Open Adoptions

For many years, Catholic Charities has provided homes for many children, and have counseled birthmothers in their time of need.  In recent years, the trend in adoption has been open adoptions.  Dr. Randolph Severson states a working definition of open adoption is: "Openness means that everyone involved in the process, whether adoptive or birth parents, is open to meeting and talking with each other prior to, and subsequent to, placement.  How much communication and contact will occur is impossible to say.  But, in an open adoption, the assumption exists that there will be as much as possible within the limits of courage, compassion and common sense."

Openness can look many different ways.  The type of relationship is decided upon by both parties. One thing it never is co-parenting.  As with all relationships, it is constantly changing and evolving. It is important to note that it is in no way a legal relationship.  It should not be confused with joint custody or visitation as seen in a divorce.  It is a relationship built on trust and respect.  The birthmother trusts the adoptive parents with the life and care of her child and that they are being honest with all they have agreed to with regards to openness.  The adoptive parents are often trusting the birthparents to provide complete information about the child, and that they will be respectful of the boundaries the adoptive parents have set.

For questions regarding open adoptions, please contact at Lee Schimmel 214-526-2772, ext. 112; e-mail lschimmel@central.catholiccharitiesdallas.org  

*Finally Home Program

Catholic Charities is committed to finding homes for all children. The Finally Home Program was launched in 2005 to place children who were in need of loving families and in the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

This program is in conjunction with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Catholic Charities and recruits families to provide adoptive homes for children in foster care. The majority of these children are over the age of 3 who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect, who have medical needs, or are in large sibling groups. There is no fee for families who adopt a child waiting in foster care through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, although some families may incur legal costs if their child does not qualify for subsidy.

You may visit the TDFPS website at http://www.tdprs.state.tx.us to learn more about children currently waiting for a loving home.

For more information on our Finally Home Program and how you can become an adoptive parent and provide a home for children in waiting, please contact Lee Schimmel at 214 526-2772 ext. 112; e-mail lschimmel@central.catholiccharitiesdallas.org  

* This is not a foster care program.