Important Adoption Terms for Birth Mothers to Know

January 23, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Important Adoption Terms for Birth Mothers to Know

By Katy Reagan

If you are searching for how to give a baby up for adoption, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by just a quick Google search. You’re trying to learn about the adoption process, but the terms used are just making you more confused. We don’t want you to get discouraged. We don’t expect you to know everything right now because you’re so new to the adoption world. You might not even be sure adoption is right for you. Whatever your situation, we’re here to help. We at Adoption Choices of Missouri will walk you through the entire process.

Finding the right terms for the adoption process

The language we use matters. It is important to understand adoption terminology so you can know all of your options and your rights as a birth mother. We want everything to be as clear as possible so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.

Here is a glossary of adoption terms for you to know. Although this isn’t a complete list, we will continue to teach you everything you need to know.

Glossary of adoption terms

Adoption

The legal transfer of parental rights from biological parents to someone else.

Adoption agencies

Licensed organizations that provide services and support to birth parents, adoptive families, and children being adopted.

Adoption plan

The decision to place a child for adoption and agreements for how it will be executed.

Adoption process

Includes pregnancy, birth, placement of the child in the adoptive home, and the time after an adoption is finalized. After adoption, Adoption Choices of Missouri continues to provide support services like counseling to birth mothers.

Adoptive family/parent

The parents and/or family that are adopting your child.

Adoptive family profiles

These provide information on the possible adoptive families you can choose from. You can decide based on what’s important to you, like location, ethnicity, religion, etc.

Adoptive match

When a birth mother chooses an adoptive family profile and the family agrees.

Birth father

The biological father of the child being adopted

Birth mother

The person who is pregnant with the child and placing them for adoption

Birth Parent Counselor

The adoption specialist assigned by Adoption Choices of Missouri to work with you. They will be your advocate and walk with you through the adoption process.

Closed adoption

Zero communication between the birth mother, adoptive family, and child. Identities will not be shared, and the birth mother will not be given updates on the child.

Decree of Adoption

The finalization of adoption through a legal order.

Expectant mother

The woman who is pregnant is considering adoption. This may be an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

Hospital birth plan

A plan created by the birth mother and Birth Parent Counselor outlines what the birth mother wants during birth, like who can see the child and who can be with her.

ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children)

A law regulating adoption between states, creating uniform administrative and legal procedures.

Open adoption

Full communication between the birth mother, adoptive family, and child. The birth mother will stay in contact with the adoptive family and their child, receiving updates on them.

Presumed father

A man married to the birth mother or who has been divorced from her within 300 days of the birth.

Private adoption

When a birth parent voluntarily puts their child up for adoption. Private Missouri adoption agencies like Adoption Choices of Missouri give the birth parent control over where the child is placed.

Public adoption

When the state takes custody of the child, placing them in foster care without input from the birth parent.

Putative father

A man who is not married to the birth mother but legally claims the child as his.

Relinquishment

The voluntary termination of parental rights.

Revocation

The period in which birth mothers can revoke the termination of parental rights and claim their child.

Semi-open adoption

Indirect communication between the birth mother, adoptive family, and child. Identities are usually not given, but they communicate through a third party. Adoption Choices of Missouri uses their confidential line ChildConnect.

Importance of positive adoption language in the adoption process

Adoption terms are also important for how you view adoption. Outdated and negative terminology gives you a negative outlook on adoption. In reality, adoption is an amazing choice that places your child in a loving and safe home. Through adoption, people who are unable to have children can become parents. Adoption brings new families together, so using positive adoption language reflects that.

An example of this is using the term “placing a child for adoption” instead of “giving up a child.” You are not giving up anyone or anything. You are creating the best life for your child. Even so, it can be hard to change the way we speak. We may even still use terms like these sometimes, but it is important to stay up to date.

If you are a birth mother looking to learn about the adoption process and its terminology, we can help. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800.

