Adoption Program
Adoption
Program
Children’s Service Center provides comprehensive services and compassionate support to adults interested in adopting a child. We assist families seeking to adopt through the Pennsylvania foster care system, as well as those pursuing domestic or international adoption.
Our commitment extends beyond placement. We offer ongoing post-adoption services and support to all families, regardless of the type of adoption experience.
The adoption team works closely with each family before, during, and after the adoption process. We understand that adoption is both meaningful and complex, and we recognize the unique needs of every child and family. Our goal is to provide thoughtful guidance, education, and advocacy to help ensure a stable, successful, and permanent family connection.
Services
Our program offers a full range of adoption-related services, including:
- Adoption education and training
- Comprehensive home study assessments
- Child recruitment and family matching services
- Guidance regarding legal considerations and attorney referrals
- Preparation of child and family profiles
- Assistance with placement and transition planning
- Support in obtaining and understanding medical records and background information
- Adoption finalization services
- Private foster care and adoption assistance
- Post-permanency services, including assessment, advocacy, respite coordination, and support groups
We strive to provide specialized support at every stage of the adoption journey.
Community Partnerships
Children’s Service Center is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), a statewide initiative dedicated to achieving timely permanency for children and adolescents across Pennsylvania’s county and state systems.
We are also a grantee of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. This program is driven by a single, powerful goal: to find a safe, loving, and permanent family for every child waiting in foster care. Core beliefs of this initiative include:
- Every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent family.
- No child should remain in foster care without a path to permanency.
- Every child is adoptable.
Requirements for Adoption
Prospective adoptive parents must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Demonstrate a stable and secure income sufficient to support a child
- Successfully complete all required background clearances
- Complete a comprehensive home study, including interviews, home inspection, and required training
These steps are designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and long-term stability of each child placed in a permanent home.
Application
To begin the adoption process, please complete the Adoption Application (PDF | DOCX).
Contact
Shari Menichello
Adoption Program Supervisor
- 570-825-6425 x7653
- smenichello@e-csc.org
We welcome your questions and are honored to support families considering adoption. Taking the first step can feel significant, and our team will guide you with care and respect.
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