PSA'S

Qualifications for prospective adoptive couples:

Residency: Applicants must be residents of South Dakota and should be residents of western South Dakota. Priority will be given to residents of western South Dakota.

• Marriage: Applicants must have been legally married, according to the statues of the state of South Dakota, for a minimum of two (2) years at the time of application and demonstrate a mature, compatible, and growing marriage relationship. A copy of the marriage certificate shall be submitted. Should either of the applicants have been divorced, copies of the divorce decrees shall be submitted. 
   
• Age: Applicants must be at least twenty one (21) years of age and cannot be more than forty five (45) years older than the child being adopted. Copies of birth certificates for all family members shall be submitted.
   
• Religion: Although Catholic Social Services is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, we accept applications from couples of all faiths. The couple must both give evidence of their Christian commitment by regular church attendance and in their daily lives. They must have a desire to live these beliefs and teach them to their children. A letter of reference from the pastor of the church of which they are currently active will be required.
   
• Parenting Ability: The adoptive couple must give evidence of a mutual desire and love for children. They must be able to provide for the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of the child being adopted.
  
  If the couple is presently parenting or is responsible for children living elsewhere, the couple’s capability of providing for the needs of an additional child(ren) must be determined.
  
  Three non-relative personal reference letters will be requested regarding the adoptive applicant’s ability to parent a child.
   
• Health: A current medical examination of each parent and any children or other individuals residing in the home will be required.
   
• Fertility: Couples may apply for adoption only if they are unable to biologically conceive or bear children. The applicants shall submit a physician’s statement regarding their infertility. A couple may also apply if a physician finds that a pregnancy may adversely affect the mother’s health. Voluntary sterilization, for reasons other than life endangering situations, is not acceptable.
   
• Finances: The adoptive couple must submit evidence of their ability to financially provide for a child. In addition, a reference from the couple’s financial institution will be requested.
   
• Housing: The adoptive home must meet all of the health and safety standards established by the South Dakota Department of Social Services. One contact by the Social Worker in the adoptive home is required.
   
• Pregnancy: If a pregnancy occurs during the adoption process the couple’s application will be placed on hold pending the outcome of the pregnancy.
  
   
• Background Investigations: Records checks will be completed through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Registry of Child Abuse/Neglect in each state of residence since birth of applicants, and through the South Dakota Child Support Enforcement Bureau

United Way of the Black Hills