Differences Between Past and Modern Adoption
By Melissa Camacho
Are you currently experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and pursuing adoption in Missouri? Well, lucky you! We are here to tell you how fortunate you are to launch your adoption journey with us. Due to the efforts that contributed to the reputation of adoption, the doors have opened for all birth mothers considering adoption. Adoption has existed for many centuries and has evolved because birth mothers like you are part of the evolution of adoption. The adoption community has helped to combat the stigma of adoption over the years due to several factors.
Even though adoption has been more positive, you may experience quite a few adoption misconceptions. Those misconceptions can be traced back to ancient times of birth mothers who placed their children for adoption. It is our privilege at Adoption Choices of Missouri to educate our birth mothers about the foundation of a purposeful adoption.
About the History of Birth Mothers and Adoption Placement
Adoption has been around since the early 1600s or 17th century in Ancient Rome. Children were adopted by wealthy families in order to ensure and sustain their wealth. However, birth mothers didn’t have as many adoption options as there are today. The reason why there weren’t that many options and benefits are because adoption was seen as “giving up.” In addition, most of the adoptions were closed adoptions. There were rarely any open adoptions available.
The Turning Point of Modern Adoption in the Late 19th and 20th Centuries
After 1851, Massachusetts initiated the new phase of adoption into laws that regulated the benefits of child welfare too:
- Have children adopted by families who are financially able to provide for children
- Ensure the adopted children are placed in loving, caring, and healthy home environments
- Prioritize the well-being and interests of children
Since then, the wellness of adoption has been increasingly accepted by society and has brought birth mothers together. This inspired the rise of open adoption in the 1990s or late 20th century. Open adoption is an advantage you will get considering adoption with a private adoption agency. Through open adoption, you can have as much contact with the adoptive family, such as contact through mail, emails, phone calls, social media, and family visits.
Open adoption has risen to 70% of adoption cases thanks to the internet and the unity of birth mothers and adoptive parents. Semi-adoption is another form of open adoption but doesn’t involve exchanging personal information. Instead, you communicate with the adoptive family through an adoption agency or third party. The third option is a closed adoption which grants the birth mother the right to terminate any type of communication with the adoptive family. As in past adoption history, closed adoption is still considered by some birth mothers.
To ensure a child will receive proper care from an adoptive family, home studies are required to evaluate their background and home environment. A case worker will conduct the home study process with face-to-face interviews and review financial and legal documents. In addition, birth mothers can visit our waiting families throughout Kansas and Missouri profile page to learn about their interests and backgrounds.
Adoption in Missouri is Not “Giving Up” in the Modern Adoption Era
I am a birth mother in Missouri. How can I put my baby up for adoption today? Choosing adoption in Missouri is an honorable choice because adoption is not giving up. We work with you throughout your adoption journey to place your child for adoption. To place your child for adoption means you will reach out to our adoption agencies in Missouri to create a suitable adoption plan. It’s a system that works to make your pregnancy less stressful and for the well-being of your child.
Our licensed adoption team will walk you through the steps to locate an adoptive family that fits your needs.
Adoption Choices of Missouri comes to meet you either virtually or in person to launch your adoption plan with an adoption specialist. This is a responsive and trusting agency to work with. Birth mothers are treated with respect and dignity in regard to their unique preferences, circumstances, and challenges. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore our adoption options to solve matters with other necessities.
Financial assistance is available to help you pay for monthly expenses, such as food, utilities, medical, transportation, maternity needs, and housing. Furthermore, we can help you find affordable housing if you need a safe and comfortable place to stay. If you need emotional support as well, you are not alone with our counseling support services. Our counseling support group sessions will also give you an opportunity to network with other birth mothers and share your experiences. It’s a great way to heal and manage any emotional distress that affects your pregnancy, especially before you finalize the adoption process.
Feel Free to Experience the Quality of Modern Adoption in Missouri Today
Don’t hesitate to experience the gift of modern adoption. The bridge that leads to a successful adoption journey was made for you. Responsible and caring birth mothers like you are an inspiration to the evolution of adoption. Yes, you are all part of our history and can keep the love of adoption growing throughout many generations to come. If you want to learn how to give a baby up for adoption, reach out to our adoption agencies in Missouri today.
We build on the progression of adoption by empowering our birth mothers to overcome adoption fears and barriers. 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.
