Birthmother Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I call the agency?
After getting acquainted with you on the phone, and only when you are ready, you will be assigned a caseworker. She will be available to you at any time. The caseworker will discuss many alternatives and resources available to you. She will encourage you to be actively involved in the entire process. She will help you with the whole process of making a Birth Plan and then she will also assist you in making your Adoption Plan.
Does it matter how far along in my pregnancy I am when I call the agency?
No. We can talk with you regardless of how far along you are. Birth Mothers call in anytime, ranging from the first day they find out they are pregnant, until after the baby has already been born.
What if I just gave birth and never called you before, will you still work with me?
Absolutely! We will have to work quickly to get everything in place for you and your baby, but you will be offered the same opportunities as any other birth mother, regardless of when you contact us.
What does Open Adoption mean?
Open Adoption represents the joining of two families based on love and trust. With an open adoption, birth families and adoptive families will maintain significant ongoing contact after placement. In some cases this takes the form of sharing non-identifying information and sometimes it means the full exchange of identifying information between birth and adoptive families, if all parties are comfortable. Open Adoption allows birth parents the peace of mind they can only get by meeting the family who will raise their child into adulthood. They are given the proper respect for themselves, their decision, and the important role they play in their child's life. The type of adoption you select is a personal decision. It is up to you whether you feel an open, semi-open or the closed option is best for you and your child.
Will my child go from one home to another home?
No! Adoption is the permanent legal process of adding a child to a family. Our goal is to place your child with a permanent, loving, life long family.
How does the baby get placed?
When you go into labor, you will call your Caseworker. Depending on your Birth Plan that we have previously set in place, ether one of our agency professionals or the Adoptive Family, will come to the hospital where you deliver so you will not be alone. Your Relinquishment will be signed no sooner than 24 hours of the birth of the baby. Then, once the baby is able to be discharged, an agency caseworker, or the Adoptive Parents, will pick up the baby from the hospital. The baby will be immediately placed with the Adoptive Family. If you are placing an older child or a child already home from the hospital, we will work with you to set up the best type of transition for you and the child.
If I use cocaine, smoke, or drink can I still place my child for adoption?
Yes. There are families who are willing to adopt a child who has been exposed to potentially harmful drugs.
It is however, of the utmost importance that you be honest with us, so that we can identify the best family for your child, and the best services for you. You will not get in "trouble" for telling us what your baby has been exposed to.
What if my child has a disability?
Our agency is dedicated to placing all children of every race, creed, color, sex, religion or disability. Children born with disabilities or special needs, will require special families. We welcome and embrace children with special needs and will do all in our power to see that they are placed in the same loving, safe, stable homes that we offer any other child.
Can I talk to other birth parents that have placed their child?
Yes, we have birth mothers who have previously placed a child who are interested in offering support and encouragement to you through this process.
Is Counseling Available?
Yes. Our agency has a Psychologist and also Social Workers, who are trained to help you with the difficult decision you are now faced with. Counseling is an option available to you at no cost. You can speak with a counselor as much or as little as you want.
What happens now?
Whatever your decision, we are here to help. Whether you decide to place your child, or parent your child, we would love for you to give us a call. We will do everything we can to help you feel safe, comfortable and secure in your road to adoption!
Birthmother Line
1-888-212-2229
