How Roe v. Wade Changed Adoption in Missouri

August 31, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

How Roe v. Wade Changed Adoption in Missouri

By Nicole Cunningham

Roe v. Wade is a term that you have probably been hearing a lot of since last year. The reason this term is being thrown around more and more these days is because it was overturned by the Supreme Court in June of last year. This case was put in place for birth mothers to have the option of abortion if they chose to do so. Now that it has been overturned, it has been left up to individual states to decide how they want to handle abortions. Abortion rights are no longer under federal law. Birth mothers are not as affected by this overturn as you may think. If you have any questions about why this case was overturned, feel free to reach out to us at Adoption Choices of Missouri. We would love to help you with any concerns that you may have.

How Roe v. Wade Affects the Adoption Process

Roe v. Wade Being overturned does not affect adoption in Missouri in the slightest. As a birth mother, if you want to give a child up for adoption and you feel that is what is going to be best for you and the baby, Then it sounds like adoption would be the best choice for you. However, Roe v. Wade does affect those who plan on terminating their pregnancy. The laws for terminating a pregnancy are not based on the state that you live in. Learning about the different laws for abortion can always be beneficial to keep up with the changes that have been made.

The Misconception that Adoption is the Alternative to Abortion

Adoption and abortion are very different from each other. Just because the laws on abortion have changed does not mean that adoption is the alternative. These two are not interchangeable. If you have chosen to be a parent, you can then later on decide if you want to go through with adoption or not. Adoption is a hard choice for many birth mothers. Adoption options should not be seen as an alternative to abortion; it should be seen as a serious choice that birth mothers have.

If you are interested in placing their babies up for adoption, then it would be great for you to speak with one of the specialists at Adoption Choices of Missouri to help you put together your adoption plan.

Options for Birth Mothers When They Find Themselves Unexpectedly Pregnant

When a woman finds herself unexpectedly pregnant with a child, considering adoption for your baby, it can be overwhelming and scary. Some women are not in the best situation to bring a child into their lives. All situations are different for everyone; some are ready and able to take care of the child, while other women are not able to. There is nothing wrong with having to decide what you are going to do with your child.

There are three different options for an unplanned pregnancy. You can choose to raise the child, you can choose to terminate the pregnancy based on the laws in your state, or you can choose adoption, allowing an adoptive family to take them in and raise them. We know how hard it can be for you to make a difficult choice like this, but we are here to help you make that choice a little bit easier.

Choosing to go through with Adoption

As the birth mother, you have the choice of what you want to do with your pregnancy and your child. Changing the case Roe v. Wade should not change your decision to give up your child for adoption or adoption in Missouri because it does not affect the process. You are in control of the adoption process if that is what you choose to do. You will be able to make sure that your baby will be in a loving home by choosing one of our wonderful adoptive families that are waiting for a child.

Adoption Choices in Missouri Can Help

Roe v. Wade made a huge impact on women all over the United States. This was a case that many did not think would be overturned. Even though it did, women are going to persevere and choose what is right for their pregnancy and if you are a woman who is pregnant considering adoption, just know that we know that choosing adoption is not an easy choice. Any choice regarding your child is not going to be an easy one to make. If you decide that you want to put the baby up for adoption, please give Adoption Choices of Missouri the opportunity to help you come up with an adoption plan. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Misconceptions about Missouri Birth Mothers

The Misconceptions Surrounding Birth Mothers and Adoption

August 28, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

The Misconceptions Surrounding Birth Mothers and Adoption

By Megan Kostraba

The adoption process can be scary, intimidating, and frustrating. It takes courage to make the decision to consider adoption for your baby! Making your choice is influenced by all kinds of things. Your beliefs, your values, your wishes, your intuition—the list can go on. What we at Adoption Choices of Missouri don’t want to influence your choice, however, is the stigma around birth mothers.

Adoption is one of those concepts that people can feel very strongly about. A lot of people don’t understand how the adoption process works, how we function as adoption agencies in Missouri, or even what goes through a birth mother’s mind. The unknowns that follow adoption leave people thinking that it’s an untrustworthy, irresponsible choice.

