How Do I Begin If I Want To Adopt?

The first step in the process is to fill out an application, and begin the adoption orientation process. Receipt of the application form lets Children's Aid Society know that the prospective parents are interested in pursuing adoption and attending classes to understand more about the challenges of welcoming a new child into the home.

Our caseworker professionals will conduct a series of interviews in your home and our office, and write an in-depth assessment called a family profile. State clearances are required, as well as FBI clearances and five or more references. After the family profile is written and accepted by you, we begin networking with other agencies to find a child whose needs match your capabilities to parent.

How Long Does It Take To Adopt A Child?

Once the family profile has been completed, the length of time to be matched with a child can vary considerably, depending on several factors such as availability of children and the family's requirements.

A major focus is to match prospective adoptive parents with children who have been designated as having "special needs." These are children who have been in the foster care system, who may be age five and older, a member of a sibling group, a member of a minority group, or have physical, mental or emotional issues. The search for children starts with Pennsylvania children and may extend to other states as well.

Services Include:

  • Birth parent counseling
  • SWAN (State-Wide Adoption and Permanency Network) orientation
  • Adoption classes
  • Preparation of Family Profile (Home Study)
  • Family Profile Updates
  • Networking with placement agencies
  • Post-Placement Supervision
  • Report of Intermediary
  • Court appearances as required
  • International placement help
  • Child Profiles
  • Child Preparation
  • Matching Services
  • Child Specific Recruitment
  • Post Permanency Services

Children's Aid Society charges reasonable fees as services are rendered.

 Application Fee:                                     $100.00

 Private Domestic, Special Needs   $1500.00

Family Profile (Home Study)

 *Family profile (Home Study) fee will be reimbursed to families who adopt a special needs child through the Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN)

 International Home Study $2700.00

 To inquire about fees not listed above, please call Children's Aid Society.

If you would like to start the adoption process,
please complete an Adoptive Parent Application and mail to:

Children's Aid Society
Attn: Adoption Program
1008 S. Second St.
Clearfield, PA 16830


To download our Adoptive Parent Application:Click Here


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To contact us:
Phone: 814-765-2686
Fax: 814-765-6530
E-mail: adoption@childaid.org