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 in a number of ways 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 prefer the word family to applicant or potential adoptive parent. We don’t use the word family to indicate a married couple; you don’t have to be married to apply.
Q: What criteria do you consider in deciding which families who apply are invited into the program?
A: The Sparrow Family Care Grant Program committee and staff carefully reviews all applications and considers the 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 Bible and Jesus. Does that mean we need to believe the same things to get services from The Sparrow Fund?
A: Absolutely not. Our desire is to serve all families and stand in gaps in care. We won’t preach at you or put pressure on you. But, we’ll always be glad to share if you want to know more about what we believe and why we are motivated to do all this work.