In the past, Children’s Home Society & Family Services families have had the option to pursue two adoption processes (referred to as dual listing) provided that only one resulted in an adoption. 

Realizing that waiting times for some adoptions have lengthened, CHSFS aims to maximize families’ opportunities and serve those who desire to add more than one child to their family through adoption without long gaps between placements. CHSFS continues to maintain guidelines that prioritize children’s needs and program-specific requirements or allowances. With these guidelines in mind, it is now possible for a family to concurrently pursue two processes resulting in two adoptions.  These guidelines are subject to change as circumstances surrounding international and domestic adoption evolve.

Families may choose two adoption processes at one time with two possible outcomes:

1.   A family dual lists to pursue two processes with only one process resulting in an adoption--see our dual list guideline.

2.   A family pursues concurrent adoptions where both result in adoption, provided both can be accomplished within CHSFS practice guidelines prioritizing children’s needs and program-specific requirements or allowances.

CHSFS supports the right for each child who enters a family to have adequate time to establish his or her own unique place in the family and his or her own special time to be individually nurtured and cherished. In addition, CHSFS follows these standards of practice for all adoptions:

• There are at least 12 months between each placement.
• There is at least one year age difference between each child in the family (birth and adopted); maintaining existing birth order of children is a priority.
• The family’s adoption agency agrees with the plan.
• The plan is compatible with individual program requirements.
• The family accepts that a temporary hold may be necessary to honor the above guidelines.

Please be advised that variables outside of CHSFS’ control may determine the viability of dual listing and concurrent adoption including: your local agency guidelines, state and federal laws and regulations, country-specific eligibility program requirements, and regional and federal CIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) guidelines.  Because of the number and nature of variables, it is important that families interested in pursuing dual listing or a concurrent adoption plan discuss the possibilities with CHSFS staff.

Pursuing two adoptions will include fees associated with both.  Please contact CHSFS Adoption Intake for details on all program and service fees.