Domestic or International Adoption
We are excited that you are considering the potential of adopting!
The goal of the Every Child ministry is to break down barriers and make it easy for you to take the next step in whatever God is calling you to do as it relates to adoption. We function as a bridge organization (connecting you to the right resources), so the following content is a referral process that will point you in the right direction and provide you with the resources you need to take significant steps in pursuing adoption.
There are a few steps we encourage you to take as you begin the process of educating yourself on the options available to you.
First, leverage the resources available to you at howtoadopt.org as they have some incredible tools that will help guide you through the decision-making process. Whether you are still in the information gathering stage or if you are ready to start the process, this resource will be helpful to you.
Once you have answered some critical questions in the process, to include a clear calling to adopt, pursuing domestic or international adoption and the related financial implications of each, you will be in a position to move forward.
Referral Options
Adoption via Foster Care
If you are considering adoption and are willing to adopt domestically through the foster care system, please contact our primary partners in Erie and Niagara Counties as they can assist you in the pre-certification process.
GATEWAY-LONGVIEW
www.gateway-longview.org
everychild@gateway-longview.org
Primary Contact: Kara Marong-Houlahan
Phone Number: 716-783-2909NIAGARA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
www.niagaracounty.com
Primary Contact: Robin Lundy
Phone Number: 716-278-8665
If you are interested in adopting through foster care, click here
If you are interested in connecting with another foster care agency in WNY, please contact us directly for additional recommendations.
Adoption Agencies – Domestic and International
If you are considering adoption, whether domestic or international, the following agencies have a presence in WNY and are willing to help Christian families in the adoption process.
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES
www.bethany.org/rochester
Phone Number: 585-288-6760BAKER VICTORY SERVICES
www.bakervictoryservices.org
Phone Number: 716-828-9636
If you are interested in connecting with another adoption agency, please feel free to contact us directly for additional recommendations.
Private Adoption Attorneys
We recommend you contact the following attorneys for your adoption related legal needs.
SHEFFER, MURPHY & WHITE
Primary Contact: David White
Phone Number: 716-759-1500
If you are interested in connecting with another attorney’s office, please feel free to contact us directly for additional recommendations.
Adoption Fund
The Every Child ministry has established an adoption fund in partnership with Lifesong for Orphans and we encourage families of partner churches to apply for financial supportdirectly through Lifesong. You will need to complete the Adoption Grant & Loan Application and specifically reference the Every Child ministry in your application to ensure your application is connected to our fund. In addition, there are great resources available on their web site that will help you as you consider and pursue adoption.
Additional Resources
www.AdoptUSkids.org
Adopt US Kids is a national site compiling information from most US states on children available for adoption through the foster care system.
www.Capbook.org
Children Awaiting Parents (CAP) is a national nonprofit organization that recruits adoptive families for children in foster care.
ocfs.ny.gov/adopt
The NY State Office of Child & Family Services has a statewide photo listing of children in our region and state that are available for adoption.
www.comeunity.com/adoption
ComeUnity provides parenting support and resources for adoptive and special needs families.
www.nysccc.org
NYSCCC (NYS Citizens’ Coalition for Children) provides support, information and advocacy for foster and adoptive parents and professionals in New York State.