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Unplanned Pregnancy in MO: Understanding Your Options

January 16, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Unplanned Pregnancy in MO: Understanding Your Options

By Andreia Pereira

Your period hasn’t come. It’s been a busy month, and you haven’t kept track of it. As you stare at the calendar, the weeks don’t add up. It’s late, like really late. You don’t want to jump to conclusions. Maybe it’s a health problem. You have been under a lot of stress lately, but there’s a nagging voice in your head. You head to a drugstore and buy a pregnancy test to be safe. The wait for the results is agonizing, and the lines begin to appear, two red ones. Oh no, your heart drops to your stomach as you realize you’re pregnant. What do you do now?

What if you found out too late in the pregnancy? You could be five months in, and there is no baby bump. You could blame the lack of period on the new medication you were taking. Maybe you found out very early that you are expecting. There are a whole bunch of reasons for not noticing, but you decided to go forth with the birth. You can already have a big family and can’t add another individual to the mix. Or maybe you have been having safe sex, but the condom broke and was unintended. Or perhaps you are being sexually active with many people. Whatever the circumstances, you realize you can not become a parent.

What are my options for my unplanned pregnancy in Missouri?

After realizing your pregnancy and juggling through the rampant emotions that follow, you need to make a choice. There are three options when a woman realizes she’s pregnant: parenting, terminating, or adopting. Each person’s reasons are their own, and they should feel safe during this stressful time. With Adoption Choices of Missouri, you won’t be judged. Adoption can be wonderful for a baby if they can’t have a happy and successful life with you. Look up adoption agencies near me and find out if you are within a distance of one. Adoption Choices of Missouri are located in Colombia, Independence, Kansas CIty, St. Louis, and Springfield.

What is the adoption process like?

After you make the decision to choose adoption, you ask yourself, how do I put a baby up for adoption? Not to worry, Adoption Choices of Missouri can help with the process. The first step would be to contact adoption agencies near you. Once you have called, texted, or emailed us, we’ll connect you with your own adoption specialist, who will help you with your adoption plan. They’ll give you paperwork to fill out and inform you about the different types of adoption. They can also help you create a budget for food, medical care, rent, etc. They’ll be able to meet you anywhere from the comfort of your home to a secure location, or if you don’t want to meet face to face, there is also the video/phone option. Our adoption specialist will match you with potential adoptive families and give you their profiles.

You’ll be able to choose your baby’s adoptive family if you pick open or semi-open adoption. Then after you choose the family, the counselor will help you when your due date arrives. After you give your final consent, the baby will be with the adoptive family. Aftercare and counseling will be provided if you are feeling your emotions getting the best of you. You can receive pictures or letters from the parents if you choose open adoption.

What are the services Adoption Choices of Missouri offers?

Adoption Choices of Missouri can help with financial support such as paying for food, giving food stamps, etc. If you need a place to live that is safe, they can also help find your safe housing. We also provide emotional support counseling. Being pregnant is an emotional rollercoaster, not to mention the physical strain. We can lessen your anxiety during this process. You are not alone in this journey!

If you just found out you are pregnant and are not prepared to be a mother, Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800.

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Missouri Adoption Agencies Near Me

January 12, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Missouri Adoption Agencies Near Me

By Katy Reagan

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you have options. The emotional and physical toll of pregnancy may leave you feeling like you have no control. Private adoption agencies like ours can give you back that control. Adoption is never black and white, but Adoption Choices of Missouri can walk you through the process. You know what is best for you and your child, and we provide support to make it happen. Adoption puts your child in a loving, supportive home of your choice.

What are licensed, local, and private adoption agencies in Missouri?

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of how to give a baby up for adoption. The important thing is that you make the choice that you believe is right for you and your baby. Adoption Choices of Missouri provides an alternative to public adoption through the state. In public adoption, you do not have a choice in where your baby is placed. Private adoption is when a birth parent voluntarily puts a child up for adoption. With a licensed, local, and private adoption agency like Adoption Choices of Missouri, you are in control.

