Is Adoption Right for Me?

Adoption is a way for women who have an unexpected pregnancy to give themselves and their babies a better chance in life. Adoption is a personal choice and the only way to know if it is the right choice for you is to get as much information as possible.

Types of Adoption:

Agency Adoption

In an Agency Adoption a licensed child adoption agency offers a full range of professional services to help facilitate the adoption process. An agency will usually screen prospective adopting families and act as a mediator between the birth mother and the adopting family. Agencies can also offer a variety of services including: coordinating prenatal care and providing emotional support through counseling.

Private Adoption

In a Private Adoption an adoption facilitator, attorney or physician facilitates the adoption. In most cases the birth mother has already selected an adopting family, and the facilitator is used to complete the legal process of adoption.

Open vs. Closed Adoption

Open Adoption

In an open adoption a relationship remains intact between the birth parents, the adoptive family and the adopted child. Each open adoption relationship will be unique and the levels of contact can range from periodic emails and photos to visits and phone calls.

Closed Adoption

In a closed adoption there is no contact between the birth parents and adoptive family after the adoption takes place. The adoption records are sealed and the adopted child has no contact with the birth parents.

Selecting an Adopting Family

When choosing an adopting family, take time to think about what is important to you. Do you want your child to have two parents? Do you want them to be the oldest child or the youngest child? Would you like them to have lots of siblings to play with or be the only child? Should they have a stay at home parent? Is religion or race a factor? Choosing an adopting family is a personal decision based on your feelings about the best environment for the child.

Help Me Explore My Options

If you are in need of counseling and support we recommend Itsaboutlove.org. Their counselors have worked with hundreds of expectant parents and know just how to help guide you without making the decisions for you. You are the only one that can make this important decision.

Have you placed a child for Adoption?

We're looking birth families who are willing to share their experiences and advice with other birth families. Please contact info@hopingtoadopt.org