Domestic/Infant/ Identified/ International Adoptions
Start your journey by exploring our various paths to adoption.
Domestic/Infant/Identified/ International Adoptions
Finding the Right Adoption Option
Our agency has been facilitating infant adoptions and placing children into permanent, loving homes since 1923. Through our Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services program, Catholic Charities North Dakota is dedicated to supporting both adoptive families and birth parents throughout the adoption journey. Our experienced and compassionate social workers are here to help guide families as they prepare to grow through adoption.
Catholic Charities North Dakota offers several adoption pathways, including domestic, infant, identified, and international adoptions. Each option provides families with professional guidance, education, and support, ensuring they are prepared for every step of the adoption process while creating safe, stable homes for children.
Domestic/Infant/Identified/ International Adoptions
Adoption Types
International Adoption
International adoption allows families in North Dakota to legally adopt a child from another country. Catholic Charities North Dakota’s Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services program supports families in this process by providing home study services and required post-placement or post-adoption supervision. Our team works with families and international placement agencies to help ensure all requirements are completed and families are prepared to welcome a child into their home.
- Connect with Catholic Charities North Dakota
Contact our Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services program to receive information about international adoption or schedule an inquiry meeting to learn more about the process. - Choose a Country
Each country has its own adoption requirements and timelines. Families often review information from the U.S. Department of State and consider how they will honor and incorporate the child’s culture into their family. - Select a Placing Agency
Families work with a primary adoption agency that specializes in placements from the country they choose. - Begin the Home Study Process
Submit an application with Catholic Charities North Dakota and begin gathering required documents. Our social workers will complete interviews and assessments as part of the home study. - Complete Required Training and Home Study
Families complete adoption education and finalize the home study needed for international adoption approval. - Submit Immigration Approval
Families apply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using either the I-600A or I-800A form for provisional approval. - Submit Your Dossier
Required documentation is submitted to the child’s country for review and approval. - Receive a Referral
Families may be matched with a child. Wait times vary based on the country, the child’s age, and any special needs. - Travel to Bring Your Child Home
Families travel to the child’s country to complete the adoption process. The number and length of visits depend on that country’s requirements. - Post-Placement Supervision
Catholic Charities North Dakota provides post-placement or post-adoption supervision as required by the child’s country of origin. - Finalize in North Dakota
Families complete validation or re-adoption in North Dakota if required.
Our team is here to guide families through each step, offering support, education, and guidance as they prepare to grow their family through international adoption.
ND Domestic Adoption
The North Dakota Domestic Infant Program helps families in North Dakota adopt infants or children under the age of two who are born in the state. Through Catholic Charities North Dakota’s Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services program, families receive guidance, education, and support throughout the entire adoption journey. Our experienced social workers work closely with both adoptive families and birth parents to create thoughtful, ethical placements that prioritize the well-being of the child.
Families interested in domestic infant adoption begin by connecting with Catholic Charities North Dakota to learn more about the program and request information about the process. Families then complete an adoption interest form and participate in adoption training before beginning the home study process. During the home study, our social workers gather required documentation and conduct interviews to help prepare families for adoption.
Once the home study is completed, families create a profile that may be shared with birth parents who are considering an adoption plan. When a birth parent selects a family, there may be opportunities for communication before the baby is born depending on the level of openness chosen. After birth, the baby may be placed with the adoptive family while legal steps are completed. Catholic Charities provides ongoing post-placement visits and support before the adoption is finalized in court.
Semi-Closed Adoption The birth family and adoptive family do not have ongoing communication, though the birth parents often select the adoptive family and limited information may be shared.
Semi-Open Adoption Some identifying information may be shared, and updates about the child are often exchanged through the adoption agency.
Open Adoption Birth parents and adoptive parents may communicate directly and share updates, photos, and sometimes in-person visits as the child grows.
Our team works with families to determine the level of openness that feels right for them while focusing on the best interests of the child.
Identified Adoption
Identified adoption occurs when birth parents and prospective adoptive parents have already connected and wish to complete the adoption process with professional guidance. In these situations, the families have chosen each other outside of an adoption agency but need assistance with the legal, counseling, and home study requirements needed to complete the adoption. Identified adoptions can begin before a baby is born or involve a child of any age. Catholic Charities North Dakota’s Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services program supports both adoptive families and birth parents throughout this process. Our team assists adoptive families with the required home study and documentation while also providing birth parent counseling when needed. We can also help guide families through the hospital experience for newborn placements or assist with the transition when an older child joins a family.
Families typically begin by contacting Catholic Charities North Dakota to learn more about identified adoption and request an application. Adoptive families complete the adoption application, gather required documents, and work with an attorney experienced in adoption law. Catholic Charities then begins the home study process, which includes interviews and preparation for adoption. Because the birth and adoptive families already know one another, information gathered during the home study is shared between both parties.