We don’t want you making your choice based on the opinions of others! Adoption is a lot of things all wrapped in one, but it’s also, most importantly, your choice. Your adoption plan is a unique one that caters to the needs of you and your child. The choices you make are no one’s but your own, regardless of the stigma that surrounds adoption. If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, we want you to understand what these misconceptions are and why we can dispel them.

Birth Mothers Choosing Adoption are Mostly Teenagers

An unplanned pregnancy can happen to anyone. Unexpected pregnancies have happened to women from all different backgrounds and will only continue to happen as time moves on. There is a stigma against teen birth mothers—people assume that all birth mothers are young women. As an adoption agency, we’ve worked with women who come from all different ages and backgrounds. Whatever age you are when your unplanned pregnancy has occurred, you can know that you are not alone!

Unexpected pregnancies overwhelm, panic, and imitate birth mothers, and we understand why! Pregnancy can upturn your life in a matter of seconds. Whatever age you may be when considering adoption for your baby, remember that what you are feeling has been felt by countless others.

Birth Mothers are Giving a Child Up for Adoption

Some people aren’t aware that considering adoption for your baby is one of the hardest things a woman can do. There’s a lot that goes into making your choice—and what doesn’t help is others using negative adoption language. When you choose adoption, you are not “giving a child up for adoption”. Adoption does not make you a bad person. Adoption means sacrificing your own wishes and wants to give your child opportunities in life that you may not be able to give. It’s incredibly hard to accept that sometimes, and takes self healing. Our agency can provide birth mothers the support they need through our counseling services and other helpful resources.

Adoption always stems from a place of love and care for your child. You want what is best for them, and sometimes, what’s best for them is being with an adoptive family.

Birth Mothers that Choose Adoption are Selfish

Birth mothers are actually the opposite of selfish, they’re selfless. They make the choice that is best for their child, despite what they want. Some women want children, but it’s just the wrong time. Some women suffer from health complications and can’t raise their own children. Adoption is a wonderful alternative for these situations. But, accepting your decision can be so difficult. Adoption causes feelings of regret, guilt, and grief. A lot of people don’t realize that birth mothers have to accept the role they will play in their baby’s life by choosing adoption, despite their desires.

Choosing adoption takes courage, bravery, and self-reflection. It isn’t easy, and it certainly isn’t selfish to want what is best for your child.

Birth Mothers Don’t Want a Relationship with their Child

The relationship a birth mother wants between herself and her child is entirely up to her! There are different types of adoption for this very reason. During a closed adoption, there is no relationship or extra contact between the birth mother and the adoptive family. Some birth mothers do want this privacy! This separation gives both the child and the birth mother a chance to heal and accept the adoption on their own.

However, some birth mothers do want to have a relationship with their child! We can do this through an open adoption in Missouri. In this kind of adoption, a birth mother shares a relationship with the adoptive family. The depth and kind of relationship is something that would have to be discussed between both parties, but many birth mothers choose this path! You can have contact with your child through videos, digital communication, pictures, video calls, even in person meetings! An open adoption is very common in adoption in Missouri.

Birth Mothers that Choose Adoption are Women Who Don’t Want Children

As we’ve mentioned before, an unplanned pregnancy can happen to any woman at any time. Some women who choose adoption are actually already parents! Whether it’s your first, second, or third born child, adoption always remains an option. Choosing adoption while you’re already a parent makes the choice even harder sometimes. Birth mothers can feel emotions of guilt and grief, and may even question their own parenting skills. It’s important to remember that we are our own worst critics. Birth mothers tend to be harsher on themselves than any of the other misconceptions and opinions out there.

Pregnancy is one of those things that has the power to interrupt all of your life plans. Some women do have the aspiration to be a mother and experience motherhood! Just, not yet. And that’s okay! That’s why there are options, like adoption, to help women going through an unexpected pregnancy.

Dispelling the Misconceptions About Adoption

Despite what some people think about birth mothers and adoption in general, we know the truth. And so do you! Birth mothers are caring women who want what is best for their child—and there is nothing more important than that. When you’re thinking about adoption in Missouri, remember that we’ve worked with women from all walks of life! With us, you can feel safe, comfortable, and secure in your choice. Reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri for any other questions about your adoption journey. We can work on dispelling these misconceptions, together.

