Answering your questions about open adoption today

The process will be worth it

Waiting to start your family may leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or alone.

We’ll be there with you before, during, and after adoption so that you and your child’s life can be filled with love, joy, and support.

So you’re thinking about open adoption – but where do you begin?

So you’re thinking about open adoption – but where do you begin? Spirit of Faith Adoptions has been working alongside biological parents and adoptive + foster families since 2006, taking a Christ-centered approach to supporting you with listening, learning, and loving-kindness. We can connect you to a supportive community of others who have walked the same path.

We know you have lots of questions; we’re here to answer them all.

A woman holding a baby on her lap, smiling at a man, while another woman extends her hand towards the baby outdoors in a garden setting.

The Adoption Process

We understand the idea of adoption can feel overwhelming. That's why we've created this step-by-step outline to help you understand the process in its entirety.

But don't worry, we'll be there with you every step of the way.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • An open adoption allows for some level of communication between the adoptive family and birth family, which may include letters, photos, or visits. The level of openness is mutually agreed upon and can evolve over time.

  • The adoption process typically includes an application, home study, profile creation, matching with an expectant mother, placement, and finalization, and ongoing training and support.  While every adoption journey is unique, our team walks alongside families at every step—providing guidance, education, prayer, and support. Our goal is to make the process as clear, compassionate, and Christ-centered as possible.

  • Requirements to adopt vary by state and situation but generally include background checks, a completed home study, financial stability, and a safe home environment. We work with families of different backgrounds and life stages and are happy to discuss specific eligibility requirements.

  • No. Homeownership is not required to adopt. Families can live in apartments, rentals, or homes, as long as the environment is safe, stable, and suitable for a child. The home study focuses more on your ability to provide a loving, secure home than the size or ownership of your residence.

  • Yes. Many families who adopt already have biological or adopted children. Having other children does not disqualify you from adoption, and in many cases, it can be a wonderful addition to your family story.

  • Yes! Our faith guides how we support birth mothers and walk alongside adoptive families, with prayer at the center of everything we do.

  • As a faith-based agency, we seek to work with families who share and respect our Christian values. We are happy to discuss expectations openly and answer questions about how faith is integrated into the adoption process.

  • Faith shapes our approach to adoption by emphasizing compassion, grace, and love for everyone involved. We pray with and for families, support birth mothers spiritually and emotionally, and trust God’s guidance throughout each adoption journey.

  • We provide holistic support before, during and after adoption for birth mothers, including emotional care, counseling, spiritual encouragement, and assistance with medical and living expenses as allowed by law. Every expectant mother is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, regardless of her circumstances.

  • Yes. Birth mothers review our adoptive family profiles and choose the family they feel is the best fit for their child. This empowers expectant mothers and ensures that placements are rooted in mutual trust and respect.

  • Covered expenses may include medical care, counseling, and certain living expenses, depending on state laws. We follow all legal guidelines carefully and are transparent with both birth mothers and adoptive families throughout the process.

  • Yes. Adoption decisions are deeply personal, and birth mothers have the legal right to change their minds within the timeframe allowed by state law. While this can be emotionally difficult, we honor and respect each birth mother’s legal rights and provide support to everyone involved.

  • Contact varies depending on the adoption plan and agreements made before placement. We help guide these conversations to ensure clarity, healthy boundaries, and mutual understanding.

  • Yes. We believe adoption is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. We offer post-adoption resources, guidance, and support to help adoptive and birth families thrive long after placement.

  • Many families explore grants, fundraising, and employer benefits to help offset adoption costs. We are happy to share resources and guidance to help families navigate financial planning for adoption.

  • In many cases, families may qualify for the federal adoption tax credit and the Ohio Adoption Grant.  We recommend consulting a tax professional to understand eligibility and how this may apply to your specific situation.

  • While not every adoption journey ends in placement, we are committed to transparency and compassion. Financial policies vary by situation, and we clearly explain these details before families move forward.

  • No. Our team members and services are limited to Central and Northern Ohio. We live and work close to home in Sylvania, Toledo, Bowling Green, Findlay, Wauseon, Lima, Solon, Cleveland, Westlake, Avon, Akron, Kent, Medina, Ashland, Mansfield, Canton, Columbus, Granville, Newark, and surrounding areas.

  • Get started by registering here for our free 1-hour Zoom seminar, "Introduction to Spirit of Faith Adoptions: Voices of Adoption." You’ll hear personal stories from both a birth mother and an adoptive family whom SOFA was honored to walk alongside.

  • That’s completely okay! Many families begin with questions and conversations. We’re happy to provide information, resources, and guidance—no pressure, no commitment required. We still encourage you to register here for our free 1-hour Zoom seminar, "Introduction to Spirit of Faith Adoptions: Voices of Adoption."

  • Absolutely. We believe relationships matter, and we welcome the opportunity to connect personally, hear your story, and answer any questions you may have. You can either register here for our free 1-hour Zoom seminar, "Introduction to Spirit of Faith Adoptions: Voices of Adoption" or contact us here.

  • 100%

    of SOFA’s expectant moms want Christian parents to raise their child

  • 1 in 6

    couples suffer from infertility

  • $55,000

    average amount couples spend on IVF treatments

  • 20

    years we have been there for adoptive families and biological parents

  • 207

    babies placed with adoptive families through SOFA since 2006

  • 100%

    of our staff have personal experience with open adoption

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  • Logo with a silhouette of a person's face and the text 'Pure Gift' with a tagline underneath.
  • Text reading 'Crossroads Foundation Cleveland, Ohio' on a plain background.
  • Logo for Ohio Department of Children & Youth, featuring an outline of the state of Ohio with the word 'Ohio' in cursive and the department name in bold blue text.

Our Success Stories

  • "SOFA provided us with the support of a community of adoptive parents and adoptees who understood our experience, and helped us prepare."

    - Adoptive Parent

  • "Thanks to Spirit of Faith Adoptions’ help, we have been able to establish a loving and connected relationship with our child’s birth mother."

    - Adoptive Parent

  • "The team from SOFA answered all of our questions.

    They have walked alongside us every step of the way."

    - Adoptive Parent

Who We Are

SOFA is a Christ-centered, Non-Profit Infant Adoption Agency providing pregnancy support & adoption services in Toledo, Columbus, and Cleveland. We are fully licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and our staff of Counselors and Social Workers are Ohio Certified Adoption Assessors.

Our team is full of passionate Christ-followers who believe that transformative love is available to the biological parents, the adoptive family, and the children who experience open adoption. With over 125 years of combined adoption experience, you will come to trust our guidance and faithful support as you navigate your journey.

Click here to read more about our story.

Why We Do What We Do

We know God has a special heart for adoption. Compelled by the fact that we are adopted by our heavenly Father, the mission of Spirit of Faith Adoptions is to provide Christ-centered adoption services, including education and awareness. We offer grace, compassion, and support to biological parents, adoptive + foster families, and adoptees as they navigate the lifelong journey of adoption.

How We Do What We Do

Everyone has a story and we want to hear yours. That’s why we start by listening and patiently answering all your questions. If you decide to pursue open adoption, we will surround you with our experienced staff, along with our loving community. 

We’ll always have your best interest at heart.

Our support happens before placement, during placement, and post placement — and we’ll communicate with you every step along the way. We ensure that you feel valued today and for years to come.

Our ultimate goal is to earn your trust by being reliable, transparent, and encouraging.