WHY CHOOSE ADOPTION

“Going through a process where you’re not really sure what to expect to have someone there on your side to guide you and basically feel loved by my Advisor and that made the situation just unbelievable” – ANLC Birth Mother

Most of us feel better knowing what to expect. Here’s a general idea of what happens when you sign up with an adoption professional:

PAPERWORK

Once you have selected an adoption professional, you will be asked to complete some paperwork. This usually includes personal and health history, proof of pregnancy, and family selection criteria. This helps them get to know you so they can help you find the right Adoptive Family. It also allows the child to have the information later on.

LIVING EXPENSES

Your adoption professional should help you apply for any public assistance or insurance benefits to which you are entitled during your pregnancy. Depending on your state, reasonable living expenses may be permitted as part of an adoption plan. Additionally, many adoption professionals provide safe housing assistance, should you need it, as allowed by state law. Expenses are paid directly to the provider, like a landlord or utility company. The adoption Judge will review expenses paid to you before the adoption is finalized so careful records are kept. Your adoption professional will help you calculate expenses and comply with adoption laws.

ADOPTION ADVISOR

Your adoption professional will connect you with an Adoption Advisor. An Adoption Advisor is there to help you through the adoption process and offer emotional support. They are generally available by phone, text or email. Your Adoption Advisor will help you with everything from doctors appointments and finding support in your area, to coordinating living expenses and communicating with the Adoptive Family. Adoption Advisors generally contact you once a week, but are available as often or as little as you like.

MENTORING

Depending on your adoption professional, they may be able to put you in contact with a Birth Mother who is years beyond placement. She is there to talk to you and listen. She can help you understand what feelings to expect during your pregnancy and after your baby is placed in their new adoptive home. It helps to talk to someone who knows exactly what it feels like to place a child for adoption. Many mentors and mentees develop lasting friendships.

SELECT AN ADOPTIVE FAMILY

You get to choose an Adoptive Family. First you will discuss the kind of family you hope will adopt your baby; then you’ll be shown suitable profiles. Adoptive Families have to undergo rigorous screening processes so you can feel comfortable knowing that each profile is a loving adoptive family, who is emotionally and financially able to give your child a great life. You can speak with them and sometimes even meet in person before coming to a decision. Your adoption professional will help you with these conversations. It is important that everyone is entirely happy with the choice.

DETERMINE LEVEL OF CONTACT

The degree of “openness” in the adoption will be based on your comfort level, and that of the Adoptive Parents. This may include the sending of photos and letters, or meetings with your child. Maintaining contact allows you to know how your child is doing and reassures you that you made the right choice. Consider what seems right for you at this time and be prepared to adjust your level of contact over the years, as your and your child’s lives evolve.

MAKE A BIRTH PLAN

A birth plan is a formula for what you want your hospital experience to look like. There are additional factors to consider when your birth plan includes adoption. Do you want Adoptive Parents in the labor room? Who do you want to take care of the baby during your hospital stay? Who will be your support during recover and relinquishment? Creating a plan that considers these issues helps everyone know what to expect.

Making an adoption plan, and the many decisions that go along with it, is not always easy. Your adoption professional can help guide you, but will not make decisions for you. No one, including any professional or family member, should pressure you into making a decision. They can, however, help you sort through your feelings and help you get answers.

An adoption professional can help you sort through your feelings and help you get answers.

DOWNLOAD the full “Pregnancy & Adoption Planning Guide” here