Catholic Charities North Dakota

Adults Adopting Special Kids

A.A.S.K.

Mission Statement

Through collaboration and the provision of innovative, quality services, the A.A.S.K. Program is committed to permanency for children by promoting and expediting strong and lasting relationships through adoption, for children with special needs who have experienced the loss of their families.

Statement of Mission

A.A.S.K. believes that permanent families are essential to the well-being and optimal development of children. Therefore, we are committed to promoting and expediting strong and lasting relationships for children who have lost their families. To that end, we are dedicated to innovative and quality services, training, and leadership practices that empower the people whose lives we touch.

A.A.S.K. (Adults Adopting Special Kids) is a collaborative public/private special needs adoption program of Catholic Charities North Dakota, Path Inc., and the North Dakota Department of Human Services. 

Philosophy Statement

Children are entitled to continuity, stability, and a sense of belonging. Ideally, children belong with their birth parents. When this is not possible, adoption with extended family, family friends, foster families or other prepared families is a preferred alternative to relinquishing without permanency. We believe that families are essential to the growth and development of children. Most people can parent if provided with preparation, full disclosure of information, training, and the power to make informed decisions about adoption.

Adoption Group Preparation

After an inquiry meeting, a couple or single person must attend PRIDE (Parenting, Resources, Information, Development & Education), a 27-hour training group offered periodically throughout the state. There will then be home visits, parenting and personality inventories, reference checks, and questionnaires to help them look at whether adoption is for them.

A.A.S.K Referral and Placement

Children are generally referred from the county social service system. They must be in the custody of the county or state. A special needs child is defined as: a child over age 5, or a child of minority race which is a barrier to placement, or a member of a sibling group, or a child having a physical, emotional, or mental disability. After a completed assessment, you may select a child that you are interested in and the process for placement may begin. Extensive post-placement services are provided to the family.

Other Resources  

The National Adoption Center’s site provides information on special needs children who are waiting for permanent families.

The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse has a site that offers extensive adoption information and statistics for professionals and all members of the adoption triad.

The site of the North American Council on Adoptable Children offers adoption information for families, including specific information on adoption subsidy.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services provides information on adoption and foster care.

Visit Tapestry Books if you want to find adoption books and tapes.