Pregnancy Resources and Services
Choosing an Adoption Resource or Agency
If you are considering placing your baby in an adoptive home, you are entitled to make an informed decision. This is one of the most important choices you will ever make, so no matter which agency you work with please keep the following in mind:
- You are entitled to learn about all your options free from pressure.
This is an important decision and you need time to make it.
- You are entitled to confidentiality.
Making an adoption plan for your baby is your decision alone and it should be respected, even if you are a minor.
- You are entitled to medical care and other pregnancy related services.
If you don't have health insurance the agency can assist you with applying for Medicaid. Adoption agencies like HOPE for Children may be able to help you find temporary housing during your pregnancy, and other pregnancy related resources if you need them.
- You are entitled to talk with other women who have placed their babies in adoptive homes.
This is a decision that should be made with careful consideration. Before making a decision, or afterwards, you may wish to speak with someone else who has had the same experience and understands your feelings.
- You are entitled to counseling.
A trained and compassionate counselor or social worker familiar with adoption should be available to help you explore all the options you have and help you make the best plan for you and your baby. You should be able to come back for counseling or to supply updated information at any time. An experienced agency knows adoption is a life-long process and not a decision to be taken lightly.
- You are entitled to choose your baby's adoptive parents.
Any adoption resource you work with should present you with several families so that you can choose the family you would want for your child. If you are responding to an advertisement, you should talk with the family. You should consider meeting the family and this should be an option.
- You are entitled to a legal process in which you understand all your rights.
Your adoption professional should assist you in reviewing and familiarizing yourself with all related documents and papers ahead of time. In addition, and you have the right to keep copies of anything you sign.
- You are entitled to having peace of mind about your adoption plan.
Every prospective adoptive family should be pre-screened in order to show they will provide your baby with an excellent and loving home. A licensed agency like HOPE for Children prepares and or obtains a thorough home study report outlining the family's physical and emotional health, marriage relationship, financial situation, work history and personal history as well as training in adoptive parenting.
- You are entitled to choose ongoing communication with the adoptive family including the exchange of pictures and letters.
As the birth parent, you get to choose the family and also the means of communication.
- You have the right to be told about adoption "Reunion and Information Registries."
In the years ahead, you or your child can contact the Registries in an effort to learn more about each other and possibly meet. An agency can facilitate this.
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