Catholic Charities North Dakota serves individuals and families across the state with compassion, dignity, and respect, offering a wide range of programs designed to support people through life’s most complex challenges. From guardianship and adoption services to counseling, pregnancy and parenting support, and community resource assistance, the organization’s work is rooted in advocacy, care, and empowerment. Open to all regardless of faith, background, or ability to pay, Catholic Charities North Dakota is committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities by helping people build stability, independence, and hope for the future.

Guardianship Division: Intellectual Disabilities

Guardianship Services: Vulnerable

The Guardianship Services – Vulnerable program, offered by Catholic Charities North Dakota, is dedicated to supporting vulnerable elderly individuals and adults with mental health challenges or other vulnerabilities who lack appropriate sources of support. The program provides guidance and advocacy to help these individuals make informed, person-centered decisions, emphasizing dignity, health, and safety. Guardianship may be general, limited, emergency, or successor, depending on the needs and legal circumstances of the individual. The service is available to all North Dakota residents, regardless of religion, race, age, or ability to pay, and is established through a legal process involving the courts and attorneys.

328 children were adopted through Adults Adopting Special Kids in 2024-2025.

In 2024-2025, Guardianship Workers in the Guardianship Division for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities traveled 94,232 miles to visit and provide care to their clients.

In 2024-2025, the Pregnancy Parenting and Adoption Services program served 1,423 individuals in need through their Bundle Up Your Baby Bump events.

Did You Know?

Catholic Charities North Dakota serves the entire state, with offices stretching from Beach to Fargo. For communities without a physical location, we offer convenient telehealth services. Wherever you live in North Dakota—rural or urban— we’re here to support you.

Adults Adopting Special Kids

The AASK (Adults Adopting Special Kids) program, operated by Catholic Charities North Dakota, is dedicated to building permanent, nurturing families for children in foster care through adoption. The program focuses on recruiting and preparing families to adopt children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and who may have physical, emotional, or psychological challenges. AASK works in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Tribal entities, and other states to deliver adoption services.

Families interested in adopting are guided through a comprehensive process that includes training and education, application and background checks, and a thorough assessment to help determine preparedness for adoption. The program also provides post‑adoption support through the ND Post Adopt Network for families who have adopted from foster care, as well as families who have adopted infants or children domestically or internationally. It also offers support to guardianship families. AASK’s mission is to ensure every child finds a stable, committed, and permanent family, emphasizing patience, commitment, flexibility, and trauma-informed care.

Counseling

Catholic Charities North Dakota offers comprehensive counseling services to individuals, couples, children, and families across North Dakota, including both in-person and telehealth options. Our approach is holistic and strengthsbased, empowering clients to address life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. Services include play therapy, therapy for children and adolescents, individual and couples counseling, family therapy, marriage enrichment, mindfulness/self-care, and more. The program is open to all, regardless of religion, race, age, gender, or ability to pay, with flexible payment options.

Pregnancy Parenting and Adoption Services

The Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services (PPAS) program at Catholic Charities North Dakota offers compassionate support to women and families across the state. Licensed social workers guide individuals experiencing an unexpected pregnancy through the decision-making process, providing education and resources for the options of parenting and adoption. The program ensures a non-judgmental environment, empowering women to make the best choice for their baby. Women choosing adoption can select the adoptive family and determine the level of openness they would like post-adoption. Services include counseling, help with basic needs, and referrals for community resources.

The PPAS program supports families throughout the state looking to expand their family through adoption, offering comprehensive services, including family assessments, placement, post-placement follow-up, and birth parent counseling. Families can choose from domestic adoption programs in North Dakota or across the United States as well as international or identified adoption options. Our individualized approach ensures that each family receives education, assessment, and support tailored to their unique adoption journey, welcoming people of all faiths.

Additionally, Catholic Charities North Dakota offers postadoption search and disclosure services, helping adopted adults, birth parents, and siblings seek information or contact. The process respects privacy and includes both non-identifying and identifying search options. Ongoing support is provided throughout the search and disclosure process.

Community Resource Assistance

The Community Resource Assistance program at Catholic Charities North Dakota offers support to North Dakota residents experiencing hardship. Led by the Community Resource Coordinator, the program provides information and referrals to a wide range of community resources, helping individuals connect with services that address their needs. The coordinator serves as a point of contact for those seeking guidance, ensuring that citizens can access available assistance efficiently.