CHSFS holds that each child in a family is entitled to his or her own unique place in the family and his or her own special time to be individually nurtured and cherished. CHSFS also appreciates that the efforts a family exerts in the adoption process are significant.

Understanding that both pregnancy and adoption are emotionally and physically demanding life-changing experiences, coupled with the belief that children deserve their own place in their family, CHSFS discourages prospective adopters from actively pursuing a pregnancy while in the process of adopting.

If, during the adoption process, you become pregnant, the following CHSFS practice guidelines apply:

• You are required to inform the agency of your pregnancy.
• You will not receive a child’s referral if you are pregnant.

If you have accepted a child’s referral, CHSFS program staff, with a social work supervisor, may determine that the child’s interests are best served by proceeding with the adoption—considering the child’s delay in being adopted by another family—and respecting your claiming and bonding with the child.

Individual country guidelines and policies also will apply, which may affect your family's eligibility and the time frames for the complete process. Each family's circumstances and current status of the country’s program will be evaluated when considering the family's options and next steps.

If you intend to continue wth your plans to adopt, CHSFS will put the process "on hold" until the pregnancy ends or your child is born. CHSFS staff can work with you to plot out a timeline to help with decisions about when to initiate the process again.

If you do not intend to pursue adoption after your child's birth, CHSFS will close your file and refund any unused portion of program costs you have paid.