Adoption Services Our adoption service is a collaborative process between Catholic Charities and the Cortland County Department of Social Services. We help adopting families navigate and complete the adoption process, which includes working with the court system, attorneys, schools, medical providers, and other service agencies. Information and referral for families or individuals considering adoption is also available. We are not a private adoption agency, although we are available to provide information to people involved in an adoption process other than ours or who are interested in learning about adoption.   Qualifications:  Families participating in this adoption program have generally been identified by the Cortland County Department of Social Services as potential adoptive families. Individuals are already certified foster parents, or are willing to become foster parents for Cortland County. Payment: There is no cost to families involved in a Cortland County Department of Social Services adoption for this service.   Length of Involvement: Adoptions generally take 6-12 months for finalization. Participation: The Adoption Coordinator at Catholic Charities maintains regular contact with the adoptive family through home visits, phone calls, and court appearances. The partnership between the family, Catholic Charities, and the Department of Social Services is very important to successful and timely outcomes in the adoption process.