Caritas Family Solutions educates on misconceptions surrounding adoptions
Caritas Family Solutions educates on misconceptions surrounding adoptions. (Photo provided by Caritas Family Solutions)
The nonprofit recognizes November as Adoption Awareness Month
According to the Adoption Network, more than 100,000 children in the United States are adopted each year. During Adoption Awareness Month in the month of November, Caritas Family Solutions is educating people on some misconceptions that often surround adoption programs.
Caritas currently serves more than 7,000 people through its programs and service lines, including adoption. Caritas Family Solutions Adoption Program Manager Melyssa Frederick has more than two decades of experience in adoption. She said adoption is not always commonly understood and is not as talked about in society.
“Sometimes, people have this idea that adoption needs to be kept a secret, but that is not what we believe at Caritas,” said Frederick. “At our nonprofit, open adoption is the standard, allowing birth and adoptive families to share information and maintain contact going forward. We focus on what’s best for the adoptee, birth parents and adoptive parents. Sometimes people also think you have to have a lot of money to adopt. We have adoptive families from all walks of life, including different economic statuses as well.”
Frederick said Caritas provides services to an expectant mother no matter whether she decides she wants to keep the baby or consider adoption. The nonprofit also provides counseling and additional services to expectant parents as well.
“There is sometimes a stigma attached to adoption,” said Frederick. “Every day we are trying to educate people on how considering adoption as an option can mean choosing to parent or making a loving plan for alternate care. Choosing adoption means crafting a thoughtful future for your child, not giving up. These are not easy choices, and we commend birth parents for making these tough decisions and prioritizing the health, safety and overall wellness of the child.”
If you are interested in the adoption program, head to www.caritasfamilysolutions.org/adoption-services.
Founded in 1947, Caritas Family Solutions is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. Services include adoption, community family stabilization programs, foster care, counseling, residential treatment for children healing from abuse and/or neglect, independent living for adults with developmental disabilities (CILA), and assisted living and employment assistance for low-income seniors. Caritas serves more than 7,000 individuals annually across Southern Illinois from offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Olney, Glen Carbon, Alton, and Effingham as well as satellite locations in Highland and Sparta. For additional information, visit www.caritasfamilysolutions.org.
