement Fee | 15% of income with a minimum of $15,000 and a maximum of $25,000 |
Legal Fees and Medical Expenses for Birthmother | If needed |
Mileage for home visits | $0.62 per mile |
What are the steps to adoption?
Adoption FAQs
How do I begin the adoption process?
The most important step before beginning the adoption process is to research adoption options, procedures, and agencies in your region. Commonwealth Catholic Charities offers free orientations for prospective adoptive parents to help you understand the adoption process before making a commitment. You may want to attend orientations with several agencies to ensure that you are making an informed decision about what option and what agency is best for you.
Can anyone adopt?
All adoption agencies have different criteria for adoptive applicants such as age, marital status, length of marriage, number of children in the home, and financial stability. If you have concerns about whether you will be approved, give us a call!
What is a home study?
A home study is required for every type of adoption. As part of the home study process, we will collect documentation on your behalf which includes, but is not limited to, financial information, references, background checks, and medical reports. Virginia Department of Social Services' child placing regulations set these requirements. Your home study will take approximately 3 to 4 months to complete depending on how quickly you are able to get us the required information.
What ages of children are available for adoption?
CCC focuses primarily on the placement of newborns. The type of adoption you choose might be a factor in the ages of children available.
What is the cost for adoption?
The cost for adoption can vary depending on the type of adoption you choose. There are fees required whether you are adopting through a private agency or using an attorney. The agency or law firm must absorb the costs of providing services and the expenses involved in maintaining staff and the facilities where the services are offered.
Is there financial assistance for adoption?
There is financial assistance available through grants, tax credits, loans, and employment benefits. Your adoption caseworker may be able to give you additional guidance on how to receive this assistance.
How long does it take to adopt?
Adoption is not a fast process. The length of time will vary depending on the type of adoption you choose, how flexible you are about your child’s background, and how active you are in researching adoption opportunities. Typically the wait to adopt a healthy domestic newborn can be within a few months to upwards of three years.
Can the biological parents change their minds?
This is very rare and, in Virginia, there is a short window when birth parents can reverse their decision. Virginia has adoption laws that protect adoption placements. However, it is important that your agency does its due diligence in counseling and supporting both of your child’s birth parents to ensure that the adoption is the best decision for them and to ensure that the adoptive parents have been made aware of any potential risks.
Can I adopt a child from a different state/country?
Yes. Commonwealth Catholic Charities has connections to agencies that specialize in out of state and international adoptions that will be made available to you. A home study in Virginia will still be required.
What kind of help is available to my family after I adopt?
After your adoption is finalized, you and your child are eligible for free post-adoption services until your child reaches 18-years-old. Commonwealth Catholic Charities will always be available for support and referrals.
What level of communication can I expect with the birth family?
The level of communication you can expect depends on which type of adoption you choose—open, semi-open, or closed. Talk to your case worker to learn about each type of adoption and decide what will work best for your family.
Does CCC offer foster care adoption? CCC Foster Care | Adoptuskids.org
You can contact your local Department of Social Services if foster care adoption interests you. CCC’s foster care department might also be able assist you in adopting a child in Treatment Foster Care but you will need to commit to fostering a child and supporting their foster care goal. Foster parents are typically given the first option to adopt a child who is in their care if they become available for adoption. If a Virginia foster child is not available for adoption, CCC can work with out of state foster -to-adopt programs such as, www.Adoptuskids.org.
