Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption
By Miranda Frank
Giving a child up for adoption involves a lot of decisions, which can be intimidating. In order to make all of these choices, you want to be fully informed, so you probably have questions. Here are a few frequently asked questions about adoption that birth mothers might have, along with some answers. If you have any more questions, we at Adoption Choices of Missouri are here to help. Adoption Choices of Missouri is a licensed adoption agency in Missouri that provides support to pregnant women dealing with unplanned pregnancy. If you are pregnant and considering adoption in Missouri, we want to make sure that you feel supported in your adoption journey. Adoption Choices can be a wonderful resource and source of information.
What Adoption Resources Are Available to Me?
Pregnancy and adoption can be a financial strain. Through Adoption Choices of Missouri, financial assistance is available. This assistance can include medical care, funds for safe housing, and free counseling or mental health care. This assistance can be provided during your pregnancy and through your recovery period.
How does the adoption process impact my rights as a birth mother?
Understanding your rights as a birth mother after adoption can seem complicated and confusing. It is important to understand how your rights might be affected as you make your decision. Throughout the adoption, you will be in control of the decision-making process. You will be able to determine how much contact you would like in the future. Depending on the level of contact, you will then be able to develop relationships with the child and family. To better understand your own situation and concerns about how your rights might be affected, you might need more specific advice or information. We encourage you to reach out to us and consult with an adoption professional.
What rights do birth fathers have in the adoption process?
Every birth parent’s situation is unique. You may be on good terms with the birth father and want them involved, or you might not. In Missouri, the birth father’s rights are dependent on the circumstance. There are some situations where the birth mother does not need the consent of the father. This includes if the father is unknown or out of the picture, for example. In other instances, when the birth father does need to consent, there is the possibility of dispute. If this is the case, you will want to contact an adoption professional about contested adoption.
What does making an adoption plan involve?
When you connect with your birth parent counselor, both of you will work on your adoption plan. This is a document that details your wants and needs for the adoption process. Your adoption plan could include preferences about the adoption family, the type of adoption, a birth plan for the hospital, and more. The plan will be laid out early on, but that does not mean that the first version is final. You might change your mind about some of your choices, and that is perfectly alright. As these changes come up, you can communicate with your counselor to adjust the adoption plan however necessary.
Will I have a say in who the adoptive parents will be?
Yes, adoptive parent profiles will be available for review, with information about the parents and families. There is also the opportunity to get in contact with prospective parents and see if it seems like a good fit. Make your wishes and desires for what the adoptive family will look like known to your birth parent counselor. Those preferences can be noted in your adoption plan and taken into account in the pairing process.
Can I have contact with my child after the adoption is finalized?
You do have the option of keeping in contact with the adoptive family and child after the adoption is finalized. One of the decisions you will make will be the type of contact between you and the family. This contact will be determined by the type of adoption you choose, each of which has a different degree of communication. The relationship with the child and the adoptive parents might be a priority for you. If this is true, consider what type of adoption might be the best fit.
What types of adoption are available?
There are three options, which include open, semi-open, and closed adoption. The benefits of open adoption include the opportunity for you to maintain a high level of communication with the adopting parents and developing a relationship with your child. The other alternatives involve less or no communication with the adoptive family. Each of these options involves different levels of communication and involvement between a birth parent and the parents raising their child.
How do I navigate the legal process of adoption, including paperwork and consent requirements?
Your birth parent counselor will be your guide through most of the adoption process. After deciding you wish to adopt, you will be paired with a counselor to assist in making your plans and decisions. Adoption can be a complicated process, and your counselor will be with you along the way to help simplify the journey.
How can I handle the grief and emotions that may arise after placing my child for adoption?
One resource available to birth mothers through Adoption Choices of Missouri is counseling and mental health care. Pregnancy and adoption can be challenging emotionally, and seeking additional support can be quite helpful in difficult circumstances.
How do I handle questions or conversations about adoption with my friends, family, and others?
If you are considering adoption for your baby, you may be facing some worry about how to discuss that decision with others. Putting a child up for adoption can draw a lot of questions and even judgment or criticism from people around you. Focus on your own decisions and motivations when you have these conversations. If you feel secure in the decisions you are making, these interactions will feel more comfortable.
Navigating the world of adoption can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. Here we’ve addressed several frequently asked questions that birth mothers commonly have about adoption. We hope that by providing answers and guidance, we can support you in making informed decisions for yourself. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri. We are here to provide the guidance, support, and information you need to feel confident and empowered throughout your adoption journey. You are not alone, and we are proud to be part of your adoption process.
