Caritas Family Solutions
Adopt a Child

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Private Domestic Adoption Program at Caritas Family Solutions. We’re here to answer any questions you have as you consider growing your family through adoption.
How can we help you?
Caritas is an independent, accredited adoption agency, not affiliated with DCFS.
DOMESTIC ADOPTION OVERVIEW
Caritas Family Solutions has been serving individuals and families for over 75 years. Our mission is to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities which starts by providing the best possible support and experience for all individuals and families interested in adoption.

Adoption looks much different than it did when we first began providing services, and we are proud to provide modern and updated services to the families we serve.
Individualized Approach
Our Adoption Staff
Comprehensive Support
We are committed to providing expectant parents and families with ethical care that is personalized and supportive. We limit our waiting pre-adoptive families, so as not to overload the waiting list and the services provided. We understand adoption can be an overwhelming and sometimes confusing process, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
•Adoptive Parent Profiles: We will assist you in creating your adoptive
parent profile, presenting your profile on our website, and we will use
numerous tools to reach potential expectant or birth parents.
• Coordination & guidance for communication with expectant or birth parents: We will help coordinate communication and meetings between you and the expectant/birth parents.
• Guidance & support: We’re always here to talk, listen, and offer assistance, advice, and encouragement at any stage of the process to our clients and the Southern Illinois community.

PREGNANCY OPTIONS COUNSELING
Pregnant or parenting and considering adoption as an option? You’re not alone. We’re here to help.
Learn more about our Pregnancy Options Counseling services.
Or for immediate assistance call or text our on-call number.
Melyssa.Frederick@caritasfamily.org
618.744.7297
THE ADOPTION PROCESS
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Conversation with Domestic Adoption Manager to learn about our program, services, eligibility guidelines, and fee information.
SUBMIT APPLICATION
Fill out and submit application to become an approved family in our Domestic Adoption Program.
COMPLETE HOMESTUDY
Begin home study process.
FAMILY PROFILE
Create family profile for website and print to present to potential birth parents.
WAITING AND READY TO BE MATCHED
Become a “waiting family” to be presented to potential expectant or birth parents.
MATCHED WITH EXPECTANT PARENTS
Be selected by expectant parents. Expectant parents may make their selection at any point in pregnancy or after the baby is born.
PLACEMENT
Baby is placed with your family, and birth parents sign voluntary termination of parental rights, no sooner than 72 hours following birth.
POST-PLACEMENT
Meet with your social worker for post-placement support and required home visits.
FINALIZATION
Attend final court hearing. Baby’s name is changed and new birth certificate and Social Security card issued after finalization.



ADOPTION MANAGER
Melyssa Frederick, MSW, LCSW
618.744.7297 (direct)
Melyssa.Frederick@caritasfamily.org
900 Royal Heights Rd., Suite 2150
Belleville, IL, 62226
Main Office
8601 W. Main St.
Suite 201
Belleville, IL 62223
Contact us for more information about our Private Adoption program. For foster care inquiries, please contact https://www.foster-adopt.org/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Support Pregnancy Care
Donate Money
We need funds to support and care for pregnant women, and provide housing, counseling and adoption services. Donate now.
More Ways to Help
See other ways you can support Caritas Family Solutions.