Cradle Care


There is not a need for additional Cradle Care families at this time. Thank you for your interest.


Cradle Care
A cradle care family is a Christian family who provides a loving, nurturing home for an infant, allowing birthparents the time they need to make their final decision concerning adoption or parenting. Cradle care families love and nurture a baby as their own, while realizing their care-taking is temporary.

Providing cradle care is an incredible way in which a family can take an active part in supporting parents who have chosen life for their child. In addition to providing lots of love and attention, cradle care parents are involved in transporting the infants for visits, taking pictures, following up with medical care and keeping a record of their progress while in care. Such an important task requires much love, flexibility and willingness to work with birth families as well as adoptive families during this transition time in an infant's life.

The length of time a baby is in cradle care varies and is dependant on several factors; when the birthmother started the counseling process, the cooperation of the birthfather, etc. Birthparents can continue to have contact with the infant while in cradle care. Cradle care is provided free to the birthparents for 30 days; as they work through the decision making process.

To become a licensed cradle care family, the following steps are required.

  • Completion of the application packet including a statement of faith
  • Initial training provided by Bethany Christian Services; 6 hours annually
  • Individual and joint interviews with applicants and all household members
  • A visit to the residence of the applicants which includes a complete inspection of the home
  • A total of 6 references (pastor, employer, relatives, and 3 non-relatives)
  • Child abuse and criminal background screening checks on applicants
  • Physical exams completed for each household member
  • TB tests completed for each household member
  • CPR/First Aid certification

At this time, Bethany Christian Services does not have a need for additional cradle care parents.