Birth Mother Blog

Positive Adoption Language: Does it Matter Which Phrase I Use?

August 24, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Positive Adoption Language: Does it Matter Which Phrase I Use?

 By Talia Washington

Can rephrasing a sentence change someone’s life? You may think this a dramatic statement. No way switching a couple of words around could make a significant change to anyone? Positive Adoption Language (PAL) is one of the ways to show respect to people pregnant and considering adoption and everyone involved in the adoption process. PAL is proof that switching negative terminology can change someone’s life. Read for more information about positive adoption language and why the phrases you use matter.

What is Positive Adoption Language?

Positive Adoption Language (PAL) refers to the choice of expressions and terminology concerning adoption. Incorporating positive language requires refraining from phrases like ‘give up’ when referring to the child. Using positive language is vital during the adoption process. The lack of PAL unknowingly projects stigma that causes mothers to move away from considering adoption.

Therefore simply saying place instead of giving up could be the deciding factor when speaking to someone dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.

Incorporating positive adoption language can sound like:

Speaking with adoptive parents: “I understand you’re hoping to adopt a child.”
Talking to the child: “We chose to take you home with us.”
Speaking with the birth mother: “Adoption is one of many options when dealing with an unplanned pregnancy which can be challenging and emotional.

Replacing Negative Adoption Language

Some believe phrases like giving a child up for adoption and considering adoption for my baby are interchangeable. If you mentioned both two phrases, people would know that they meant the same thing.

Using positive language in place of negatively connotated phrasing makes everyone involved in the adoption process feel recognized and acknowledged.

Positive examples when talking about adoption include phrases like place, adoptive parents, birth parents etc. You would not say things like ‘real’ or ‘fake’ parents. As you would avoid referring to an adopted child as an orphan unless completely relevant and could not be rephrased

Negative Adoption Language – “Put up” or Place?

What is the difference between using put up or place? The two phrases mean the same thing in this context. If used in the context of adoption “put up” has a negative connotation that implies the child is being put away. Adoption is a complicated and sensitive subject, so it’s best to try and judge the scenario and context of the sentence.

Here is an example of put-up being used positively vs. negatively:

“You’re just putting up/placing the kid?” vs. “You’re thinking of putting/placing your child up for adoption?”

Placing a child for adoption is not the same scenario as putting up or placing a ketchup bottle on the table. Adoption Choices of Missouri understand the importance and how much is at stake. The importance of this decision makes it harmful to use words like “put up” when referring to adoption.

Tips & Tricks – Help with Positive Adoption Language

The use of the phrases like “give up” insinuates that the woman is giving up something. Do your very best to avoid making the birth mother feel judged. Adoption Choices of Missouri understands that birth mothers are people working through unplanned pregnancies.
Listen to the phrasing other people use in the conversation. If you’re unsure of what is appropriate, listen to the others. Does the birth mother use phrases like ‘give up’ or ‘adopted parents’ while speaking?
Learn more about positive adoption language and how word choice could affect others. Think about the connotation (how the word/phrase sounds) vs. the denotation (what the word/phrase means).
Think about the stereotypes surrounding adoption in Missouri. Acknowledge the stigma surrounding adoption, are the words you’re using spreading or aligning with negative stereotypes? If so, rethink your choice of words!
Using place or put up instead of ‘give up’ when referring to the adoption process may be the difference between a birth mother deciding to place a child for adoption. Use discretion and empathy when dealing with anyone during the adoption process.
Understand that language is incredibly important and try your best! No one is perfect – become educated on the proper terms and put them to use.
Educating yourself on positive adoption language is a process. It takes time to unlearn harmful or unhelpful lessons. Be patient with yourself and refrain from being rude or disrespectful to birth mothers at all times.
Positive adoption language benefits everyone involved in the adoption process including the adoption agency, adoptive parents, and birth mothers.

Impact of PAL

It is possible to change someone’s life by using PAL. In fact, you may be changing a child’s life by rephrasing your initial thoughts. Making someone feel uncomfortable or disrespected while discussing adoption plans or the adoption process could mean a completely different life for an innocent child.