Private adoption agencies help birth mothers create an adoption plan. You will be assigned an adoption specialist to give you all of your options and walk you through the process. Your adoption specialist will meet with you to learn about your specific needs. You will tell them how you want the adoption to look and any financial needs you have. Together, you will sit down and look at possible adoptive family profiles. You make the final decision on who will adopt your child. From there, you get to decide how you want your relationship with your child and the adoptive family to be.

What are open, semi-open, and closed adoptions in Missouri?

Open, semi-open, and closed adoptions are all options for you. In an open adoption, you will stay present in the child’s life after birth. Open adoptions have full communication between you, the adoptive family, and the child. This option is wonderful for birth mothers who want a relationship with their child but not the responsibility of parenthood.

Semi-open adoptions contain indirect communication through our own communication channel, ChildConnect. You will be able to connect with the adoptive family through a confidential line. This resource is an advantage specific to Adoption Choices of Missouri. We want you to be able to communicate at whatever level you feel comfortable with.

Closed adoptions contain zero communication with the adoptive family or the child. Whatever your choice, Adoption Choices of Missouri will support you. We know that every situation is different, and only you know what is best. Once you make your decision, we will make sure it is respected.

Advantages of Adoption Choices of Missouri for birth mothers

We know facing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy is an overwhelming time for you. You may feel alone and scared, but Adoption Choices of Missouri is here for you in every way. We will do everything we can to make the time during and after your pregnancy as smooth as possible. You will never be alone at any point during the adoption process.

Your adoption specialist will advocate for you from your first meeting. They will have all the paperwork that explains what you want, and they will follow through with it. When you go into the hospital, they will be beside you. A hospital plan will already be in place, and they will fight for anything you need. Your adoption specialist will be there for you emotionally and physically.

During your pregnancy, we will make sure you have medical care, safe housing, professional counseling, and financial support. In your adoption plan, we will help you outline everything you will need to be comfortable. Many of these services will be provided by the adoptive family. Depending on your financial situation, they may pay for hospital bills, travel, clothes, and housing, among other things. Everything you need will be provided for you.

Our resources do not end after birth because your needs don’t end when you leave the hospital. The love, compassion, and support you’ve received from us will continue. You will always be a part of our family and our top priority. You can attend unlimited, free counseling sessions provided by us for as long as you need. Healing is a process, and our support doesn’t end.

Private adoption agencies near me in Missouri

If you are looking for adoption agencies near me, Adoption Choices of Missouri has you covered. Wherever you are in Missouri, we can help you. All you need to do is give us a call or text, and you will get to talk to one of our adoption specialists. You can set up a one-on-one appointment to go over your situation. We will guide you based on your specific needs. Your case is as personal to us as it is to you. We will provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your baby.

If you are a pregnant woman looking for the help of an adoption agency, Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800.

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Requirements for Placing a Baby for Adoption in Missouri

January 5, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Requirements for Placing a Baby for Adoption in Missouri

By Katy Reagan

Adoption is never easy, but it can be a smooth process with the right support. Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your baby. The phrase “giving a baby up for adoption” is said a lot, but that is not the phrase we like to use. We prefer “placing a baby for adoption” because you are not giving up anything or anyone. You are making a choice to put your child in the best home possible for them. No matter how overwhelmed or scared you may be, you are making the best life for you and your child. When looking at adoption agencies near me, the first step is to know the requirements for placing a baby in Missouri.

Birth Mothers do not have to pay anything to place a baby in Missouri

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, there is no cost to you to put your child up for adoption. You might be wondering what the requirements are for placing your baby. Everything you need will be provided for you. Adoption Choices of Missouri will provide you with any needed resources, including counseling after birth. Missouri has regulations set in place for things you can require the adoptive family to pay for as well. Any or all of these will be stated in an adoption plan.

