Birth Father FAQ With Adoption Agency in Missouri

June 5, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Birth Father FAQ With Adoption Agency in Missouri

When discussing how adoption in Missouri works, you mostly hear talk about the birth mother. The birth mother works with the adoption counselor to create the adoption plan; she chooses the adoptive family, etc. You may be wondering, what role does the birth father play in all this? Do adoption agencies near me require the birth father to be involved in a Missouri adoption?

If you’re nervous about involving the birth father in the adoption process, these are all important questions to ask. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to make sure you understand the birth father’s role in the adoption process.

Birth Father Frequently Asked Questions

To help answer the questions you may have about the birth father’s involvement in the adoption process, we have created a list of frequently asked questions.

Does the birth father have to be part of my adoption plan?

If the birth father is your husband, he does have the right to be part of the adoption plan. The process may be a little more complicated if the birth father is your husband and you do not want him to be involved. You may be wondering how to give a baby up for adoption without the birth father. Know that the adoption can happen without him if he doesn’t fight for custody. Also, if the birth father is unknown or he denies paternity, the process can continue without him.

What happens if the birth father is unknown?

Adoption Choices of Missouri can try to locate the birth father and let him know his rights if you want him to be involved. If we cannot find him, the adoption will continue as planned. An unknown birth father will not stop the adoption process from proceeding.

What if the birth father doesn’t want the adoption to proceed?

The baby’s birth father may not understand the benefits of adoption and may not agree with you that it is the right choice. If this is the case, he can fight for complete custody in court. However, if he cannot prove that he can support a child on his own, the adoption can continue without him. To better understand the benefits of adoption, he can get an adoption counselor or reach out to us at Adoption Choices of Missouri for more information about adoption.

What if the birth father approves but just doesn’t want to be involved in the adoption?

If the birth father does not fight the adoption but doesn’t want to be involved at all, the adoption can proceed. He can choose to sign away his parental rights, and then the birth mother can place the baby for adoption without intervention.

Will the birth father be required to support the baby after the adoption?

After both birth parents sign away custody, neither you, the birth mother, nor the birth father will be required to pay the child’s support. The adoptive family will now be responsible for the expenses of the child.

How can the birth father help with the adoption itself?

If you have a healthy relationship with the birth father and decide that you would like him to be involved, this can be of great benefit to you. As the expectant mother, you do not have to make decisions about the adoption alone. The birth father can work with you to create the adoption plan, which outlines everything about this adoption. He can help you assess your adoption options and decide whether you want a closed, semi-open, or open adoption. The birth father can also help you search through all possible adoptive families who have completed the home study checklist. You do not have to choose the perfect adoptive family for your baby alone!

How can the birth father support the birth mother through the process?

The birth father may want to help you through the adoption process but simply not know how. Emotional support is extremely important during this difficult process. The birth father is the father of your child and, therefore, can partially understand how you feel. He can be there for you while you go through the inevitable rollercoaster of emotions. Adoption Choices of Missouri offers counseling services to you, and he can even attend these with you for extra support.

Can the birth father have a relationship with the child after the adoption?

If the birth father is involved in the adoption planning, and you both pursue an open adoption, then the birth father can see the baby. The birth father can either visit your child with you during scheduled meetings, or you can go separately. Of course, the adoptive family’s wishes must also be considered when it comes to visits. You can discuss what they are comfortable with and figure out what will fulfill both your wishes and the adoptive family’s.

Can the birth father be included in the birth of your baby?

The birth plan exists for you. Whatever you put it in is there to guarantee that your needs for the birth are met. Our adoption counselors and the birth father can help you make some decisions regarding the birth plan, but ultimately it is up to you. If you would like the birth father to be present at the birth, and he agrees, then he can be there to support you.

Are there resources for the birth father?

The adoption process can be emotionally taxing for the birth father, too. He may need extra support, and Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to offer him that. He can attend a support group where he can talk to other birth fathers who understand the emotions that come with adoption. Adoption Choices of Missouri can help birth fathers get connected with these support groups. An adoption counselor can also help figure out what other resources are available for birth fathers.

We Can Help You With Your Missouri Adoption

Birth fathers matter when it comes to adoption. They have certain rights and can be an extremely beneficial part of helping your adoption process. However, Adoption Choices of Missouri wants you to know that no matter your relationship with the birth father, you can still place your baby for adoption.

If you are thinking of giving your child up for adoption but don’t know where to start, you can contact us at Adoption Choices of Missouri. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the adoption process.

What Birth Mothers Want You to Know Missouri

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What Birth Mothers Want You to Know About Missouri Adoption

May 11, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What Birth Mothers Want You to Know About Missouri Adoption

By Janae Pabon

Are you pregnant and thinking of placing your baby for adoption? All birth mothers who have completed the adoption process know how intimidating it can be. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, many mothers frantically search for “adoption agencies near me” in hopes of finding help.

Adoption Agencies of Missouri is one of many private adoption agencies that can help pair you with the perfect adoptive family. We will help you through every step of the adoption process. Their counselors are understanding and are there to ultimately pair you with the perfect adoptive family.