If the birth parents live in North Dakota, they are required to participate in birth parent counseling, which Catholic Charities can provide. When the child is born or ready for placement, the adoptive family may receive temporary custody or guardianship while legal steps are completed. Catholic Charities also provides post-placement supervision and support, including regular visits for at least six months, before the adoption is finalized in court.
Adoption Openness
Identified adoptions can include different levels of openness between birth parents and adoptive families. Your social worker will help guide conversations about what type of relationship and communication feels appropriate for everyone involved.
Semi-Closed Adoption
The birth and adoptive families have little or no ongoing contact, though limited information may be shared.
Semi-Open Adoption
Some identifying information may be exchanged, and updates about the child may be shared indirectly.
Open Adoption
Birth parents and adoptive families maintain direct communication and may share updates, photos, or visits as the child grows.
Catholic Charities North Dakota encourages thoughtful openness whenever possible, as it can support the child’s understanding of their story and strengthen relationships between everyone involved in the adoption.
Out-of-State Adoption
Out-of-state adoption occurs when a North Dakota family adopts a baby born in another state. Catholic Charities North Dakota’s Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services program supports families pursuing this path by providing home study services and post-placement supervision. While another licensed child-placing agency facilitates the match with birth parents, Catholic Charities works closely with families to help them meet the requirements needed to complete the adoption.
Families typically begin by contacting Catholic Charities North Dakota to request information or schedule an inquiry meeting to learn more about out-of-state adoption. Families then select a licensed child-placing agency that specializes in out-of-state adoptions to assist with matching them with prospective birth parents. Catholic Charities North Dakota does not work with adoption facilitators but partners with licensed agencies to support families through the process.
Once families apply for services, they complete the home study process, which includes required training, interviews, and documentation. After being matched with a birth parent, families travel to the state where the baby is born to complete the placement. Families must remain in that state until approval is granted through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which allows the child to return home with them to North Dakota. Catholic Charities then provides post-placement supervision and support until the adoption is finalized in court according to state law.
Out-of-state adoptions can include different levels of openness between birth parents and adoptive families. Catholic Charities North Dakota encourages thoughtful communication and transparency whenever possible, as it can benefit the child and support healthy relationships.
Semi-Closed Adoption
The birth and adoptive families have little or no ongoing communication, though limited information may be shared.
Semi-Open Adoption
Some identifying information may be exchanged, and updates about the child may be shared indirectly through the adoption agency.
Open Adoption
Birth parents and adoptive families maintain direct communication and may share updates, photos, or visits as the child grows.
Relative Adoption
Relative adoption is a form of identified adoption in which a child is adopted by a family member. This may include adopting a niece, nephew, sibling, or grandchild. Under North Dakota law, families adopting these close relatives are not required to work with a licensed child placement agency. However, Catholic Charities North Dakota can still provide valuable support through the home study process, birth parent counseling, and post-placement services. For other family relationships, North Dakota law requires families to work with a licensed child placement agency to complete the adoption.
Families typically begin by contacting Catholic Charities North Dakota to request information and schedule an inquiry meeting to learn more about the adoption process. Prospective adoptive parents then complete an adoption application, gather required documentation, and work with an attorney who is knowledgeable about adoption law. Catholic Charities social workers conduct interviews and complete the home study to help prepare the family for the adoption process.
If the birth parents live in North Dakota, they will participate in birth parent counseling, which Catholic Charities North Dakota provides. When the child is ready for placement, a guardianship or temporary custody order arranged by the family’s attorney may allow the child to move into the adoptive home. Catholic Charities also assists families during the transition period, whether welcoming a newborn home from the hospital or helping an older child adjust to their new living situation.
Following placement, Catholic Charities provides post-placement supervision and support, including monthly visits for at least six months. After this period, the adoptive family’s attorney petitions the court to finalize the adoption. At the finalization hearing, the child becomes the adoptive family’s legal child.
Relative adoptions, like other adoptions, may include different levels of openness between birth parents and adoptive families. Your social worker will help guide discussions about what level of communication and relationship works best for everyone involved.
Semi-Closed Adoption
The birth and adoptive families have little or no ongoing contact, though limited information may be shared.
Semi-Open Adoption
Some identifying information may be shared, and updates about the child may be exchanged indirectly through the adoption agency.
Open Adoption
Birth parents and adoptive families communicate directly and may share updates, photos, or visits as the child grows.
Catholic Charities North Dakota encourages thoughtful openness when possible, as it can benefit the child and help maintain important family connections.
how the process works
Steps to Adoption
Get Info
Receive information on the adoption process and types of adoption available. Visit with a social worker to answer all of your questions and determine what option is best for your family.
