Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to adopt an infant?
  • At this time Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg projects a three- to five-year waiting period.

2. What are the costs involved in adoption?
  • The fees for a completed home study (aka family profile) total is approximatly $2,500. Click here to learn more about fees dealing with adoption.

3. Is there is waiting list to adopt a baby?
  • Yes, there is a waiting list. We are currently placing with couples who applied for adoption in 1999. It should be noted, there is no guarantee of placement as we have no control over the number of infants who may become available for adoption.

4. Can a birth mother change her mind once the baby is in our home?
  • Yes, if termination of parental rights has not occurred, and the child is placed in the adoptive home on a legal risk basis, the birth parents have the legal right to ask for their child to be returned to them.

5. How long does the birth family have before termination of parental rights?
  • In general, it is approximately four months to have termination completed. However, each situation is different. Longer time periods before termination occurs can be required.

6. What are the requirements for adopting an infant?
  • You must be at least 21 years of age, in a stable marriage and without other children. A home study/family profile is required for every adoption.

7. Do you have to be Catholic?
  • No

8. What is a home study/family profile?
  • A home study/family profile is a series of interviews where information regarding you and your spouse is collected. It is also an educational process where information about parenting the adopted child and the types of children available for adoption is made available.

9. How long does it take to have a home study completed?
  • The minimum time to conduct a home study is three months.

10. Will we know information of the child's background?
  • Yes, the agency will share non-identifying information regarding the child's background, including the birth family’s medical, educational, and social information.