How Can Adoption Agencies of Missouri Help?

When you contact Adoption Agencies of Missouri, they will pair you with a counselor who will assess your situation. They will then work with you to create an adoption plan and a birth plan to outline everything about your adoption.

During this process, there are many resources available to you! Adoption Agencies of Missouri offers counseling to help with any difficult emotions that may come up throughout the adoption process. Also, if needed, you can receive financial assistance during and after the adoption. This assistance can cover costs such as medical expenses, rent, food, maternity clothing, and more. Financial instability should never be a reason not to choose private adoption.

Your adoption counselors will be by your side the entire time to help with whatever you need. They want to make sure you are comfortable and are educated about the entire process. Your counselor can also meet with you in person to discuss the adoption. They are able to attend medical appointments with you, help you get groceries, and more. Adoption Agencies of Missouri’s counselors make you feel safe and supported in whatever way you need.

How Will I Find an Adoptive Family?

As a birth mother, you may worry about choosing the right adoptive parents. The great thing about working with Adoption Agencies of Missouri is that you are able to choose the family for your baby.

All families are screened and pre-approved before they appear as available options. You can search through them and choose the family that fits the needs you have for your baby’s future home. If you’d like, you can even meet up with the family before you decide. This way, you can be reassured that you are making the right choice.

You can also continue to meet with the adoptive family after finalization if you decide to opt for open adoption. Curious about the open adoption definition? As part of the adoption plan you make with your counselor, you will decide what type of adoption you are looking for. You can opt for open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption. A closed adoption implies no contact with the adoptive family. You may choose an open adoption if you would like to have frequent contact with your baby and the adoptive family after finalization.

How am I Going to Feel During the Adoption Process?

It is impossible to say that the adoption process is emotionally easy. You might feel overwhelmingly guilty for choosing adoption – this is completely normal. You may feel like you are giving your baby up. It’s important to know that choosing adoption in Missouri is never giving up. You are instead placing your baby in a loving home with a family who has been waiting for a child.

You may also feel emotions like sadness, fear for the future, or even possible regret because a decision like this is big and can be overwhelming. Though this process will be undeniably difficult at some points, it will ultimately be worth it. You are choosing to give your baby a better life with a loving family who is prepared to raise a child.

Adoption Can be a Great Choice for You

Adoption is a beautiful thing, but it can be scary. Know that as one of many adoption agencies in Missouri, Adoption Choices of Missouri is prepared to help you through all the difficult emotions that come up. They can provide you with counseling and financial assistance if needed, and their adoption counselors are experienced and understanding.

If you’re considering adoption but worried about what it means for you, you can contact Adoption Choices of Missouri for more information. They will make sure you understand all that comes with choosing adoption and will support you every step of the way. You are close to being able to choose the perfect adoptive family for your baby!

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 316-391-4904

Will I Feel Guilty if I Place My Baby Missouri

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Will I Feel Guilty if I Place My Baby For Adoption?

May 4, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Will I Feel Guilty if I Place My Baby For Adoption?

By Janae Pabon

Placing your baby for adoption can be really hard to cope with the wide array of emotions that may arise while making the decision, during the adoption process, and post-adoption. Private adoption agencies like us are here to support you throughout this process and to reassure you that what you’re experiencing is normal. Whatever feelings of guilt that you encounter now will eventually subside, and it will become easier to accept these feelings.

Why Do I Feel Guilty For Placing My Baby For Adoption?

It is normal to experience many emotions during the adoption process. One of the most common negative emotions birth mothers feel is guilt. Guilt arises from the fact that you may feel like you are “giving your baby up” or that you are a bad mother. You may also feel like a bad person if you feel conflicted about what to do yet still choose adoption.

We want you to know that you are not a bad mother, and you have nothing to feel guilty about. An expected pregnancy puts any woman in a difficult situation, and you cannot control the circumstances that make you unable to parent. By choosing adoption, you are making the best decision for your baby. You know that since you cannot parent, adoption will allow them a better life. Because of this, you are putting your baby first like a good mother.

What Other Emotions Are Normal to Feel During the Adoption Process?

Some other emotions you may be experiencing are sadness, fear, regret, and denial. These are completely normal emotions, as this situation would cause emotional turmoil for any woman.

You may feel sadness because you are choosing a life without your baby. You may also feel sadness after giving birth to the baby and connecting with them, knowing you are not going to bring them home. Even when you have made the right decision in choosing adoption, it is normal to feel like this.

The feeling of regret may also arise after finalizing the adoption or after first seeing your baby. As we mentioned above, this connection with your baby is natural. Therefore, being worried that you made the wrong decision is common. Adoption is a very complicated and difficult choice, so you may feel unsure about your decision.

Denial may also come as a psychological side effect of the process because you carried the baby to term, yet you aren’t bringing them home. Emotions such as these and more come naturally when making an irreversible decision, so know that you’re not alone. Over time, it will get easier. This is why we offer counseling to you – to help you process these completely normal emotions in as healthy a way as possible.

