Q: I’m really interested in all that you offer. Are there any costs involved?
A: There is no application cost and no cost to families in our program! We fundraise and have a wonderful community of monthly donors, many of whom have been impacted in some way by adoption, who give so that we can care for families in all the ways that we do.
Q: I’d really like these services for my family. When should I apply?
A: You can apply as soon as you have a completed home study, even if you are early in your process. We accept applications seasonally, from January through March and again from July through September. We will review all applications received during those months and bring new families into our program in April and again in October.
Q: I notice you use the word family when referring to grant applicants. Do applicants have to be married couples?
A: We don’t use the word family to indicate a married couple; you don’t have to be married to apply. We prefer the word family to applicant or potential adoptive parent.
Q: What criteria do you consider in deciding which families who apply are invited into the program?
A: The Family Care Program committee and staff carefully review all applications and consider the expressed needs of each family given where they are in their adoption process and our ability to meet those needs. While we pay attention to the financial pressure many families are under, acceptance into the program is not based on financial need.
Q: For the $500 for the medical review, can I use any medical provider?
A: Many families have individual preferences about what provider they want to use. Others aren’t sure. Either way, we recognize that choice matters. You are welcome to select your own provider. We encourage you to choose one who offers a breadth of support, meaning a review of initial information and any updates you receive as well as accessibility to them during adoption travel if you need it. We’re happy to recommend providers to you and help you choose who might be a good fit for you.
Q: I have a referral right now and need a review right away. Can you help me?
A: We know these types of situations do happen, and families may not be able to wait to apply within our regular timeline. We would be glad to talk to you about having Kelly Raudenbush, our child and family therapist with expertise in infant and early childhood mental health, review the information you have for a fee, if her schedule allows with your needed timeline. We can also recommend medical providers who could help you.
Q: Is there a limit to how many times we can apply for the program?
A: There is no limit to how many times you can apply. If you applied but were not accepted and want to apply again, you can submit another completed application for review. If you were part of the program before and want to apply again as you pursue another adoption, we’re glad to have you apply again!
Q: I saw on the Who We Are page that you talk about the Christian faith. Does that mean we need to be Christians to get services from The Sparrow Fund?
A: Absolutely not. Our desire is to serve all families and close gaps in care. If you want to know more about why we do what we do and what keeps us going, we’re glad to share. But, our faith shows up most clearly in us simply loving people well.