The following are adoptive family expenses that Missouri accepts:

Medical costs related to maternity
Housing for birth mother during pregnancy
Food
Transportation, food, and lodging for required travel
Maternity clothes
Other expenses the court deems necessary

You have control through the entire adoption process

An unwanted or unplanned pregnancy can be a time when you feel like you don’t have a lot of control. But you do have control over the adoption process. Missouri requires you to wait 48 hours after birth to terminate your parental rights. You have the final say on everything that happens with your pregnancy and child up until those 48 hours after birth. After giving consent to terminate your parental rights, the adoption becomes final.

After contacting Adoption Choices of Missouri, you will work with someone to create your adoption plan. All of your decisions and requirements will be written out for everyone involved to agree with. Your own adoption specialist will make sure your wishes are carried out. You decide on the adoptive family and how much communication you’ll have with the child after birth if any. You can choose an open, semi-open, or closed adoption.

The birth father’s role in the adoption process

Adoption can proceed whether or not the father of the child is involved. Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to provide resources and legal guidance if he is unknown or unsupportive. The birth father’s role is not black and white, so adoption laws will be applied to your specific situation. We know relationships can be messy, so you will have help figuring out what is best for your child.

Missouri law does not require his consent if the birth father is unknown. The birth father’s consent is also not needed if he is deemed unfit. For example, certain disabilities or already-terminated parental rights make him unfit.

Consent is required from putative or presumed fathers who have not been deemed unfit. A putative father is a man who is not married to the birth mother and legally claims the child. Missouri has a putative father registry, and consent will be required if he is on it. A presumed father is married to the birth mother or has been divorced from her within 300 days of birth.

If you’re unsure of how to gain consent or if you need it, we will advise you. We get to know you and your situation to send you in the right direction. We provide legal counsel to make sure the process is as smooth as possible. No matter how overwhelmed you are, we will be fighting for you and your baby’s rights.

Adoption Choices of Missouri will help you create an adoption plan

It can be hard to know how to give a baby up for adoption. Adoption Choices of Missouri takes the pressure off of you by assigning you a Birth Parent Counselor. Together you will look at your situation and create an adoption plan. Paperwork will outline how you want your adoption to look. This includes any financial assistance you need and the involvement you want to have with the adoptive family going forward.

You will sit down with the adoption specialist and look at adoptive family profiles to find out who you think fits best. Once you choose the adoptive family, you will be matched. They will provide the support you need to make pregnancy easiest for you and the baby.

When it comes time to give birth, a birth hospital plan will already be in place. This will state who has access to you and the baby. In addition, your adoption specialist will be at the hospital to advocate for you.

You can choose adoption any time during pregnancy or after birth

There is always time to choose adoption. Adoption agencies are here for you whenever you decide to put your child up for adoption. You may have known the moment you found out you were pregnant that you were not ready for motherhood. You may have found out you could not give your child the life you wanted to after bringing them home. Every situation is different, but we understand. We know you only want the best for your child, and we will help you make that happen.

If you are a woman wondering if adoption is possible for you and your baby, we can walk you through the process. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800.

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Pregnant Teenagers in Missouri: Should you choose Adoption?

January 2, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Pregnant Teenagers in Missouri: Should you choose Adoption?

By Andreia Pereira

So you realized you’re pregnant, now what? You might think you have to go through with it, or maybe you’re not ready to be a parent. You actually have three choices: to become a parent, terminate the pregnancy, or choose adoption. Being a teen is already hard, going to school and juggling work, but adding a child is even more challenging. With Adoption Choices of Missouri, the process won’t seem so scary. We can provide counseling, financial support, housing, and more! If the baby is already here, we can also provide help!

I’m a Teen, Should I Choose Adoption?

There are a lot of reasons for choosing adoption. Many people think it’s only for unplanned pregnancies. However, there can be many reasons. You could be financially unable to have a child. You could be scared about becoming a parent. The birth father might not be supportive. Whatever the reason, choosing adoption can help in many positive ways.