Adoption Choices of Missouri handles situations without judgment. If you or someone you know is struggling with an unplanned pregnancy, contact us. You and your adoption agency will work to ensure the best adoption plan for you and your baby.

Blog

Why Does Adoption in Missouri Still Carry So Much Stigma?

August 21, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Why Does Adoption in Missouri Still Carry So Much Stigma?

By Vidya Rajesh

If you are seeking adoption, you will be overwhelmed with loads of information. The information can be good, bad, or maybe even something you never expected. The thing that strikes you the most is the stigma surrounding adoption. Adoption stigmas affect many different people in many different ways. Only you can decide what is right for you and your baby. Adoption Choices in Missouri has recognized some of the stigmas/taboos and will help you deal with them.

Here are some common adoption stigmas that you can encounter:

1. Women Giving Away the Baby for Adoption are Too Lazy to Raise Their Child

Women who are thinking about giving a child up for adoption do so for various reasons. Maybe you are not financially strong enough to take care of a child in your present living situation. Or, because of an unplanned pregnancy, you are not mentally ready to raise a child. Whatever your reason is, it doesn’t mean that you do not love your child. In fact, you are seeking adoption because you care immensely for the child’s future.

Adoption means you are looking to find a good home for your child. And places like our adoption agencies in Missouri are here to help you find good homes and provide you with a full range of services to ensure safety, support and care.

2. Open Adoption in Missouri can Cause Complications

Open adoption is a type of adoption in which the birth and adoptive families are in contact with one another. After the adoption process, you may interact in various ways with the adoptive parents, as well as with your child. Interacting is not co-parenting. You are not trying to be the parent, but you are kept in the loop because you both love your child. Open adoption is a relationship built on trust and mutual love for a child. These roles aren’t clearly defined in society.

In an open adoption, there are more people to love your child. Your child won’t have to search for their biological relatives.

3. Fear of Having No Control Over the Adoption Process

When you decide to give a child up for adoption, the process is typically a lot longer than just dropping the child off at an adoption agency near you. A great deal of stress usually comes if you feel you will have no say in the adoption process. In those situations, Adoption Choices of Missouri approaches you with an adoption plan to make the journey go smoothly.

The adoption process also usually goes on throughout your entire or remaining pregnancy. It is a very meticulous process where factors like your adoption options, your needs, and who the adoptive family is will be decided.

4. The Adopted Child Grows Up Feeling Ashamed

This can happen when the child doesn’t know their birth parents, which is the case of a closed adoption. Children who grow up without any knowledge of their birth parents usually wonder why their birth parents decided to do so. This can lead to confusion and low self-esteem. Now adoption agencies encourage open adoption in Missouri, where birth parents and their children know each other. Adopted children can talk with their birth parents and get the answers to their questions.

It is important to know that the adoptive child will likely not grow up feeling ashamed. Their adoptive parents will give them all the love they need. However, if you are having an open adoption, it can be beneficial for you and the adoptive parents to talk to the child at an early age and let them know they are adopted. This ensures that adoption is normal. Being honest strengthens the bond between the adopted child and the adoptive parents. Therefore it can be very important to let the child know about you and normalize the situation. If you and the adoptive parents work together, the child will grow up to be confident and have a unique sense of identity. However, each adoption is different. If you feel it is better not to be involved, then you should do just that.

5. The Adoption Process can be Exhausting

There is a stigma about adoption being too complicated and not worth the effort. The truth is, adoption is not an easy process. But It doesn’t necessarily drain you of all your emotional energy.

Do not worry. Adoption in Missouri is not a solo ride. Our adoption agencies in Missouri will support you throughout the journey. They offer you many adoption options to help pair you with an ideal family for your child.

6. “Considering Adoption for My Baby” Means You Do Not Love Your Baby

This general stigma is that birth mothers are giving up a child for adoption because they do not love them. This is so far from the truth. Contrary to this belief, birth mothers love their unborn children so much that they sacrifice the joy of parenting for the sake of a better home for their children. If you are unable to provide the necessary parental care, you turn to an adoption agency near you for assistance.

Stay positive and never give in to guilt or regret. Adoption Choices of Missouri offers all the options that will help you make the best decision in the interest of your child. Look up Adoption agencies near me and you will find assistance.

