Adoption Services

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Catholic Charities Adoption Services is a non-profit agency serving the Diocese of Harrisburg, which includes 15 counties in Central Pennsylvania.

We’ve provided adoption services since 1938 and believe that every child is entitled to unconditional love and acceptance.

Catholic Charities provides adoption services to children in Pennsylvania through the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN). There are many children waiting for adoption in Pennsylvania and each of these children deserves a permanent family. Catholic Charities can assist you in becoming approved to adopt a child from the foster care system.

We are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children.

Search and Reunion Information

For adoptions facilitated by Catholic Charities of Harrisburg, we can help adoptees and birth parents in certain search activities. For a $100 fee, you can request written medical and non-identifying information compiled from the original adoption record. In addition, birth parents and adoptees can keep current contact information on file with our office.

Search and reunion services may be available if our office was involved in finalizing the adoption. The typical fee for these services is $400 and involves searching for the relative, acting as intermediary for contact if it is desired by all parties and facilitating the reunion if feasible.

Please contact the Adoption office prior to making a payment to verify proper amount.

Adoption Services Payment Form

What is non-identifying information?

Non-identifying information is information in the adoption file that can legally be provided to any member of the adoption triad. This information will not infringe upon the anonymity and confidentiality of the birth parents, adoptive family or adopted child. It may include family background, hobbies, education and physical descriptions. This information is generally compiled and sent to the searcher within two weeks of receiving the necessary paperwork.

Why can’t I know their names?

Any information which could deny anonymity and confidentiality is considered identifying information. It is against Pennsylvania laws for agencies to release this type of information. After the search is complete, and both parties mutually agree, they may choose to disclose their own identifying information in person. Identifying information can include names, last known addresses, hospitals and schools.

What if I only want medical information?

The adoption file only contains medical information received at the time of the adoption. It is usually very brief. Any medical information on file is provided as part of the non-identifying information. However, it is also available separately if the adoptee isn’t interested in knowing other information about the birth family. The only way to obtain an updated medical history is to search for the birth parents and ask if they are willing to share their family’s medical history.

Do I have to tell my parents?

We do not require that the adoptive parents be informed of any search efforts. However, including parents in the process can result in a positive experience and a stronger relationship. For birth siblings who want to do a search, the birth parents’ permission is needed in some circumstances.

Contact Information

Adoption & Specialized Foster Care

Gwen Pfeifer

gpfeifer@cchbg.org
717-564-7115
717-564-7180
939 East Park Drive, Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17111