First, choosing adoption is free! We will be able to help you through the pregnancy and even after birth. Adoptions Choices of Missouri can help with financial support, safe housing, medical care, and support counseling. If you need emotional support through this tough time, please contact us. We would be happy to help!

The 3 Types of Adoption

With adoption, you have three types of adoption: open adoption, semi-open adoption, and closed adoption.

Open adoption is when you and the adoptive family have information about each other. You can even choose the family you want to be adopted from. This included choosing ethnicity, religion, and more! You can keep each other updated through the pregnancy and even until after birth. You can get pictures or have in-person visits with the child. Both families can agree on how many visits or the length, depending on what’s best for the child.
Semi-open adoption is in the middle, where information can be shared with you or via a third person/agency. You can get photos, emails, or any other information. You don’t need to visit the family after.
Closed adoption is when no information is provided. You and the adoptive family will know little or nothing about each other. Adoption Choices of Missouri can choose the adoptive family for you.

The Steps in the Adoption Process

You might be thinking, how to give a baby up for adoption? The first step would be to contact us! There are many adoption agencies in Missouri. You can just click adoption agencies near me to find one near you. We can set up an in-person or phone appointment to meet with our Birth Parent counselor. Next is choosing what type of adoption plan you would want and setting up a financial budget. The counselor will give you information on potential adoptive families. After you choose a family, you’ll be able to talk to them or meet with them if you want. Throughout the process, we will be there to help. Once the due date is near, you can choose who will be at the hospital with you. The counselor will also be there to help you. After you give your final consent, the baby will leave with the adoptive family. You can always change your mind about adoption before you sign the final consent. After the birth, we can also help you with emotional support counseling.

Want to Have a Voice in Your Teen Pregnancy?

As a teen, you might think that adults will take over the entire process, but that isn’t true. If you want to be involved in every part of the process, please contact us! It is your pregnancy, and you deserve to be represented in the way you want to. Whether you are 13 or 16, you will have a voice with us!

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800.

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4 Things to Know When Considering Adoption At Any Age in Missouri

December 29, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

4 Things to Know When Considering Adoption At Any Age in Missouri

By Katy Reagan

An unwanted or unplanned pregnancy can leave you scared and unsure of what to do. We know you want what’s best for the baby, but sometimes that can be hard to know. Whether you are in your teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, or above, pregnancy takes a physical and emotional toll. If you are also unsure if you want to or can raise a child, adoption may be the best choice. Choosing to put a child up for adoption puts them in the loving, supportive home of your choice. Adoption Choices of Missouri can help you make the best decision for you and your child.

1. Adoption agencies near me in Missouri

Putting a child up for adoption is a difficult decision, but our Missouri adoption agencies are here to help. Private adoption is when a birth parent voluntarily puts a child up for adoption. You get to make the decisions and figure out what is best for your child.

The first step is to find adoption agencies near me. Adoption Choices of Missouri is a licensed adoption agency. No matter where you are in the state, we can provide you with support. We understand everyone’s situation is different and will never judge you or your decisions. We are only here to help you make decisions and advocate on your behalf.

Adoption agencies like ours will be with you every step of the way. We help you find medical care, a place to live, professional counseling, and financial support. You are not alone and won’t be at any point in the adoption process or beyond.

2. Adoption services help birth mothers create an adoption plan

Unsure of how to give a baby up for adoption? Adoption Choices of Missouri will work with you to create the adoption plan best for you and the baby. An adoption specialist, your Birth Parent Counselor, will meet with you to learn about your situation. They will give you all the paperwork outlining how you want your adoption to look and your financial budget.

You get to choose from adoptive family profiles. When you find the family that you believe will be best for the baby, you will be matched. From here, you will receive support from them to make the pregnancy and adoption easiest for you. This will be financial support and a place to live if you are in need. You get to choose the level of openness you want to have with the family. If you choose to, you can meet with the family and communicate with them throughout your pregnancy.

