1. Q: How can adoption be good for my baby and me?

A: If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption. Your agency will work with you to select a stable, loving family to care for your baby. After birth, you can see your baby, name your baby, and spend time with your baby. If you so choose, you can get updates on your child’s progress or have ongoing visits throughout your child’s life while you continue your education or career goals. Finally, you can be proud that you chose life for your baby.

2. Q: Can I choose a family for my baby?

A: Yes! Most agencies have couples from a variety of backgrounds that have been screened and approved. There are additional options such as choosing a friend, an acquaintance, or someone who has been recommended to you. Your agency will discuss these options with you.

3. Q: How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and after adoption?

A: You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as you desire. When planning your child’s adoption, you can choose an open adoption plan that allows ongoing visits with your child, or you can choose a less open adoption that keeps you informed about your child’s progress through pictures and letters. Adoptive families respect your need to know that your child is loved and happy. If you prefer not to have any contact with your child and adoptive family, confidential adoption plans are also possible.

4. Q: How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?

A: The timing of your child’s placement depends on three factors:

•Your preference for the timing of placement.
•Legal aspects of the adoption, which may vary from state to state.
•The cooperation of the birth father.

Many birth mothers want their baby placed with the adoptive family right from the hospital. Some women prefer to place their baby in temporary care while they consider their adoption decision.

5. Q: How much will my child know about me?

A: That depends on what type of adoption plan you choose: open, semi-open, or confidential. Your agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history to your child, no matter what type of adoption plan you make. You may choose to share your identity and where you life with the adoptive family. If you’ve made an open adoption plan, you can have on-going, direct contact with your child and the adoptive family.

6. Q: Does the birthfather have any rights?

A: Both you and the birthfather have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your adoption agency will work with the birthfather and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated.

7. Q: Will my child have information about his or her birthfather?

A: Hopefully, yes. This will depend on the birthfather’s cooperation with you and the staff of your adoption agency. Most birthfathers give their complete medical and social history, recognizing how important it is for the child. At other times, only the information you provide will be available.

8. Q: Can my child find me if he or she wants to search some day?

A: The laws in your state determine when and how your child may have access to information in the adoption file. Your caseworker will explain the current laws as they apply to your adoption plan.

9. Q: How can I be sure my child will not be neglected or abused?

A: Adoptive families approved by your agency will meet standards that are shared with you. Adoption agencies make every attempt to complete a thorough assessment of potential adoptive families. Prior to finalizing the adoption, the agency will make home visits to ensure the child’s well-being. In an open adoption, you will see for yourself how well your child is cared for and how much your child is loved.

10. Q: Do I need an attorney or do I pay my agency to assist me with the
adoption?

A: You do not need an attorney, and there are no costs to you. The adoption agency will handle all legal details for you and the birthfather.