As we celebrate Adoption Awareness Month, we’re proud to highlight our Adoption program, which plays a vital role in connecting children with their forever families. Our Matched Adoption and Post-Adoption teams have the privilege and honor of positively impacting the lives of families and children on a daily basis while cultivating genuine and trusting relationships, resulting in children finding their forever homes filled with love, nurture, and healing.
The Role of Matched Adoption Specialists
Our team of Matched Adoption Specialists are dedicated and caring individuals who juggle a wide range of responsibilities, all with the goal of finding loving homes for children in need. These specialists guide families through every step of the adoption process, from the initial matching to the finalization of the adoption. Each Matched Adoption Specialist manages a caseload of families who are seeking to adopt a child in the conservatorship of the state. Their challenging and rewarding job includes building connections with numerous involved parties, providing oversight, supporting the families throughout the journey, and ensuring that each child’s needs are met, first and foremost. One unique aspect of the program is that, while waiting for an adoption match, families have the opportunity to provide respite care for foster families. This allows them to gain experience in caring for children who have experienced trauma, helping to prepare them for the joys and challenges of adoption.
CKFS encourages families to be open to adopting children up to 10 years old, as the majority of children available for adoption are typically between the ages of 9 and 15. To help families connect with children, Matched Adoption Specialists notify them of adoption events across the state where they can meet children waiting for a forever home. Families can also access the Heart Gallery and TARE websites, which feature profiles of children in need of adoption.
Finding the Right Match: How the Process Works
When children throughout the State of Texas become available for adoption, our team learns about them through Child Broadcasts that are sent to adoption agencies such as CK. The adoption team carefully reviews each child’s information and determines if any of our families might be a good match based on the family’s preferences, strengths, and availability. If one of our families is a potential match for a child, the team submits the family’s home study and album to the child’s state conservatorship caseworker. If it appears the family is a good match for the child, the caseworker then holds a Selection Staffing and invites CK and other adoption agencies to present information about their families, bringing the home study to life by highlighting the family’s strengths and matching characteristics. Once a family is selected, the CK team reviews the child’s case file with the family, and participates in a detailed Presentation Staffing with the child’s legal team and professional team, which may include their case manager, therapist, CASA worker, and current caregiver. This leads up to pre-placement visits between the child and the chosen family, a moment filled with hope and excitement. Our specialists support the families every step of the way, as Gina Hall, CK Family Services Adoption Program Supervisor, explains: “I feel like I’m walking alongside the family. It’s amazing to see the beauty of the adoption story unfold.”
Supporting Families and Children Through the Adoption Journey
Throughout this process, our Matched Adoption Specialists provide ongoing support, encouragement, and monitoring for the family. Once a child has been placed in the home and is awaiting permanency, the Matched Adoption Specialist provides monthly—or more frequent—home visits to help with the transition. They work closely with CK’s Behavioral Health team to make sure children receive any necessary services, to ensure consistency and stability during the transition. Our specialists are committed to prioritizing the health, safety, and comfort of each child, while making the adoption process as smooth as possible for families. “These kiddos truly feel like they’ll never find a home or be loved,” Gina shares, “When you see them being placed into a family, it’s just special. It’s beautiful.”
Our Post-Adoption Services: Supporting Families After Adoption
Our commitment to families doesn’t end once the adoption is finalized. Through our Post-Adoption Services, funded by a cost-reimbursement contract with DFPS, we continue supporting families who have previously adopted children from DFPS conservatorship and may be facing challenges. We understand that navigating life after adoption can be complex, which is why our Post-Adoption team offers an array of support options to ensure that families feel equipped and connected. These services include Case Management, Counseling, Respite Care, Summer Camp, Day Treatment/Residential Treatment, and Parent Training & Support.
This phase of support is equally vital, as families who may face unexpected difficulties can rely on our team to guide them through challenges and help them maintain the stability and permanence of their adoptions. We’re here to walk alongside families, ensuring they have the resources, support, and encouragement needed as they build strong, lasting relationships with their children.
Making a Lasting Difference
We are proud of the work our Matched Adoption and Post-Adoption teams have done this year! As an agency, so far this year we have completed 68 adoptions through the adoption and foster care programs; are supporting 17 active adoption-only families; and serving 413 post adoption families. As we look ahead, we continue to seek families who are ready to open their hearts and homes to children in need of love and stability. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children.
To learn more about how you can become a part of this beautiful journey, visit our ADOPTION PAGE.
Written by Tina Clark
Professionally Reviewed by Shannon Bouse, Director of Foster and Adoptive Services