When your due date comes, a birth hospital plan will already be in place. This will outline the decisions you’ve made about birth and after. You can decide who is with you at the hospital and who has access to the baby. Your Birth Parent Counselor will be with you to advocate for you and your adoption plan. When you give your final consent, the baby will leave the hospital with the family you’ve chosen.

3. You have the right to be involved in the Missouri adoption process at any age

We want what’s best for you, and no one knows what is better than you. You make the decisions about you and the baby, and we make sure the process goes how you want. As the birth parent, you have the right to be involved in every step of the adoption process. It is our job to make sure you are comfortable with your decision.

When meeting with your chosen adoptive family, you get to decide if you want an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. An open adoption allows for full communication between you, the adoptive family, and the child. Through this, you can stay present in your child’s life without the responsibility of parenthood. A semi-open adoption allows for indirect communication through our communication channel ChildConnect. This line is confidential but gives you the opportunity to still connect with the family. A closed adoption contains zero communication with the adoptive family or your child.

These are all options we will help you pursue without judgment. Adoption Choices of Missouri will advocate for you and every decision you make.

4. Resources are available for you during and after the adoption

We know the physical and emotional effects of this process do not end when you leave the hospital. We make a promise from the beginning that you are not alone, and that does not change after birth. You will still receive the love, compassion, and support from your Birth Parent Counselor and our agency. We offer unlimited, free counseling sessions so that you can continue to heal. We will provide any resources necessary to get you through the adoption process. You and the baby will always be our top priority.

No matter your age, pregnancy can be a scary and overwhelming thing. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you are not alone. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800. Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help you know all of your options and walk you through whatever choice you make.

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Looking for an Adoption Agency in Missouri?

December 19, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Looking for an Adoption Agency in Missouri?

By Rayna Batiste

Are you currently experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and are unsure of what your options are? Unplanned pregnancies can be scary, so Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help you make the best decision for you and your baby. We offer a range of services and options to all of our birth mothers to make this decision easier.

How Do I Start My Adoption Plan When Looking for an Adoption Agency in Missouri?

The first step of the adoption process is to contact us at Adoption Choices of Missouri. We will help you make an adoption plan and ensure that you have adequate financial and emotional support during this time. Once you make initial contact with us, we will arrange an in-person meeting with your adoption facilitator. We can meet you anywhere you are comfortable or via phone or video.

The next step of the adoption process is your adoption plan. An adoption plan is your plan for adoption. It details everything from the type of adoption you would like to your financial needs throughout your pregnancy. We will also help you find adequate prenatal care. Your health and the health of your baby are of the utmost importance during this delicate time.

We provide financial assistance to all of our birth mothers who qualify. This assistance covers expenses such as rent, groceries, and transportation. Pregnancy is difficult enough without your having to worry about basic necessities.

Different Types of Adoption

After we determine what your financial needs are and ensure that you have prenatal care, it is time for you to choose the type of adoption you would like. There are three main types of adoption: open, semi-open, or closed.

Open adoptions consist of open communication between you and the adoptive family. You can exchange emails, social media accounts, phone numbers, and addresses. Open adoptions also allow you to partake in quarterly or annual meetings with your child and their adoptive parents. Communication is mediated by your adoption facilitator in a semi-open adoption. Semi-open adoptions are similar to open adoptions, except all photos and updates are via your adoption facilitator. Closed adoptions involve no communication whatsoever between you and the adoptive parents. The only information they and your child will receive about you is your medical history. No one type of adoption is better than the other; the one you choose just depends on your personal preference.

Subsequently, you choose your child’s adoptive family. Your private adoption facilitator will provide you with a range of prospective adoptive parent profiles, and you will choose the best one based on the life you want your child to lead. Think about the kind of parents you want your child to have and how you would like him or her to be raised. Do you want them to have siblings? Do you care about how much money the adoptive parents make? Questions like these and others will help you make an informed decision.

