Counseling services:
Appointments are available with one of our counselors at a time convenient for you. Services are totally confidential, and are available to you before, during, and after your pregnancy. Your counselor will help you make an informed decision about the options of parenting and adoption. Also, she will assist you as you choose Adoptive Parents, finding qualified
doctors, and obtaining other resources.
Making an adoption plan:
We understand that you want the best for your child. You are encouraged to consider all options -- free from pressure and obligation. You have the right to choose and meet the adoptive family. We have carefully screened many families and you can review profiles to find those that meet your preferences. Our prospective parents represent racial and ethnic diversity. Most families are shown in our Waiting Families Section of the Web Site. Semi-Open adoption is an option that we encourage you to consider. You may plan with your counselor and the adopting family to have future contact with them and with your child through pictures and letters. HOPE for Children will help everyone with this process. If you are certain about your adoption decision, the baby may leave the hospital with the adoptive family. If you are not certain, you are never forced into a decision.
What is semi-open adoption?
In semi-open adoption, the birth parent looks at profiles of families who have applied to adopt through HOPE for Children, and completed the home study process. She (and the birth father, involved) meets and chooses the adoptive family and together they work toward the adoption of the baby. Birth parents and Adoptive parents are able to keep in touch over the years. They may decide to communicate with each other through letters, pictures, or even by e-mail. HOPE for Children's role in these new relationships is active and supportive, focused on the benefit of the child, birth parents and Adoptive Parents.
Post Adoption Services
Birth parents are welcome to contact HOPE for Children at any point after the adoption to seek support and understanding or to inquire about their child. They may need to pass along newly discovered medical information or update the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry. For semi-open adoptions, letters and pictures may be exchanged between the birth and adoptive families for up to 18 years. HOPE for Children provides information about adoption reunion and information registries. Ongoing counseling from HOPE for Children staff is also available after the adoption is completed.
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