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Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., is here to assist you in creating an adoption plan that is individual to you and in the best interest of your baby. Our caring and professional Psychologist has been helping women through their pregnancy and with the placement of their baby’s for over fifteen years. Over the years, it has become apparent that Birth Mothers who are able to make an adoption plan for their babies are doing so for the most unselfish reasons. They are hoping to provide a better life for their child, than they believe they personally can provide at this time in their own lives.
Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., is here to assist you with your physical and emotional needs, to counsel you through the process, and support you no matter what your decision, to place or not. Our hope is to help with a new beginning in your life. We are located in Utah and can give you the personal attention that you need. Our Counselors talk with you and make sure you feel comfortable with Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., and the process that you will go through. That counselor will support you through each and every step of the way.
Do I have to appear in court when placing my child for adoption? It depends on where you live and what the laws governing that state are. In most cases, as long as your child is under 6 months of age at the time of placement, you do not have to appear in court.
If I am under 18, do my parents have to give permission for me to place my child? No. In the state of Utah, grandparents do not have legal rights to your child even if you are under 18, and therefore do not have to give consent for you to place your child. However, Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., does require you to have legal representation throughout the adoption procedures. Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., will provide an attorney for you to answer all of your legal questions.
What if the Birth Father is not involved? Can I still place the child for adoption without his consent? It depends on the state in which you live and what the laws are governing birth fathers. If you are not legally married to the birth father and he has not expressed a desire to raise the child or he has registered with the Utah Putative Father Registry, Utah law does not require the consent of the birth father.
What information is needed from the birth father? As much information as possible is needed. Remember his medical history is one half of your child’s medical history. If he is not involved or is unaware of the adoption, we will ask you to provide as much information as you can concerning the birth father, such as physical description and medical information.
Can I name the baby? If you choose to name the baby that name will appear on the original birth certificate. The adoptive family may or may not choose to keep that name. Many times they have names already picked out, or they may use the name you have given as the middle name.
Do I have to list the birth father on the Birth Certificate? No. However if you do place his name on the birth certificate, he may have to sign an affidavit at the hospital swearing he is the birth father in order for his name to appear on the birth certificate. Then he will also have to sign the consent for adoption.
Once I sign the Permanent Surrender, can I change my mind? Once you have made the decision to place your child and you have signed the Permanent Surrender forms giving legal custody to the agency, it is a final decision that cannot be changed. This is why it is extremely important for you to consider all of your options before making this decision. If you are uncertain about your decision you should consider signing a Temporary Agreement and placing the child in foster care with our agency to give yourself more time to consider your options.
What is Open Adoption? A fully open adoption is when birth parents and the adoptive family know identifying information and there is a mutual agreement to maintain contact throughout the child’s life so the child will continue to have a relationship with the birth parents. It is not, however, co-parenting. Once the birth parents have relinquished their rights to the child, they do not have any legal rights as to how the child will be raised. Any arrangements the adoptive family and the birth parents make to continue contact is based on a trusting relationship and is not legally binding.
What qualifications must a family meet before they can adopt my child? All prospective parents must complete a thorough home study and series of background checks, both local and statewide and in some cases FBI checks. Further requirements include physical exams, income statements, references and a home study that is completed by our psychologist or another social worker.
How much will I know about the adoptive family? A series of autobiographies/profiles are given to you for the purpose of selecting the adoptive family. The profiles include information about the parent’s occupation, ages, physical descriptions, motivations to adopt, hobbies and interests. It also explains in what religion they plan to raise the child and what type of ongoing relationship they hope to have with the birth parents. You will also have the option of meeting the family or talking with them on the phone.
Can I be assured that my child will be brought up in the religion I choose? You can be assured that Heartfelt Adoptions ...a new beginning, will honor your request for any specific religion. However, it is not a guarantee that the adoptive family will not change their religion, or that the child may not choose another religion as an adult.
How soon after the baby is born can he/she be placed with the adoptive family? Legally, the baby can be placed with the adoptive family any time after the Permanent Surrender has been signed by the birth parents. The laws differ in each state as to the timing that the Surrender can be signed. In many states the Surrender can be signed between 24 to 72 hours from birth. The child remains in the hospital during those 24 to 72 hours. If you need more time to make your decision, there is the option of placing the baby in short term, loving, infant foster care.
May I have photos of my baby? Absolutely! You can take pictures of the baby after birth and receive copies of the hospital photos if you like. After placement, if you and the adoptive family agree, they can send pictures of the baby to you through the agency. We encourage the adoptive family to continue communication and Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., ...a new beginning, will facilitate the exchange of correspondence for as long as you request. If you choose not to accept the pictures and letters from the adoptive family, Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., will hold them until you request them to be sent to you because sometimes birth moms want some time to pass before seeing the pictures.
If something would happen to the adoptive family after the adoption is final, would I be responsible for parenting the child or would I be notified? No, you would not be responsible for parenting the child. Once the Permanent Surrender is signed, the birth parents end all their responsibilities to the child. In the event something should happen to the adoptive parents, and if the agency is notified and we have your current address or phone number, we would notify you of the situation.
Will my medical expenses be paid by the agency? Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., will cover all of your medical expenses that are pregnancy and baby related after the placement has occurred. Actually, these costs are deferred to the adoptive family. If you have access to health insurance or you are eligible for Medicaid, this would help the adoptive family tremendously!
How long will Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., be available to me after placement? Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., will continue to provide support to you after placement for as long as you request. We will always have licensed staff to serve you. All information in your file with Heartfelt Adoptions Inc., is confidential and is not released to anyone without your permission.
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