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Our Mission
Getting Started

1. Learn more about FCA’s adoption program

Learn more about our Home Study services for families adopting domestically or internationally, our domestic placing program, post-placement programs, and services for pregnant parents.

2. Let us answer your questions

If you’re looking to adopt, fill out our Adoption Inquiry Form or Register to Attend a free informational meeting with our adoption staff held virtually over Zoom. 

If you are pregnant and interested in adoption, contact us here.

Connecticut and New York Residents
Residents Outside of Connecticut and New York

3. Submit your application

After speaking with one of our social workers, submit your application and begin your adoption journey with FCA!

Adoption Inquiry Form

Adoption Meeting Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

If your family is in need of support, we understand that you have a lot of questions. Rest assured our staff is here to help you understand the process. We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive.

What is Family & Children’s Agency’s philosophy of adoption?

Family & Children’s Agency believes in a caring approach that is concerned with the needs and rights of all parties involved as we work to create safe and permanent plans for children. We view adoption as a lifelong process where we work to support all participants in an adoption including birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

What options are there for adoptive parents working with Family & Children’s Agency?

Once your home study is approved, you can adopt in the United States or overseas. Family & Children’s Agency places infants born in Connecticut and New York through our Domestic program. Some families interested in adopting domestically enroll in FCA’s Domestic program, while others enroll with an agency outside of Connecticut or New York to complete a domestic adoption. In “Parent Initiated” adoptions, the adoptive parents locate a potential birth mother and infant through advertising and networking. We have an international placement program for children from Korea. Family & Children’s Agency can prepare home studies for adoption through other agencies.

Is there a wait list for FCA’s Domestic Placing program?

Selections are not made from a chronological waiting list. The expecting parents, not Family & Children’s Agency, select the family to adopt their baby by reviewing profiles of waiting families. Using our experience and expertise, we assist you in preparing an appropriate profile to be presented to expecting parents that best represents your family.

What is the wait time for international adoptions?
Please note: FCA is not currently accepting new applications for our South Korea program. 

FCA has worked with Korea Welfare Services (KWS) in Seoul, South Korea to place children for adoption for over 40 years. Currently, once a family submits a completed home study to KWS, the waiting time to receive a referral is 12-36 months. Once a family accepts a referral, the waiting time to bring the child home is 9-18 months. The waiting time for an adoption from Korea can vary and is subject to change.
How old are the children that are adopted through family and Children’s Agency?
In a domestic adoption, we typically see infants placed with adoptive families. Internationally, in our Korea program, children are typically 15-48 months of age at the time of placement.
How much does an adoption cost?
All costs in an adoption vary according not only to the adoption program you choose, but also the auxiliary costs. When budgeting for adoption, it’s important to be aware of related expenses, such as immigration documents, travel, medical evaluations, translations, long distance calls, attorney fees (if applicable), and living expenses while at your out-of-state or foreign destination. In a domestic adoption, the placement fee is paid to the U.S. adoption agency that places the child with you. This may be Family & Children’s Agency or an out-of-state agency, but never both. If you reside outside Connecticut or New York your home study fee will be set by your local adoption agency. See our fee schedule for more information.
Are there limits on who can adopt?

Our commitment to inclusivity means we are proud to work with families of all kinds and faith backgrounds, including those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, married and unmarried couples, and single applicants. Foreign countries may have other limitations and your FCA adoption social worker will work with you to find a good fit for your family.

What are closed and open adoptions and does FCA have a requirement for communication post-placement?

FCA does not have a requirement - the adoptive parents and the birth parents decide mutually on the amount of contact they want to have. 

A closed adoption is one that has no direct contact or exchange of information between the birth parents and the adoptive family. An open adoption is one where the names and identifying information of birth parents and adoptive families are disclosed to the other and there is direct contact between the two parties that generally continues after the birth and placement. Most adoptions are semi-open or agency-facilitated, meaning all correspondence goes through the placing agency involved in the adoption. 

There is no “right” adoption plan that meets the needs of all birth parents and adoptive families. The goal of Family & Children’s Agency is to create the plan that works best for all parties involved in each adoption. We encourage both birth parents and adoptive parents to be active participants in the process. Family & Children’s works to support birth parents and adoptive parents as they navigate their post-adoption relationship over the years.

Is there a residency requirement for families adoption through FCA?
FCA works with families who live in Connecticut or in New York within a two hour drive of our Harrison, NY office. We cannot accept families outside of this area.
Does FCA offer any support to families while they are waiting for their child?

Family & Children's Agency is committed to supporting families throughout the entire process. For families who complete a home study with FCA, our Waiting Families Support Group meets monthly and is organized by two of our adoption professionals. Join with other waiting parents to get support, education, and build your adoption community.

Does Family & Children’s Agency hold events for families after adoption?

Once you adopt through FCA, you become part of our family as well and we will provide ongoing support. Annually, we have a seasonal party for all adoptive families. We also assist in organizing regular "Nights Out" for parents and parents-to-be, play groups, and an annual birth parent panel presentation.

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Testimonials
“FCA made a very complex and laborious process easier - the staff and social workers are very helpful and the classes were valuable. ”
— Adoption client
“I was completely terrified, yet I somehow got the nerve up to call Family & Children’s Agency. My FCA birth mother counselor is a relationship I have relied upon over the years. My emotional and physical health, as well as the best choices for my little prince, were her priority.”
— Birth Parent client
“Our social worker is fantastic - she was so helpful during our home study process. She made us feel comfortable and provided much needed guidance. ”
— Adoption client
“We would like to thank you for your support and guidance through our adoption process. You made the process far less stressful and prepared us to be better adoptive parents.”
— Adoption Program Client
“FCA was informative, supportive, and encouraging through an uncertain and emotional process. We looked forward to our appointments both pre- and post-placement to help us feel prepared, centered and hopeful!”
— Adoption client
“I feel that the team really cares about our family and has genuinely empathized with the ups and downs throughout the adoption experience.”
— Adoption client