Adoption

As the oldest adoption agency in Rhode Island, Children’s Friend has been placing children in loving homes through our foster care program for more than 174 years. The goal of our program is to find safe and stable homes for children in need.

The adoption program at Children’s Friend finds permanent, loving homes for children. Many of the children we place in adoptive homes are born to families that are struggling with a variety of social and economic problems. Though they are unable to care for their children, these parents want their children to have safe, stable, loving families. All of the children available for adoption need families who will give them the love and security they need to grow up to be healthy and strong.

Am I eligible to adopt?

It simply is not true that you must own your own home or that you must be wealthy to adopt a child. You can live in the city or country, you may have children already or you may be childless. What you must be able to do is open your heart and your home to a child who needs a permanent and loving home.

How do I know if I am ready to adopt?

If you are considering adoption, trained, experienced social workers on staff at Children’s Friend will help you arrive at a decision that is right for you. Should you decide to adopt, our professional staff will help you through the adoption process. We also make support assistance available to your family after the child joins you.

What if my child has a medical problem? Will I be on my own?

Financial assistance may be available to families who adopt children with medical and other special needs. The State of Rhode Island offers financial subsidies on a case-by-case basis, based on the needs of the child. Our social workers can help you determine what kind of assistance might be available.

Can I afford to adopt?

Children’s Friend works to keep adoption fees at affordable rates for families. Some employers are now offering adoption subsidies to their employees, and there may be tax credits for families that adopt.

How do I find out more?

For more information about adoption at Children's Friend, contact Dana Mullen, Assistant Director of Programs at 401-721-6409 or by email at dmullen@cfsri.org