For more than a century, Catholic Charities North Dakota has been helping children find loving homes and supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting. Guided by its mission to serve people in need and advocate for the common good of all, the organization provides compassionate, professional services that meet families where they are—whether they are expecting a child, hoping to adopt, or raising biological or adopted children.

Pregnancy, Parenting, And Adoption Services

Catholic Charities North Dakota’s Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services (PPAS) program is built on compassion and choice. Social workers walk alongside pregnant women, providing support as they make decisions that are right for themselves and their baby. All pregnancy services are free, and women are supported whether they choose to parent or make an adoption plan.

If parenting feels difficult because of life’s challenges, staff help remove obstacles—whether through education, baby supplies, or parenting resources. If adoption is the chosen path, social workers guide birth parents and adoptive families through every step of the process. Prospective adoptive families can choose from the following options:

International Adoption
North Dakota Domestic Adoption
Identified Adoption
Out-of-State Adoption
Relative Adoption

Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK)

The AASK program focuses on serving children in foster care who
need permanent, stable, and nurturing families. Working under
contract with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human
Services, Catholic Charities North Dakota provides adoption services
to children across the state.

AASK specialists help prospective adoptive parents understand the unique needs of children in foster care and guide them in finding the best path for their family. The program emphasizes that birth parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents are all important people in a child’s life—and that children can thrive when surrounded by a circle of love and support.

In fiscal year 2024–2025 alone, AASK finalized 328 adoptions for children in foster care.

North Dakota Post Adopt Network

Parenting doesn’t end at finalization, and Catholic Charities North Dakota recognizes that families need ongoing support. The North Dakota Post Adopt Network offers free support services to families who have welcomed a child through foster care adoption, infant adoption or international adoption. These services are also available to families who have legal guardianship of a child in their home.

Post Adoption Coordinators are strategically placed in each quadrant of the state to ensure that families everywhere have access to resources. Services include:

Evidence-based assessments and goal planning
Support groups and family events
Referrals to service providers
Parenting and professional trainings
Summer camps and winter retreats for kids and families and more!

Did You Know?

The Adults Adopting Special Kids program finalized 328 adoptions for children in foster care in 2024–2025.
All pregnancy services are completely free for pregnant women in North Dakota.
Catholic Charities North Dakota has been facilitating adoptions and placing children into permanent homes since 1923.