7. Who is Fit to Adopt My Child? What is the Adoption Process?

Another stigma is that only the ‘ideal’ couple can adopt a child. This is false as there is no such thing as the ‘ideal’ couple. Practically everyone has the potential to adopt a child. It really doesn’t matter if they are a single parent wanting to raise a child or an LGBTQ+ couple that wants to start a family or an old person as long as they can provide for the child.

Adoption Choices of Missouri will carefully select from the prospective adoptive parents and pair them with the birth parents. As long as they have the capacity to support and provide for the child, anyone can be an adoptive parent.

Do Not Let These Stigmas Intimidate You, Create an Adoption Plan with Us!

Every human comes with their own mindset of what is good and bad for them. We all should evolve and improve as a community. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you can get a lot of support from adoption agencies. Adoption Choices of Missouri addresses the stigmas and taboos associated with the adoption process. By discussing the fears, showing empathy, respecting one another, and tackling the stigmas surrounding adoption, we can work towards creating better spaces for everyone.

Birth Mother Blog

Misconceptions About Missouri Birth Fathers

August 17, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Misconceptions About Missouri Birth Fathers

By Alexis Diamond

Though integral to the adoption process, birth fathers are often slighted when it comes to being properly recognized. We primarily hear of the struggles endured by the birth mother, but there is little heard of the birth father, which leads to stereotyping and harmful assumptions being created to fill in those cognitive gaps. While little is known about the truth of birth fathers’ experiences, resources exist to boost the public’s awareness. If you are pregnant considering adoption and want to learn more about the truth regarding birth fathers, then continue reading as adoption agencies such as Adoption Choices of Missouri are here to debunk these myths and misconceptions.

5 Misconceptions About Missouri Birth Fathers

For any person, giving a child up for adoption can be stressful, so if you are a woman considering adoption in Missouri and have worries regarding pre-existing misconceptions, continue reading to understand why these stereotypes hold no merits.

Birth Fathers Want No Involvement in the Adoption Process
Birth Fathers Are Uninvolved with Missouri Birth Mothers
Birth Fathers Provide No Support in the Missouri Adoption Process
Birth Fathers Are Unimportant in the Missouri Adoption Process
Birth Fathers Don’t Need the Same Support as the Birth Mother

Birth Father Misconception 1-2

Birth Fathers Want No Involvement in the Adoption Process

Though there are those who do not want involvement, all birth father’s are given the right to be involved in the adoption process. Options are available for the inclusion of all parties, which can include an open adoption, meaning that the birth father is granted the right to remain in the child’s life. It is important to recognize that though this stereotype exists, it should not affect the birth fathers who want to be a part of it. For those concerned, adoption agencies in Missouri will ensure that both the birth mother and father are aware of the rights they have and are well-informed through each step of the process.

Birth Fathers Are Uninvolved with Missouri Birth Mothers

It is a common misconception that following an adoption, the birth father and mother separate. While there is the possibility of this happening, the decision lies between both partners, and does not always result in separation. Keeping this in mind is important when considering adoption options, especially in regards to open adoption in Missouri.

Birth Father Misconception 3-4

Birth Fathers Provide No Support in the Missouri Adoption Process

Those considering adoption for my baby can understand the stress that can go into the adoption process. However, though it may be worrisome, it is essential that those involved are given the proper support needed through each step of their journey. It is commonly perceived that birth fathers do not support the birth mothers; however, this does not characterize all of them. There are many birth fathers who recognize that their responsibility is to care for the birth mother alongside themselves, and while there are those who choose not to provide support, there are plenty who do.

Birth Fathers Are Unimportant in the Missouri Adoption Process

Referring back to the previous misconception, it is noteworthy that birth fathers are often tasked with caring and supporting the birth mother. This alone is a greatly important responsibility for birth fathers to take on. Alongside this, they also have the job of choosing adoption agencies and adoption families to avoid all of the stress being placed on the birth mother. Therefore, birth fathers are essential to the adoption process.

