Types of Adoption

Infant Adoption

Since 1891, CHS has placed infants in adoptive homes throughout Missouri. In some infant adoption cases, birth parents may select their child's adoptive parents from information made available to them by the agency. In other cases, the birth parent may allow CHS to find the right home for their child. When birth parents and adoptive parents prefer to allow the adoption professionals to select the right home for the child, there is usually very little openness or communication. This is often thought of as "traditional adoption."

Open Adoption

Birth parents may select adoptive parents from written information. They may choose to meet them and exchange non-identifying information or they may choose full disclosure. Birth parents and adoptive parents will be counseled to choose the degree of openness with which they feel comfortable.

Identified Adoption

Some prospective adoptive parents know a pregnant woman who has specifically requested to have that family adopt her baby. CHS will complete the home study, provide counseling to the birth parents, take legal custody of the newborn child and provide support and supervision of the adoptive family until the adoption is finalized.

Attorney-Assisted Adoption

In some instances, birth parents or adoptive parents who wish to plan an independent adoption will approach an attorney for assistance. The attorney then refers the parents to a licensed child-placing agency to conduct the required home study and to provide counseling. CHS has a strong working relationship with many attorneys around the state making the process smooth for everyone involved.

International Adoption

Children from many countries around the world are available for adoption by American parents. CHS works with many international adoption agencies across the country. When an international adoption is being planned, CHS is available locally to conduct home studies and post-placement services. We also work in direct partnership with The Children's Home Society and Family Services of Minnesota. For more information, visit: www.childrenshomeadopt.org

For more information, please contact us at adoption@chsmo.org  or 314.968.2350 x240

Special Needs Adoption

This type of adoption refers to children in foster care who are in the custody of the state because of abuse or neglect. Often these children are older and may be part of an inseparable sibling group of tow or more. If these children are unable to be safely returned home, adoption often becomes the plan. CHS works under contract with the State of Missouri to provide adoptive parents with specialized training to better equip them to parent these children. Social workers are available following the placement of these children for as long as needed.

For more information, please contact us at educationandcounseling@chsmo.org  or 314.968.2350 x223