If you are considering adoption, you likely have many questions. It can be a confusing and difficult time. There are ideas about adoption from years ago that really don’t relate to how adoption looks today. Below are some of the most common questions expectant parents have when starting the process. If you have additional questions, we would love to have a conversation with you to give you accurate information that might apply to your unique situation. Please feel free to reach out to our Adoption Life professionals at [email protected] or 800-ADOPT 11 (800-236-7811).
WHAT IS ADOPTION?
Adoption is a loving and thoughtful choice where biological parents choose a qualified, loving, stable, and permanent adoptive family for their child. Through the adoption process, a person or couple legally become the parents of a child who is biologically related to someone else.
WHY CHOOSE ADOPTION?
Parents usually choose adoption because they care about their child and his or her well-being. They recognize that adoptive parents may be in a better position to raise the child. Oftentimes they look for a loving, stable, permanent home for their child.
WHAT ABOUT PARENTING MY BABY?
Parents have a fundamental right to parent their children. A parent should not be forced to place a child for adoption. At Adoption Life, we specialize in pregnancy options counseling. Reach out to one of our professionals for one-on-one options support today!
CAN I CHOOSE THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY?
Yes. It is generally best for a child to be placed for adoption with a family selected by the birth parents. Adoption Life places children with families selected by the parents. In fact, we have many qualified families for you to choose from and make connections with.
WHAT IS OPEN ADOPTION?
In an open adoption, the birth parents communicate with the adoptive parents regarding the child and his or her development. In many open adoptions, the biological parents continue to have direct contact with the child and his or her adoptive family.
CAN I SEE MY CHILD AGAIN?
In many adoptions, birth parents communicate with adoptive parents directly and see the child after placement, including pictures, videos, updates and direct contact. Birth parents wanting ongoing contact should pursue an open adoption. Learn more about open adoption and if open adoption is right for you.
WHO CAN ADOPT CHILDREN?
Adoptive parents are individuals and couples who have expressed a desire to adopt. Their lives and homes have been studied by a licensed professional to make sure they will be suitable and loving parents. The home study includes criminal background checks, references, and a professional review of their home. Once adoptive parents have been certified to adopt, they can be presented to birth parents for consideration.
WHAT SERVICES DOES ADOPTION LIFE PROVIDE?
Adoption Life provides the following services for birth parents, based on individual needs:
Options counseling // Finding the right family // Talking through pregnancy options available to you // Loving professionals to guide you through the entire process // Living assistance // Ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy //Resources and support // Connecting you with important resources to meet your immediate and long-term needs and goals// Connecting with other birth parents // Personalized adoption plan.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Options depend on the parents and what they are willing to consider and pursue. As a general matter, parents may choose, (1) to parent their child, (2) to place the child for adoption, or (3) to terminate the pregnancy through abortion. Adoption Life can assist the parents in determining what option is best for them. Contact an Adoption Life professional at 800-236-7811.
WHAT ABOUT THE BIRTH FATHER?
A child’s father has the opportunity to assert and establish parental rights. Ideally, for a mother considering adoption, the father participates in the process and both mother and father agree on an option for the child. However, not all situations are ideal. Adoption Life has the expertise to address all situations and to assist birth parents through the process of determining what they should do.
WHAT WILL OTHER THINK ABOUT ME IF I CHOOSE ADOPTION?
People may think all sorts of things. Most people, however, recognize that through adoption, a parent makes a loving choice to do what is best for their child. Sometimes, this involves putting the interests of the child ahead of their own interests. Most people recognize that adoption is a choice based on love for the child.
WHAT IS RELINQUISHMENT?
Relinquishment is the legal process involving paperwork by which a parent gives up their legal rights to a child, consents to the adoption of the child by another individual or couple, and places the child with the adoptive parents. It’s important that the parent does so voluntarily and is not forced or compelled to place for adoption. Adoption Life takes care to assure that a relinquishment is done ethically and with care.