Birth Father Misconception 5

Birth Fathers Don’t Need the Same Support as the Birth Mother

Emotionally, the adoption process can be very tasking. Though the birth mother needs counseling following the adoption, birth fathers also require the same care, but are often neglected. Unfortunately, they begin to feel that their emotions might need to take a backseat, which could contribute to this misconception; however, it’s important to recognize that both the birth father and mother both need counseling through the process.

Understanding the Truth About Missouri Birth Fathers and Dismissing the Misconceptions

Misconceptions that are widely spread can be hard to dismiss. It is unfortunate that they exist; however, resources such as those provided by Adoption Choices of Missouri work to inform others of the truth when faced with difficult situations such as an unplanned pregnancy. It’s important to keep in mind that many birth fathers would like to be involved in the adoption process, and though exceptions to this situation exist, they should not apply to all birth fathers.

If you are a birth mother who is pregnant considering adoption, reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri to help you through this process. We can assist through every step, and aid in the creation of an adoption plan. We can inform you of all options you have, and make the adoption process much easier. Contact us early at your earliest convenience if you have an unplanned pregnancy and we can help you discover the options you have moving forward.

Birth Mother Blog

Finalizing Adoption Steps and Responsibilities

August 14, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Finalizing Adoption Steps and Responsibilities

By: Talia Washington

You are nearing the closing of a life-changing process. After a careful guided review of the adoption plan your unplanned pregnancy will be in the care of a loving, like-minded adoptive family. You have made a courageous and selfless decision, but the adoption process does not end with selecting the adoptive parents. Let’s discuss adoption finalization: finalizing adoption steps and responsibilities for adoption in Missouri.

Adoption Finalization for Birth Mothers

Birth mothers, you are essentially near the end of the adoption process.

Your last tasks include acquiring the consent of both birth parents to terminate parental rights. This is legally required before the child can be adopted. It is important to note that parental rights cannot legally be released before the child is two days (48 hours old).

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is enforced to keep the child safe while traveling throughout different states. Safety regulations such as ICPC ensure the adoption is legal with the systems that are put in place.

The final steps of the adoption process are legitimizing the adoption. A judge will conduct the final hearing and sign the adoption decree. The adoptive family as well as the birth mother are expected to attend. After the hearing, the adoptive family will be granted legal custody of the child.

There are processes placed to keep your child safe and the adoption process legal. The court hearing will be the final step before taking the child home for the adoptive parents. It is the judge’s decision that will determine whether or not to sign the child will be adopted. The judge will then sign the adoption decree if they find the family appropriate.

Counseling and emotional support will be accessible during and after the adoption finalization. Financial support may be provided based on need and resources.

What Adoptive Parents Need to Know

The birth mother signing over parental rights is not adoption finalization for adoptive parents. Adoptive parents will be present during the final hearing. When the finalization process ends they will be allowed to take the child home.

Here is a list of some things adoptive parents may need during the adoption finalization process. Adoptive parents need to know:

Your court appearance may call need for a finalizing attorney and your adoption agency. Adoption Choices of Missouri will be present in court in order to speak with the judge.
The judge will swear in everyone present from the adoptive family. The questioning will involve parenting and commitment. If the judge has a speech or other concerns, then it will be spoken.
The judge determines whether the adoption takes place. If the decision is in the adoptive parents’ favor they will be issued a Missouri certificate of adoption. At the end, the judge will issue your Missouri certificate of adoption.
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) ensures that adopted children are safe traveling throughout states. 50 states have been contracted on this agreement. These rules must be abided by, even if they are adopting in-state.
Adoptive parents will be required to be present for home visits up to six times a month after the adoption. These are mandatory visits to check in on the health and safety of the child.

The Final Steps Summary – Adoption Agencies in Missouri

Terminating parental rights
Court proceedings
Adoption decree
Post-placement visitation
Counsel and support for birth mothers

Ultimately, after these are complete the adoption is complete. The adoptive parents can begin the journey of parenthood. You can know that you made the best decision for your child and (if decided in the adoption plan) contact the child. Giving a child up for adoption can be an emotional, upsetting, exciting, and somewhat demanding process for all parties. You have reached the end now, and the child is now placed in a loving, stable, and growth-inspiring home.

