News

Accepting Applications

We currently are accepting applications from married couples who have an interest in adoption. CHS works only with “direct consent” placements – as opposed to “special needs” or foster care – where birth parents select the couple to adopt their baby. Since 1980, the agency has been a pioneer and national leader in promoting open adoption and we have placed more than 550 children with families in northern Michigan. We are a “child-centered” program and firmly believe openness best serves the needs of adopted kids. It is common for inquiring couples to have apprehensions, but applicants are made to feel welcome as we help them address their concerns.

What is Open Adoption?

Many people are confused about the meaning of “open adoption,” but we believe the definition is very clear:

Open adoption is a form of adoption in which the child maintains an ongoing relationship with his or her birth family.

True open adoption requires four preliminary steps:

1. The birth parents choose the adoptive family.

2. There is a face-to-face meeting between the birth and adoptive families.

3. Full identifying information is exchanged.

4. A plan for a continuing relationship is established.

While open adoption consists of these actions, it is probably best understood as a set of attitudes. At the heart of open adoption is the Golden Rule, and above all, open adoption is a matter of mutual respect, care, and compassion. Birth and adoptive families come together and create themselves an arrangement to serve the child they so love.

At CHS, we offer a distinct form of adoption called Values Based Open Adoption. Our experience has taught us there are fundamental values which we believe should be present in every open adoption plan:

Child-centered.
Based on Honesty and Openness with Others.
Based on Choices.
Comes to Terms with the Pain of Loss.
Recognizes the Interdependence between Adoptive and Birth Families.