Adoption
For over 130 years, Saint Joseph’s Center has been offering the love and security of family to children in need. Counseling and support services are available to families throughout the pregnancy and adoption process, as well as the post-adoption period. Adoption Services include home studies, pre-adoption education and counseling, and post-adoption support services.
Since 1993, Saint Joseph’s has been Northeastern Pennsylvania’s affiliate for the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN).
Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network
The Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) makes every attempt to find a “forever family” for children who are in the custody of the county children and youth agencies but who are eligible and interested in adoption.
Many children may have physical or emotional problems due to circumstances beyond their control. In many instances the child’s special need is that he or she is over five years of age or a member of a sibling group. More than half of the children are minorities and there are more boys than girls. Whatever the individual circumstances, every child deserves to experience the love and support of a family.
Saint Joseph’s SWAN staff recruit, screen and train families who are interested in a “special-needs” adoption. They also assess and prepare children who are awaiting adoption.
Recognizing the significant adjustment the adoption process requires, Saint Joseph’s also initiated post-adoption support services as a means of providing ongoing encouragement and assistance to children and their new families.
Home Studies
Saint Joseph’s Center has many years of experience working with families during the process of completing home studies for domestic adoptions. The Center is licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
Infant Adoption
The Infant Adoption program reaches out to both birth parents and adoptive parents. Saint Joseph’s is committed to building a strong foundation, nurturing the bonds and preparing the way for a lifetime of happiness. At the time of adoption, the birth parents’ gift of love is recognized with gratitude as the adoptive family welcomes its new child.intro image
When a pregnant woman is considering adoption, counselors provide support services to assist in decision making. Counselors assist the birth parents in choosing the adoptive family for their child.
Saint Joseph’s gives special attention to childless couples considering adoption. Maternity counseling, education, home studies and support are all part of the adoptive process before a family welcomes its new bundle of joy.