Home Assessment
Adoptive Family Assessment/Home Study– Participate in the home study process
Approval
Once your Home Study is approved, you are eligible to be selected by an expectant family.
Match
Be selected by an expectant family and prepare for the baby by meeting the expectant parent, discussing openness expectations, and creating a hospital plan.
Placement
Placement – Bring baby/child into your home
Post-Placement Supervision
Monthly visits in your home with your social worker until finalization
Finalization
Finalization – Court hearing to finalize the adoption
Referral
Referral to the North Dakota Post Adopt Network
Adoption Services
Adoption Finance Coach
Catholic Charities North Dakota is pleased to partner with Your Adoption Finance Coach and their team of experienced coaches to help you put together a financial plan for your adoption! This service is FREE to you after you have submitted your application!
Adoptive Families
FAQs For Adoptive Families
Do you have to be Catholic to adopt through Catholic Charities North Dakota?
No, Catholic Charites North Dakota serves families of all faiths.
How long does the process usually take?
There is no single timeline for adoption because every situation is different. The length of the process can vary based on factors such as the type of adoption, legal requirements, background checks, home studies, and the circumstances of the child and family. While some adoptions move relatively quickly, others take more time. We walk alongside families throughout the process and provide guidance and updates as the adoption progresses.
What is involved in a home study?
• Gathering required documents: for example birth certificates, financial information, physician’s reports, references etc.
• Completing an application.
• Completing FBI/BCI/child abuse and neglect background checks and local law enforcement clearances.
• Completing relationship and parenting assessments.
• Participate in adoption education.
• Completing a minimum of three home study visits -at least two of these will be in your home.
• Reviewing your home study and suggesting any needed changes.
• Update the home study as needed.
How are adoptive families matched with an expectant parent?
Who is eligible to adopt?
Applicants inquiring into adoption and receiving placement of a child, must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Applicants must be willing and able to parent a child not biologically born to them.
2. Physical residence in North Dakota from inquiry to placement.
3. Married heterosexual couples and single individuals may apply. In the case of married couples, their marriage must be legal, stable and compatible for a minimum of two years. In the case of single individuals, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the best interest of the child and to the principles of family life. (See Adoption Policy Addendum)
4. Applicants with or without children may be considered for adoption. However, for the North Dakota Infant Adoption Program, preference may be given to applicants who are unable to bear children, who have received medical advice not to bear children, have no children, or have one child. Exceptions may be made for Identified, Out-of-State, and Intercountry adoptions. Applications for the North Dakota Infant Program will be accepted once all of the applicant’s children have been in the home for a period of one year.
5. All applicants must demonstrate mental and physical health appropriate to meeting the needs of a child. Physical examinations and Physician Reports are required for all individuals living in the home. Additional information may be necessary concerning any physical illnesses, psychological illnesses, or addiction related concerns (documentation from medical physicians, psychologists/psychiatrists, chemical dependency counselors, and/or mental health professionals will be required). The applicant’s suitability will be addressed based on prognosis and the best interest of a child entering a particular home.
6. The financial status of the applicant(s) must be adequate to meet the needs of the child and to demonstrate financial stability. Financial documentation is required.
7. Medical insurance coverage is required to meet the health needs of the child. Proof of insurance coverage is required.
8. Adjudication of adoption must be completed on children previously placed for adoption with applicants, as well as all fees paid prior to closing that respective adoption case. Applicants may apply for a subsequent adoption after the child has been in their home for one year. Applicants interested in a subsequent adoption will be invited into the program when a need for additional families is identified.
9. Religion/spirituality is an important part of family life and will be addressed in the adoptive assessment. Services are open to all faiths.
10. Child abuse and neglect clearances as well as Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) clearances with the North Dakota Department of Human Services is required. Child abuse and neglect clearances are checked for every state and country that the applicant has lived in since age 18. All applicants, or any person over the age of 18 living in the home, must not have been found guilty of, pled guilty to, or pled no contest to: homicide, assaults, threats, coercion and harassment, kidnapping, sexual performances by children, gross sexual imposition, continuous sexual abuse of a child, or any other of the offenses listed in 75-03-36-13. Local law enforcement checks are completed on all adult household members. Any legal concerns will need to be disclosed to this agency and if there is a history of legal concerns, the applicant will need to be deemed rehabilitated by the North Dakota Criminal Background Check Unit.
