The decision to consider adoption is the beginning of a process that YOU control. Nothing legal or binding can be done prior to the birth of your baby. As you making your decision a few questions for you to consider are:
1. How can adoption be good for my baby and me?
If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption. You can plan for your baby's future by selecting a stable, loving family to care for your baby. After birth, you can see your baby, name your baby, and spend time with your baby. You may also, if you choose, get updates on your child's progress or have ongoing visits throughout your child's life while you continue your education or career goals. Anything agreed to in the adoption settlement, can happen for you and your baby.
2. Can I place my baby with a family of my choice?
YES! With most agencies you may choose a family, or someone who has been recommended to you even in another state. Or you may choose from parents screened by your adoption agency who have been waiting to become parents. If you choose, you may talk with them, visit their home, meet their family, etc.
3. How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and after adoption?
You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as you desire. When planning your child's adoption, you may choose an open adoption plan that allows ongoing visits with your child, or you may choose a less open adoption that keeps you informed about your child's progress through letters and photos, but doesn't include visits.
4. How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?
The timing of your child's placement depends on three factors:
• Your preference for the timing of placement.
• Legal aspects of the adoption, which may vary from state to state.
• The cooperation of the birthfather.
5. How much will my child know about me?
That depends on what type of adoption plan you choose: open, semi-open, or confidential. Your agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history for your child, no matter what type of adoption plan you make, and in some states, that is required. Most birthfathers also give their complete medical and social history, recognizing how important it is for the child. If you've made an open adoption plan, you may have ongoing, direct contact with your child and the adoptive family, for as long as you all agree.
6. Does the birthfather have any rights?
Both you and the birthfather have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with the birthfather and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated.
7. Can my child find me if he or she wants to search someday?
The law in your state determines when and how your child may access the information in the adoption file. Your caseworker will explain the current laws as they apply to your adoption plan.
8. How can I be sure my child will be well cared for?
Adoptive families approved by your agency must meet standards that are shared with you. Your agency will make every attempt to complete a thorough assessment of potential adoptive families. Prior to finalizing the adoption, a caseworker will make home visits to ensure the child's well being. Studies, which have been done on adoptive children versus birth children, prove that adoptive children are better adjusted in many areas than birth children.
9. Do I need an attorney or do I pay my agency to assist me with the adoption?
You should have attorney to represent your interest, but most agencies provide an attorney at no cost to you. The adoption agency will handle all the legal details for you and the birthfather.
10. Does your agency offer assistance with medical and living expenses while I am making an adoption plan?
Assistance with medical and living expenses is available through many agencies. For details about how your agency can help you in your particular circumstances, contact your caseworker. If you have no insurance for the pregnancy or no means of support, public assistance is available to you until the adoption decision is made. CPC Women's Health Resource can help you with this.
REMEMBER:
Adoption allows you to:
• Pursue your earlier goals and plans
• Live independently
• Be free from the financial burdens of parenting
• Have the freedom to choose if you want to have a long-term relationship with the baby's father
• Resume your education or career
Call us at 419-636-5692 to make an appointment to talk to a staff member who can provide information on the adoption agencies to whom refer.
