Caring Adoptions: Building Families with Compassion in Houston

Caring Adoptions

When you step inside Caring Adoptions, you feel the difference immediately. It’s not a big, impersonal agency where families are numbers in a system — it’s a close-knit community led by Stephanie Warren, who has been with the agency since 2007 and now serves as Executive Director.

Founded in 1991 by Patricia Bridges, Caring Adoptions was built on her contagious love and passion for adoption. Stephanie says she’s proud to carry on Patricia’s legacy: “Her love for adoption and this agency inspired me deeply. I loved working under her, and I still feel her mission in everything we do today.”

A Small Agency with a Big Heart

What makes Caring Adoptions unique is its size. Stephanie explains that being small is their strength: “Our birthmothers know me personally and have for years. When they call, they hear the same voice — it’s comforting. Our families also get that same personal support. They’re not just waiting in a line; they’re part of our family.”

The agency never takes on more than 30 waiting families at a time, ensuring each has a true chance to adopt. Beyond placement, they stay in contact, watching children grow and connecting families with each other for continued support.

Supporting Birth Parents with Compassion

Adoption is one of the hardest decisions a birthmother can make, and Caring Adoptions meets them with love, counseling, and practical help. Stephanie shares, “We love our birthmoms. We do not judge — we show compassion and help them with whatever they need during such a difficult time.”

Open adoptions are encouraged, allowing many birthmothers to remain a part of their child’s life, which Stephanie says is especially valuable for the children. Counseling and financial support for pregnancy-related needs are also available. Some women even return for second or third placements because of the trust they’ve built with the agency.

Walking Families Through the Journey

For adoptive families, the process begins with an inquiry and a one-on-one meeting. From paperwork to home studies and profile books, Stephanie and her team guide families every step of the way. Every adoption looks different: some birthmothers want families involved in hospital stays, while others prefer distance.

One common fear is cost — adoption can be expensive. Stephanie is honest about this: “We’re a nonprofit. The money we charge covers staff and overhead, to keep the doors open. And yes, sometimes birthmothers change their minds. It’s heartbreaking, but we help families understand that their child is still coming. It always works out.”

Stories That Stay With You

Stephanie has witnessed countless moments of joy, but one story from the start of her career has never left her. A birthmother, struggling with drugs, gave birth in secret and didn’t want her baby tested. Days later, she finally called Stephanie. The baby was gravely ill, and at the hospital, they discovered he also had Down Syndrome.

“He was placed in a loving home that accepted him exactly as he was. Today, he’s a senior in high school — thriving and doing amazing. That’s why this work matters.”

Another success story she treasures is of a single adoptive mother whose daughter just left for college on scholarship — a young woman who grew into a brilliant student and athlete through the love of her adoptive family.

Looking Ahead

For Stephanie, a successful adoption isn’t just the paperwork. It’s when a birthmother comes back a year later and says thank you, again and again. It’s seeing children grow up loved, confident, and connected to their stories.

Looking to the future, she hopes to expand Caring Adoptions’ reach: building a stronger board, hosting more community events, joining local organizations, and even starting a podcast. The goal? More awareness, more options for birthmothers, and fewer tragic stories of babies left behind.

“I want mothers to know they have options,” she says. “And I want families who dream of adopting to know they can turn to us — with support, love, and hope.”

How to Get Involved

Not everyone is ready to adopt, but Stephanie says there are still many ways to help. Donations are always needed, especially to ease costs for adoptive families with financial barriers. And most importantly: spread awareness. Talk about adoption, share resources, and remove stigma.

For anyone ready to take the first step, Caring Adoptions is accessible 24/7:
📞 Office: 281-920-4300 | Cell: 832-526-4333
📧 Email: info@caringadoptions.org
🌐 Website: www.caringadoptions.org

And just like this story, there are countless others. If adoption is on your heart, take a moment to learn more about the life-changing work of Caring Adoptions.