We understand that this can be an emotional and challenging journey, and our goal is to ensure that you feel empowered, informed, and supported throughout this important step. Our full-service Missouri adoption agency will guide you through the legal procedures, answer your questions, and connect you with resources to assist you in making the best decision for yourself and your child. We believe that every birth mother deserves a smooth and respectful adoption finalization experience, and we are here to help you achieve just that.

If you have questions or are considering adoption for my baby please contact Adoption Choices of Missouri. Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to answer any questions or concerns.

Birth Mother Blog

What Does the Finalization Process Look Like for Birth Mothers and Adoptive Parents in Missouri?

August 10, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What Does the Finalization Process Look Like for Birth Mothers and Adoptive Parents in Missouri?

By Nicole Cunningham

There has been much to do up to this point. For an adoption in Missouri, as the birth mother, you have decided to go through with creating an adoption plan. You have chosen the family that will take your baby home to complete their family. Now what is left to do? What does this process look like in its final form when everything is said and done? As the birth mother and the adoptive family, it looks different for each of you. What does adoption finalization process look like?

The adoption process can be long and overwhelming. Giving up your baby for adoption is not an easy process. It is almost time for the end of your adoption plan. The finalization process for adoption can be different for everyone, just as the adoption process is different for everyone. Similar steps are taken for each birth mother and the adoptive family. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we can help you with the whole adoption process, including the finalization steps.

What is Adoption Finalization?

Adoption finalization process is what the adoption process looks like for you post-placement. Everything that happens after you give birth to the baby at the hospital and the adoptive family is able to take their new child home with them.

The Finalization Process of Adoption for the Birth Parents

The process of adoption finalization for the birth mother includes, after you give birth in the hospital, the adoptive parents and you have already discussed the birth hospital plan. This plan will determine when the adoptive parents are able to take the child home with them. When you are at the hospital, this is where you will give your final consent for them to adopt your baby and sign the final forms. These forms will show that you are terminating your parental rights over the child for the adoptive parents to take full responsibility and gain their parental rights.They will be able to leave the hospital with the baby. You should start the recovery process, getting plenty of rest and allowing yourself to heal. After this, you may need to look into support or counseling post-placement, which we can help assist you with.

The Finalization Process of Adoption for the Adoptive Parents

The process of adoption finalization for the adoptive family includes having to wait for their new family member to be born. After the baby is born, the birth mother still wants to go through with the adoption. They will have to fill out the paperwork that you both will sign. This signs over the parental rights to them and allows them to be able to leave with the baby. After they have done everything they need to at the hospital, they will have to go through a court hearing. The birth mother does not need to be there at the hearing. Then they will be able to start adjusting to life with their new child.

Adoption Post-Placement Communication

Depending on the type of adoption you and the adoptive parents have agreed on determines how much post-placement communication there is. Post-placement communication can look different for everyone. If you choose to do an open adoption, that level of communication will look different than if you and your adoptive parents decide to go with a semi-open or closed adoption.

If you choose to do an open adoption during the adoption process, then you and the adoptive parents will have a higher level of communication- you may even be able to have visits with the child. The semi-open adoption usually involves the exchanging of photos, emails, but there is usually not any face-to-face visit post-placement. With a closed adoption, both birth mother and adoptive family rarely have any in person contact with one another.

Adoption Post-Placement Self-Care

As the birth mother, you will need to make sure you are taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, after you deliver the baby, try to take time for yourself. Your body will be in recovery, so taking it easy is essential and getting plenty of rest. It can be difficult for you mentally as well. Giving a child up for adoption is not easy, it can cause quite a bit of stress or depression.

Even though you know that adoption can be a hard choice, that doesn’t make it the wrong one. After the permanent placement and legal termination of parental rights have gone through, the process might never be easy on you. Adoption Choices of Missouri can offer you counseling and emotional support as you may need.

Adoption Finalization with Missouri Adoption Agencies

We know that the adoption process can be difficult for the birth mother and the adoptive family. If you are considering adoption for my baby, just know that you’re doing what is best for the child, and that’s what’s important. We here at Adoption Choices of Missouri can help answer any questions you may still have regarding the adoption process and the finalization steps you will be taking or if you are pregnant considering adoption or have an unplanned pregnancy.

