Catholic Charities Washtenaw County - Ann Arbor, Michigan

renee

I adopted both of my children as infants through Catholic Social Services and have referred several of my family and friends who were considering adoption to the agency as well. Some things you should know whether you are a birth parent or potential adoptive parent:

1. This agency promotes open adoption which means they encourage a relationship between you and the birth parent, as well as the child and the birth parent even after the adoption is final. The agency honors the birth parent and educates the prospective adoptive parents about the open adoption process and why it is beneficial for all involved. Prospective adoptive parents attend classes about the benefits of the process and in my case, I heard from children of closed adoptions and open adoptions. It was extremely beneficial to hear from all sides and learn how the process works and the effect it can have on the children placed for adoption.

2. Although the agency works with both birth parents and adoptive parents, there are separate case workers for each and very little interaction between the two until the birth parent has made the decision to place the child with birth parents. This is to ensure that the birth parents do not feel pressure to place the child with a family and have an opportunity to explore all possibilities with regard to parenting the child themselves.

3. The staff/caseworkers are wonderful and work with the adoptive parents to maximize their visibility to birth parents. I have not specifically worked with the birth parent caseworkers, but have received nothing but good reports from those who do.

Overall, I have nothing but praise for the work this agency did for me. They respect and provide support for both the birth parents and adoptive parents. They have helped me build my family and I forever will be grateful.

Kristina M.

We had a wonderful experience with CSS assisting with the adoption of our son. Our case worker, Elly, was amazing! They provided lots of education and emotional support which made a difficult process much easier. We used a different agency for the adoption of our older child and were left feeling as though they only cared about our money. This was far from the case with Catholic Social Services. They continue to send educational emails and check in from time to time.

Sharene R.

I can not explain how wonderful Catholic Social Services is. They were with us through the whole adoption experience. What I love most about them is they care for everyone in the adoption process. They take care of the adoptive parents(which we were) but they also give great counseling to the birth mothers. Our experience was wonderful. I am so glad CSS recommends open adoptions, because we not only have a wonderful baby but we have a good relationship with the birth parents. Also Elly is fabulous! She was definitely the reason we chose CSS.

Michelle H.

Over six years we adopted our three children through Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County and we couldn't be happier.

Before we entered the adoption pool, the entire process was explained to us. We knew exactly what to expect throughout the entire adoption process. They also supported us while we were in the adoption pool - three times! Whenever I had a question or just felt anxious, I knew I could call them and would get the answers and the sounding board I needed. And now that our family is complete, and our "baby" is six years old, I still call for adoption support and advice.

They helped us build our family, supported us through the process, and continue to support us as our family grows. They will get you through this process with compassion and understanding.

Also important to me, they treated our children's birth mothers with the same compassion and understanding both during the pregnancy and after they placed their children with us. And just like they continue to support us, they continue to support our children's birth mothers almost eleven years later.

They do what's best for birth mothers, for children, and adoptive families.

Amanda T.

We had an overwhelmingly positive adoption experience with CSS. As an adult adoptee, I was searching for an agency that treated ALL members of the adoption triad with empathy and respect. CSS goes above and beyond to ensure that women facing unplanned pregnancies receive counseling and guidance regarding ALL of their pregnancy options. Women who choose to make an adoption plan are supported through every step of the process and can return for counseling post-placement. Women who choose to parent are also supported!

We were able to develop a trusting relationship with our son's first mother and we have a healthy open adoption. We consider CSS the gold-standard in adoption!

Monica H.

Catholic Social Services handles all parties in the adoption process in a respectable and empathetic way. They are informative and educated about every aspect of adoption. CSS is very thorough in the education provided to adoptive parents, birth parents, and the community. CSS has always been very professional in their manner of service to all of those they come in contact with and is a first-class adoption agency.

Jaysus C.

Trash. For a place made to help with mental disabilities/issues, the minute you say something "not so nice" to a doc they call the cops on you. How exactly are you supposed to work on your issues when you can't mention them? It's almost as if they are not trained to handle the career they chose, did they expect nothing but happy people as patients?

Aniketa S.

Catholic Social Service of Wastenaw County is a great place where you can be comfortable to share your thoughts and feelings.
You will also build up a silent confidence in yourself and they will help you to look forward not behind.
The staffs are very friendly and helpful.
This is a place where you will always gain a POSITIVE ENERGY!