Church families involve themselves in supporting the life-giving option of adoption by becoming shepherding homes. Shepherding homes are usually families who invite a young woman in a crisis pregnancy to live with them during pregnancy and the birth of the baby. This provides a young woman with a mother and father role model, and is also a good way to build partnerships with local agencies and pregnancy centers. Pastors play a key role in providing counseling during this time of decision making. Many of these children have experienced abuse or neglect, or have biological parents who cannot adequately care for them.
Churches play a key role in promoting the adoption of older and minority children.
One example is the Celebration Youth Choir, a group of 15-20 youngsters in Cleveland, Ohio who travel to area churches. The singers, ages 10-14, all await adoption. The choir performs with the other youth choirs at the churches they visit. They're all kids, they all need love, they all need families. The Preparation for Adoption Program at the Grandfather Home in Banner Elk, North Carolina focuses on increasing successful adoptions through intensive counseling for the teens and their new families.