Adoption Birth Plan

We will also help you make a birth plan in addition to your adoption plan. Your birth plan is specific to you and details how you would like your birthing experience to proceed. Birth plans describe the kind of birth you would like —vaginal or cesarean— who you want in the room with you during labor and delivery, and whether or not you would like to hold your child after you give birth.

What Kind of Post-Placement Support Do Adoption Choices of Missouri Provide?

In addition to all of the other services and resources we provide, we also provide post-placement support to all of our birth mothers. We pay your expenses for up to six weeks after you give birth and provide supportive counseling. Supportive counseling can be a one-on-one, group, or birth mother retreat; this also just depends on your preference. One-on-one counseling is great if you want to express your fears and concerns in a private setting. These sessions are 100% confidential. Group counseling and birth mother retreats are mediated by an experienced and licensed private adoption counselor. These types of sessions allow you to connect with other birth mothers and express yourself in a safe and secure environment.

Are You Looking for an Adoption Agency? Adoption Choices of Missouri is Here for You!

Adoption Choices of Missouri is your best option for all of your adoption-related needs in the state of Missouri. We take care of other birth mothers before, during, and after the adoption process. You are our primary concern, and we do our best to ensure you are taken care of.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

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Types of Adoption in Missouri

November 17, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Types of Adoption in Missouri

By Staren Henry

Navigating the adoption process can be a scary and overwhelming process for expectant mothers going through an unplanned pregnancy. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can feel impossible to make sense of and ensure that you are taking the right steps to put your baby up for adoption. We will guide you on what you need to know about options, support, and resources available with adoption agencies near you.

Choosing Adoption – Deciding to Place Your Baby

It is important to understand that placing your child for adoption is not ‘giving up’ your baby for adoption. If you feel like you can’t take care of your baby for whatever reason, considering adoption as an accessible and achievable process. Putting your baby up for adoption may be the right option for you if:

You want to give your child better opportunities in life
Do you have religious or moral beliefs concerning pregnancy
You want to give an adoptive family a chance to become parents
You want to feel in control of an emotionally trying and stressful situation
You are worried about monetary costs (adoption is completely free)

As well as many possible unlisted reasons to consider putting your baby up for adoption.

How Adoption Works – Open, Closed, and Semi-Closed

When you contact Adoption Choices of Missouri, we will begin the adoption process by helping you make an adoption plan. This plan will cover all the resources you may need to help you adopt out your baby. We may offer medical care, financial compensation, counseling, and/or safe housing.

Did you know that the type of adoption is not set by the adoptive family? Despite common misconceptions, the birth mother sets the type of adoption she wishes to place her baby in. The adoption type describes the amount of interaction the birth mother will have with the baby and their adoptive family once placed in a home. These types of adoption in Missouri are:

Open Adoption – allows the birth mother and adoptive family to stay in contact throughout pregnancy, birth, and post-placement. Personal information such as names, contact info, and phone numbers is shared. Fully open adoption also includes the option of in-person visits.
Closed Adoption – In comparison to open adoption, closed adoption ensures that the adoptive family and the birth mother never meet and know anything other than the medical history
Semi-Open Adoption – somewhere between an open and closed adoption, less personal information is shared between the birth mother and the adoptive family. This may include the exchange of things such as letters or emails and can be done through a third party.

Deciding how open you want your baby’s adoption to be is a crucial part of the adoption process. It can also heavily impact the child’s life, so it is important to be sure that you are making the decision you want to make. Nobody will judge you for your choice, and you may regret it if you let others ultimately influence your decision. Additionally, If your baby is already born, you can still put them up for adoption if, at any point, parenting does not feel like an option. Adoption Choices of Missouri comes to meet you.

