Exploring Your Options
If you are already at the hospital, in labor, post delivery, or even home with your child, this does not take away your ability to consider all of your options for your child. You have the ability to privately talk with a Birth Parent Counselor at Caring for Kids as you explore those options. You can request to meet by calling 330-802-3415 or emailing sarah@cfkadopt.org. Our counselors have years of experience working with expectant moms as they consider adoption. They are sensitive to individual’s unique needs and desires for privacy. Choosing to meet with a counselor does not obligate you to move forward with an adoption plan. Should you decide to move forward with an adoption plan, we are here to support you and your plan.
Choosing an Adoptive Family
It is not uncommon for us to work with women who make their first connection with us and a potential adoptive family while in the hospital. We are equipped to help put an adoption plan in place immediately. We also have options available to slow things down and give you time to think through your options before making any permanent decisions.
Regardless of your situation, you have the right to select the potential adoptive family for your child. The Birth Parent Counselor will talk with you about your health history. It is important to share openly about any substance use and any other details that have impacted your pregnancy. There is no judgement, only a desire to ensure that this information is shared appropriately to help your child thrive. Also discussed are family history, social history, requests for ongoing contact (openness), and other factors that may be important to you when considering parents for your child. Other factors may include family make up, faith, location, or other important criteria specific to you.
Your counselor will connect with waiting families that meet your requests. You will then have the option to review the potential family profiles and personally select which family you are interested in. If you desire, a face to face visit or phone interview will be arranged so you have the opportunity to talk with this family and ensure you are comfortable with your decision.
The families we work with are ready to immediately accept placement of a child, even one already born. Once you’ve selected a family, you can begin communicating with them directly or continue to communicate through your counselor. This is the beginning of a lifelong relationship that grows as you continue to get to know each other.
Making the Adoption Legal
After the 72 hour mandated waiting period has passed, you will be able to make a final and permanent decision to proceed with adoption. It is always possible to take more time, if needed. When the time comes to sign your legal paperwork, you will meet with your Birth Parent Counselor, as well as an attorney that will represent your needs for the adoption. You can ask anyone to be present that may be a support to you. Once the paperwork is complete, the baby will be placed with the adoptive family.
What Happens Next
This is an emotional and difficult decision. Your Birth Parent Counselor will meet with you regularly to provide counseling for grief and loss before and after birth. Regardless of your situation, we ensure you are offered these services.
No matter where you are in your parenting journey – pregnant or currently parenting, you can choose to explore adoption. It is never too early or too late to call Caring for Kids and gather information. This decision is legal and available to you. Making this decision with licensed professionals makes this a safe and legitimate option for you and your baby.