How to Cope With Adoption Guilt

All adoption agencies in Missouri are equipped to help you cope with emotions like these. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we offer counseling to all birth mothers who are struggling emotionally when placing their baby for adoption. These services are offered during the adoption process and after the birth. You don’t have to go through your Missouri adoption alone, and talking to someone can help you process these emotions.

There are many ways to cope with difficult feelings. Everyone works through their emotions in different ways, but there is a tactic out there for everyone. One way to begin to shift your perception of the adoption is by using positive adoption language. When you feel guilt, you tend to look at your adoption in a negative way. You may say you feel like you’re “giving up” your baby. A better way to talk about your baby’s adoption is by using terms like “placing my baby for adoption” instead. Changing your language can help your brain subconsciously work to see the adoption process in a healthier way.

You can also talk to other birth mothers who are in the same situation or who were in the past. There are support groups out there that we can help you connect with. This way, you can talk to women who also face an unplanned pregnancy. They also googled “adoption agencies near me” and eventually got to the same place you are now. It helps to talk to those who understand what this emotional rollercoaster feels like.

Moving Forward After the Adoption

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want to make sure you feel supported during and after your pregnancy. If you’re in the midst of emotional distress and want to connect with a counselor or simply just ask us some questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Remember, what you’re experiencing is normal.

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 316-391-4904

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What Does Adoption Finalization Mean?

April 24, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What Does Adoption Finalization Mean?

By Janae Pabon

If you’re a birth parent a few steps into the adoption process, you may be wondering what is coming next. Working with one of our adoption agencies near you to complete the adoption plan is an extremely important part of the process. However, you have one more plan to make – the birth plan! Then, the last step after you create the birth plan and select the adoptive family is the adoption finalization.

Finalization is the last step in completing an adoption, and Adoption Choices of Missouri will make sure you understand what this looks like. You are so close to placing your baby in a happy home!

What is the Birth Plan?

Adoption finalization is the last step in the adoption process, but the birth plan comes before that. You must create a birth plan so that you’re prepared and comfortable during the birth. All adoption agencies in Missouri will require some form of an adoption plan, birth plan, and finalization.

A birth plan includes a guideline that outlines your preferences for the birth. The Adoption Choices of Missouri adoption specialist that you have been working with will help you create this birth plan in a similar process to the adoption plan. They will ask you questions to make sure you outline all the aspects you may want to determine beforehand.

In the plan, you can specify who exactly you want to be present at the birth with you. These should be the people you want by your side supporting you. You can also request to have the event photographed or recorded. Determine if you would like music playing, and note however much time you would like to spend with the baby after you give birth. All this and more can be included in your personalized birth plan.

The Last Step in the Adoption Process

You may be wondering – what exactly makes the adoption “final”? Adoption finalization means that, by law, you consent to the baby being placed under the custody of the adoptive family you have chosen.

This process occurs in court in front of a judge, where the judge confirms that the adoption was carried out per the law and you legally consent to transfer custody. The adoptive family is expected to attend the hearing as well, and with their presence, the judge will be able to sign the final adoption decree. The legal aspects of the adoption are then complete.

Adoption Laws and Relinquishment Time

Within the finalization at court, a few legalities are required. There must be a termination of parental rights for both birth parents. Also, even if the child does not need to cross a state border for the adoption, the finalization needs Interstate Convention on Child Placement (ICPC) clearance.

You are allowed to change your mind throughout your pregnancy and at any point in the adoption process. However, once you officially consent, you are not allowed to revoke the adoption. As the birth mother, when you sign the consent papers, you relinquish the parental rights you have over your baby. There are very few circumstances in which an adoption can be revoked after finalization. These circumstances are limited to if the adoption was made under fraud or coercion or if the state determines that revocation is in the best interest of the child.

It is important to note that from the moment the baby is born, you, as the birth mother, have a short period of time to sign the consent papers. This is called the relinquishment time, and for a Missouri adoption, it is 48 hours. During the 48 hours, you have the right to change your mind and revoke the adoption. However, as previously stated, once you sign your consent and your rights are relinquished, the adoption is final.

What Does Adoption Finalization Mean For You?

After these legalities, and after the judge finalizes the adoption and transfers custody, the process is complete. This means you cannot change your mind; you are legally bound to the decision.

We know this can be intimidating to hear, knowing that after this step, you will not be the legal parent of your baby. This is why Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to make sure you completely understand the steps of the adoption process and that you create a detailed adoption plan that fits your desires. This way, when you approach the adoption finalization, you will be confident in your decision and excited to transfer your baby into a new, loving home.

Your Adoption is Almost Complete!

After searching for “adoption agencies near me,” connecting with us at Adoption Choices of Missouri, and completing all the steps of adoption, you are finally here! Adoption finalization is the last process in your Missouri adoption. Post-placement will look different depending on what kind of adoption you have outlined.

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 316-391-4904