Choosing an Adoptive Family

Once you are clear on the type of adoption you want for your baby, it is time to start the matching process. You can base your matching on additional factors such as the ethnic or religious background. When receiving counseling, you will be provided with profiles of adoptive families to choose from. Remember that no one will try to influence or coerce your decision in any way and that you remain in complete control during this part of the process. Once you have matched with an adoptive family, Adoption Choices of Missouri may provide you with additional resources. You may also meet with the adoptive family depending on the level of openness you want for your baby’s adoption.

Choosing Between the Types of Adoption in Missouri

With the help of our adoption agency, adoption can become a manageable and fulfilling process for the birth mother, child, and adoptive family. It is important that birth mothers know that the adoption process does not become final until they sign the legal documents terminating your parental rights. You will have ample time to make informed decisions.

If you are still feeling confused or overwhelmed, do not panic. Know that you may speak directly with an adoption counselor anytime. These calls are completely confidential and may offer you more support and comfort in navigating the adoption process.

If you are a woman considering adoption and seeking information on how to create a birth plan, Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800.

Adoption agencies in Missouri Birth Mother Blog

All about adoption agencies

October 31, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

All about adoption agencies

By Manuel Serritos

An unplanned pregnancy can be a source of great uncertainty. This news can potentially change your life’s course in an instant. The lifelong responsibility of caring for a child can bring your emotions to the forefront. Because of the unexpected nature of the pregnancy, your options may appear to be limited at first. It is normal to be filled with apprehension. This period is fraught with difficulties and life-altering decisions. You have the option of working with Missouri adoption agencies near you. And, of all your options, Adoption Choices of Missouri will be the most helpful to you during this difficult time.

Your options for adoption

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, remember that you have options that matter. Important decisions must be made when deciding what to do with your child. One initial thought might be to raise the child. This option considers your child’s well-being but may not put you in the best possible position. Raising a child is a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Parenthood requires you to be completely prepared. In addition, it is a lifelong responsibility that may place you in a position that limits your opportunities. Raising a child, for example, can make it more difficult to advance your career or finish school on time.

Turn to private adoption agencies if you want a solution that will benefit both you and your child. You can choose the family who will raise your child through private adoption. Choosing your child’s adoptive family ensures that your child will grow up in a loving family. All of the families we present to you have been pre-screened and interviewed to ensure your peace of mind when deciding to put your baby up for adoption.

All adoption decisions in Missouri are yours and yours alone. We will give you the most opportunities to give your child a good start in life. On the other hand, you get to make all the important decisions throughout adoption in Missouri. We will assist you, but we will not make your decisions for you. We respect your choices at any stage of pregnancy.

Resources for private adoption

Adoption Choices of Missouri will provide you with the resources you may require during your pregnancy. Medical coverage, financial assistance, adequate housing, and emotional support are among the services provided. We will provide you with the best possible care, from physical resources to counseling with our caring staff. We work hard to ensure that you are properly cared for and supported. Because pregnancy can be a time of financial insecurity, we are here to help you and your baby. It can also be an intensely emotional time, so we are here to help you with your mental health. Your pregnancy should be as easy as possible, and we are here to help make that happen.

When considering adoption, keep in mind that private adoption service provides you with more control than public adoption. You can make important decisions about your baby through private adoption. We can help you if you are dealing with a mentally or physically abusive birth father. When the birth father is abusive, he usually has little to no say in what happens to your child. You will have the option of placing your baby for adoption. Depending on the situation with the birth father, an attorney may be required. Our adoption specialist will guide you through the process and cover any fees in such cases. Every adoption situation is unique, but we are here to help you in any way we can.

Adoption Choices of Missouri is one of the adoption agencies in Missouri that will assist you at every stage. We will be there to help you regardless of the circumstances surrounding your pregnancy. We are here to support your decisions, from financial assistance to the creation of an adoption plan. Our adoption specialist will assist you in planning your baby’s adoption, but you have the final say in all decisions. We have decades of experience and can help you find the answers you’re looking for about private adoption.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 816-527-9800.

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