Birth Mother Blog Putting baby up for adoption

Putting a Baby Up for Adoption Today in Missouri

August 7, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Putting a Baby Up for Adoption Today in Missouri

Putting a baby up for adoption through private adoption has been a significant part of the adoption landscape for many years. It involves the placement of a child with adoptive parents through a private agency or attorney, rather than through the foster care system. Over the past two decades, the private adoption process has gone through many notable changes. These changes reflect evolving societal attitudes, advancements in technology, and improvements in adoption practices. Many people have an outdated understanding of what private adoption looks like. If you are pregnant and considering adoption for your baby, you may not know how private adoption has changed. In this article, we will delve into the private adoption process and see how it has transformed in the past two decades.

Adoption Choices of Missouri is a licensed adoption agency that has been providing adoption services for many years. We’ve seen firsthand how private adoption has changed, and have incorporated those improvements into our own organization. We here at Adoption Choices are here to provide all the information and support you need to navigate adoption in Missouri. As you consider your adoption options, keep us in mind.

Focus on Birth Parent Support and Counseling

Our society as a whole has come to understand and prioritize mental health far more than in the past. This has impacted adoption practices and brought more attention to the mental health of birth mothers. In the past, birth parent support and counseling services were not as widely available as they are today. Adoption Choices recognizes the importance of emotional support for birth parents throughout the adoption journey. We prioritize birth parent counseling, offering resources and guidance to help birth parents navigate the complex emotions and challenges that arise during the adoption process. These counseling services are not limited to the pre-adoption phase, they extend to the recovery period as well. This ensures that birth parents have ongoing support and access to resources to cope with their feelings and experiences after placement. Adoption can be a mental and emotional challenge, but there are resources available to birth parents that can help.

Embracing Technology and Online Adoption Resources

In the past, the adoption process heavily relied on paper documents, phone calls, and in-person meetings. Today, technology has revolutionized the way adoptive parents and birth parents connect and navigate the process. Adoption websites and online platforms such as ours have become valuable resources for prospective adoptive parents and birth parents. Adoptive parents can create profiles, share their stories, and express their desire to adopt, and birth parents can now explore adoptive family profiles at their convenience, gaining insight into potential matches. Now by simply searching “adoption agencies near me”, you have instant access to information and resources that are specific to your area.

The digital era has made communication more efficient, enabling adoptive families and birth parents to maintain contact through emails, video calls, and social media platforms. These advancements have not only expedited the matching process but have also enhanced transparency and empowered birth parents to take an active role in selecting the perfect family for their child. Technology has made increased communication and birth parent involvement possible. More information and resources for birth parents looking into adoption is readily available to anyone with questions about adoption. It is now possible to immediately get in contact with nearby adoption agencies to receive guidance that is specifically tailored to you.

Shift Towards Openness and Ongoing Contact

Two decades ago, closed adoptions were more common, and birth parents often had limited or no contact with their child after placement. In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards openness in adoption, and taking into consideration the choice of the birth mother. Many private adoptions now involve varying degrees of ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptive families.

Open adoptions can offer benefits to all parties involved. Birth parents can gain reassurance that their child is thriving in a loving environment, while adoptive families can provide their child with information about their birth family. Open communication between birth parents and adoptive families can create a more seamless and emotionally healthy experience for the child as they grow and develop a sense of identity. As a birth mother, you are now able to choose between open, semi-open, or closed adoption, a choice that previously was unavailable. This improvement in adoption practices ensures that you can make your adoption experience just right for you.

Improving and Modernizing Private Adoption: An Ongoing Effort for Putting a Baby Up for Adoption

The private adoption process has evolved significantly over the past several years. Technology, openness, support services, and birth parent involvement have played pivotal roles in shaping modern adoption practices. Today, the private adoption process is more accessible, transparent, and focused on the well-being of all involved parties. These changes reflect society’s growing appreciation for the importance of honoring birth parents’ choices. They also reflect society supporting birth parent emotional well-being. And ensuring adoptive families are prepared for the lifelong commitment of adopting a child.

As the private adoption process continues to evolve, it will continue to adapt. This ongoing process ensures we can continue to improve. We have provided support for many pregnant women in Missouri through all of these changes. And we continue to do so. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri today, we are here to help.