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What is Open or Semi Open Adoption?
In an open adoption, the birth parent may choose the adoptive
family themselves, rather than having an agency choose the
family for the them. You may decide on the amount of contact
you wish to have. Some women want letters and photos, others
want visits or phone calls after the adoption and some want
no contact at all. The choice is up to you and your adoptive
family .You may choose the family that best meets your needs
and those of your child or we will select a family for you
if you prefer. You and the adoptive parents have a variety
of options.
Why do women choose adoption?
Most women choose adoption because they love their child and
realize that they are not ready to be the kind of parent they
need to be at this time in their life. Others realize that
there are unique reasons in their life that are preventing
then from being able to parent their child. We realize that
choosing adoption for your child can be a very difficult decision.
We want to help you make the right decision and help you explore
parenting and adoption and let you determine what is right
for you both at this time in your life. It takes courage and
strength to be able to make this important decision.
How are adoptive families screened?
Adoptive families are screened and pre-qualified. A licensed
social worker will conduct a thorough home study evaluation
and visit the adoptive family's home in their state. This
includes a background check, medical evaluations, financial
and FBI screening. You are assured that your baby will be
raised within a loving and safe family environment. You will
be able to speak to families also to determine whom you feel
you want to adopt and raise your child.
Is this safe & legal?
Yes, open adoption is legal. Your adoption can be completed
as an independent adoption or a designated agency adoption.
The process is normally simple and confidential. All adoption
laws are adhered to, allowing you peace of mind that your
adoption is safe, legal and ethical. An attorney in your state
will be provided to you in advance if you have additional
questions. All legal work is conducted by a qualified adoption
attorney and or a social worker.
Are there any costs to me?
There is no cost to you as a birth parent. Adoptive parents
pay for legal fees, reasonable pregnancy-related expenses,
medical bills not covered by insurance, consulting and counseling
fees.
What if I go into labor, can you work with me from the hospital?
Yes, we often receive calls from the hospital. We can have
a family available for you within hours. In most states, the
adoptive family will be able to take the baby home from the
hospital, avoiding fostercare. We have found that most birth
mothers want to be sure that their baby can start bonding
with their adoptive family right away. We are open for emergencies
on all weekends, holidays and through the night. We have families
that can travel within a few hours nationwide.
Can I select a family from a state other
than my own?
The beauty of the internet is the access to a large variety
of qualified families that will meet your specifications nationwide
or if you prefer we have families in most states or can find
some families for your state.
My child is older; do you have families
that are interested in older children?
We have loving families seeking children of all ages and races.
It is our policy not to separate siblings, so we work hard
to find just the right family for you to interview for the
adoption. You will be able to decide on the type of contact
you wish after the placement.
What age range are most of your birth
mothers?
We have birth mothers from 12 yrs old to their mid 40's. For
some women this is their first child and others have children.
Some of our birth parents are married. Most birth parents
love their child and want to provide them with the best home
and future that they can and adoption has been a loving option
for many.
Is it selfish to consider adoption?
No, adoption can be one of the most loving decisions you make
for your child. It takes a great deal of love and maturity
to know that raising a child can be difficult and that love
is not enough to provide what a child needs to thrive. Even
with the help of families and friends, the task can be difficult.
Often family and friends are there at the beginning, then
when times get more difficult you are on your own. It is important
to realize that what ever your decision is that you are ultimately
going to be the primary caregiver and the person that will
need to take care of your child. This can be a sacrifice for
many years to come. Many women realize the time is not right
for them to parent and that adoption is the most sensible
and most important decision they will make for their child
and their life.
Some of my friends say I should keep my
baby and that children belong with their birth parents, what
should I do?
You will need to consider honestly where you are in your life
now and if you are ready for parenting at this time. This
doesn't mean you are bad, it means you know that you are not
at a time in your life that parenting and raising a child
is in the best interest for you or your child. It is easy
for friends to make comments when they have not been in your
position. The only person that can make this decision is you.
You want to consider honestly your options of parenting and
adoption before the baby is born. We have a number of other
birth mothers you can speak to if you would like to find out
how they handled their pregnancy. Just ask us.
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