The families were able to give a very different message than the one given in normal agency managed outreach. They said something about themselves the agency could not say in the same way. Adopting families meet every other week in each others' homes with agency staff present. They are trained in the use of outreach methods normally used by families going through private or independent adoptions with one crucial difference. They are trained to discourage the dependence of the birth mother.
Guidance is available in parenting planning as well as adoption planning.
Adopting families are trained in the handling of phone calls from women, or their families, in a crisis pregnancy situation. While doing such outreach work is not required, attendance at adopting parent group meetings every other week is. Quickly families overcome their fears as they see the success and excitement of other families doing outreach. The group process is crucial. The adoption waiting list at Catholic Counseling Services was eliminated immediately.