As a full service adoption agency, JFS is there for you during every step of the adoption process. We are always available for a free consultation.

 

 
  Jewish Family Service is Licensed by the State of Connecticut to provide the following Adoption services: 
International Adoptions — Jewish Family Service works with reputable adoption agencies that have children available from all corners of the world.
Follow up and post placement supervision

Domestic Adoptions — identified and conventional adoptions both in Connecticut and out of state
Homestudies
Follow up and post placement supervision
Probate Court Services including Termination of Parental Rights, Establishment of Statutory Parent and Finalization.
Counseling to adoptive families and individuals
Search for Relatives
Foster Care
Adoption Timeline
Step 1: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.
To Adopt or not to Adopt?
The decision to adopt a child is not always an easy one. Jewish Family Service adoption social workers are also trained counselors. We are here to help you decide what's best for you.

Domestic or Foreign?
There are pros and cons associated with both choices. Some issues to consider include:
Age of child
Cost
Relationship with birth parents
Length of time
Background of the child
Travel requirements
Jewish Family Service works with an almost equal number of domestic and foreign adoptions. We understand both and can help you make the best decision for you and your child.

If you choose to go foreign, Jewish Family Service can help you understand the Immigration and Naturalization requirements.

If you choose to go domestic, Jewish Family Service can help you comply with Interstate Compact regulations necessary to bring your baby into Connecticut if he or she is born out-of-state.

If you are able to identify your own child, Jewish Family Service can complete the entire adoption process for $7,000. This includes the homestudy, interstate compact, probate court and post placement visits. All are described in more detail below. The only additional expenses would be those associated with out-of-state costs.
Who Makes the Arrangements?

Should I use an Agency, a Lawyer, a Facilitator, or do it myself? Excellent question. Jewish Family Service has experience with all of them and will gladly share our information with you.

Jewish Family Service can provide you names of reputable agencies, lawyers, facilitators and adoptive parents that found a child on their own. We can also provide names of local adoptive families that have utilized each of the above and can talk to you about their experiences.

Our social work staff will gladly discuss all of the above information with you over the telephone, or meet with us in person for a free consultation session.
Step 2: Homestudy.
All adopting couples in Connecticut must have an approved homestudy. This homestudy must be written by an agency licensed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. Jewish Family Service is a licensed agency.

Our typical homestudy is approximately 10 typed pages. It takes three in-person meetings to gather all of the needed information. One session takes place in your home and two sessions take place in our office. The cost is $1,400 plus the cost of police checks and staff travel. We do not charge extra for notarization, for mailing, for copies, for changes and corrections. We schedule the first session within days of your agreeing to use Jewish Family Service. We like to complete each homestudy in six weeks, but can do it quicker if needed.

We provide personalized service and are responsive to your needs. You review your homestudy before it is finalized. There are no surprises when you use Jewish Family Service!
Step 3: Post Placement Visits
Many domestic and foreign adoptions require up to four post-placement visits. If required, we visit you in your home and write the necessary reports. The cost for post-placement visits and reports are $150 for in-office visits and $250 for in-home visits. Travel time is additional.
Step 4: Probate Court

In Connecticut, there are two Probate Court Appearances necessary for domestic adoptions. They are:
1. Termination of Parental Rights and Statutory Parenthood.
This involves legally terminating the rights of the birth parents and naming Jewish Family Service the Statutory parent. During this time period, your child lives with you, but still has no legal relationship with you as of yet. This Court appearance usually occurs approximately two months after the child's birth. Neither adoptive parents nor the child attend this court appearance.
2. Finalization of the Adoption.
This terminates the Agency as the legal guardian and officially designates you as the child's parents. After this Court appearance, a new birth certificate is generated listing you as the child's parents. This court appearance usually occurs six months after the birth. Adoptive parents and child attend this court appearance.
 
 
Jewish Family Service - 2370 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604-1699
Phone: (203) 366-5438 - Fax: (203) 366-1580 - Email: info@jfsct.org