Children's Aid Society (CAS) offers full adoption services to adoptive parents and birth parents who have selected each through other means but desire the benefits of an agency adoption. This service is known as Designated Adoption.                                                   

PROCESS
1. Application: Initial application materials include medical reports, references, financial statement, proof of insurance, and criminal/child abuse background clearance.

2. Pre-Adoption Evaluation:  A Pre-Adoption Evaluation (Home Study) is required by Utah law for all persons adopting a non-related child.

3. Educational Requirements: Applicants are required to complete Children's Aid Society's AdoptionEducation Course prior to finalization of their adoption.   

4. Services to Birth Parents: Children's Aid Society provides objective prenatal and postnatal counseling to the birth parents to help them deal with adoption issues and grief, and assists them in obtaining quality medical care, accessing community resources, and setting goals. 

5. Placement: A birth mother may sign relinquishment papers 24 hours after the child's birth. This relinquishment is final and irrevocable. Utah law does not allow a period of time in which the birthmother may "change her mind." Children's Aid Society provides counseling to birth parents, andmakes every effort to ensure they make an informed decision with which they are comfortable. Placement usually occurs upon the baby's discharge from the hospital. 

6. Post-Adoption Evaluation Visits: After a child is placed, Utah law requires a six-month waiting period and three Post-Adoption Evaluation visits in the adoptive home with a caseworker before finalization of the adoption can take place.

7. Finalization:  Applicants must obtain a private attorney to file an adoption petition within 30 days of placement, and to assist with the finalization proceedings. An agency caseworker also accompanies the adoptive family at the finalization hearing. 

SERVICE FEES
Application Fee: $425.00; due upon submission of application.

Pre-Adoption Evaluation Fee:  $800.00 (plus mileage over 100-mile radius); due prior to evaluation interviews.

Pre-Placement Service Fee:  $4,000.00; due upon completion of Pre-Adoption Evaluation and  approval.

Designated Placement Service Fee:  $6,000.00; due upon placement.

Other Adoption Related Fees: -
-The adoptive family pays, or reimburse CAS, for financial assistance provided to the birth parents inconnection with the adoption. 

- The adoptive family pays medical costs for the birth mother in connection with the pregnancy and delivery.

- The adoptive family is responsible for all legal fees in connection with the adoption.   

- CAS ensures payment of medical costs for the baby incurred prior to hospital discharge.

LIFELONG SERVICES:
CAS provides lifelong adoption-related counseling and support as needed to all members of the adoption triad with no additional fees.  This includes mediating openness in the adoption. Please contact CAS if you are interested in receiving Designated Adoption Services.  We look forward to assisting you in building your family through adoption.