11. Per North Dakota Administrative Code 75-03-36-28 (2), A family is not eligible to adopt if:
a. There is a prior finding of deprivation related to any child in the prospective adoptive home within the last five years;
b. There has been a dissolution of a previous adoption within the last five years;
c. There has been a disruption of a formal adoptive placement within the last five years, unless further assessment by the child-placing agency in consultation with the department determines such placement to be in the best interest of the child; or
d. The custodial agency reasonably believes the adoption is not in the best interest of the child.
Additional possible requirements:
a. Applicants who may be working with other agencies in regard to an Identified, Out-of-State, or Intercountry adoption plan, may have additional eligibility requirements. CCND will honor the requirements of each respective networking agency meeting the required laws for the state of North Dakota and the other state or country.
b. If placement has occurred with an adoptive family and finalization has not occurred by the time they need to leave the state, an interlocutory decree may be completed for the family or the interstate compact process will be initiated to ensure post placement supervision occurs throughout the time of finalization. In the North Dakota Infant Program, Catholic Charities North Dakota requires adoptive applicants to work exclusively with one licensed child placing agency at the time the home study process is initiated. This ensures quality service from the family’s perspective in regard to commitment to CCND, as well as the birth parents’ selection process.
c. In the North Dakota Infant Program, Catholic Charities North Dakota requires adoptive applicants to work exclusively with one licensed child placing agency at the time the home study process is initiated. This ensures quality service from the family’s perspective in regard to commitment to CCND, as well as the birth parents’ selection process.
d. If prospective applicants become pregnant at any time during the adoption process, their case will be placed on hold until information concerning the birth of the child or outcomes of the pregnancy are known. If a child is born, the case will be closed. Applicants may reapply one year from the date of birth of their child. If the pregnancy outcome is not a live birth, the applicant may begin work on the adoption process once the PPAS Worker, cooperatively with the applicant, has determined they have resolved grief and loss issues concerning the situation.
e. Applicants will be assisted in adopting one child per each adoption service. Best practice states placing of more than one child would only occur if the children are twins or a sibling group. Exceptions to this decision will be addressed on a case by case basis.
f. Applicants who currently hold a license to provide foster care for the State of North Dakota will agree to have Catholic Charities North Dakota contact their licensing agency to ensure that their foster care license is in good standing. Foster care licensed applicants may be asked to temporarily suspend their foster care services after they have been selected for adoptive placement until the adoption has been finalized.
Can we adopt if we already have children?
Yes, families with children are eligible to adopt if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Do we have to be married to adopt?
No, you do not have to be married to adopt through Catholic Charities North Dakota, but if you are we ask that you are in a stable, heterosexual marriage and have been married for at least two years.
How much does adoption cost?
Adoption costs vary between programs. A detailed fee schedule will be provided to you when you inquire about our adoption programs. Catholic Charities North Dakota takes pride in keeping our fees as low as possible.
Are there grants, tax credits, or financial assistance programs for adoption?
Yes. Catholic Charities North Dakota provides a subscription to Your Adoption Finance Coach for all adoptive families to help explore financial assistance options for their adoption. There is also a federal Adoption Tax Credit available.
What support is available for expectant parents/birth parents?
We provide counseling, education, and guidance to help expectant parents make informed decisions and plan for their child’s future. We offer referrals for additional community resources and on-going support throughout their pregnancy, labor and delivery, and after their baby is born.
Will we know the child’s medical or social history?
Yes, Catholic Charities North Dakota will provide you with the medical and social history available regarding the child you adopt.
How to find an out of state placing agency?
In an out of state adoption, Catholic Charities North Dakota will provide the home study and post-placement supervision, but an out of state agency will match you with the expectant parent/child. It is important for families to select an out of state placing agency that is a good fit for them. Here are some questions you may want to ask as you interview agencies:
• Are you a licensed child placing agency (avoid facilitators)?
• What are your practices with expectant parents?
• When do you match a family with an expectant parent (for example, have they spoken with the birth father before match, have they contacted the Tribe if the child is ICWA eligible)
•Will there be a social worker at the hospital?
• What are your fees?
• How many placements has your agency facilitated in the last two years?
• What is your average wait time for families?
• What are your policies on expectant parent expenses?
• Ask for references from families who have worked with the agency in the past.
• Have you had any formal complaints in the last two years (you can also check with the state licensing board regarding complaints)?
• Will the agency be facilitating the communication agreement between you and the birth family?
• In what states do they provide services to expectant parents?
• How do they market their waiting families?
What is an adoption consultant?
An adoption consultant guides and supports prospective adoptive parents, helping them make informed decisions and connecting them a licensed child placing agency to facilitate an adoptive match.
Helping Families, making change
Start Your Adoption Journey
Taking the first step toward adoption can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Catholic Charities North Dakota offers guidance, answers your questions, and helps you understand your options. Contact us today to begin your adoption journey with trusted support every step of the way.