4 Ways Adoption Choices of Missouri Supports Birth Mothers After Adoption

May 25, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

4 Ways Adoption Choices of Missouri Supports Birth Mothers After Adoption

By Katy Reagan

An unplanned pregnancy takes a physical and emotional toll. Once you’ve found out you’re pregnant, you have to decide what’s next. You might not be ready to be a parent, and that’s okay. Choosing adoption is one of the bravest decisions you can make. That doesn’t make it any easier, however. Adoption Choices of Missouri is a private Missouri adoption agency focused on helping birth mothers before and after adoption.

1. Adoption Choices of Missouri Provides Free, Unlimited Counseling

Many adoption agencies believe their job is done when the adoption is finalized. You’ve just made one of the biggest decisions of your life. Your body has gone through something traumatic. You’re experiencing so many different emotions on top of hormones. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we know that our job is just beginning. The adoption process does not end when you leave the hospital.

Adoption Choices of Missouri offers post-placement counseling for birth parents. We connect you with counselors who specialize in adoption. They know the adoption process inside and out and the effects it has on birth mothers. They understand exactly what you’ve gone through. We can also refer you to support groups if you don’t want to be in a one-on-one setting. You can hear from other birth mothers who are experiencing the same things as you.

The healing process is different for everyone. That is why our counseling is free and unlimited. You can come as long as you would like.

Our agency makes sure you do not go through this journey alone. We help you transition into this new phase of life. One where you have made a selfless choice and given adoptive parents a chance to have a family. You’ve provided multiple people with a new chance at life and love. Even if you don’t feel like it right now, we will help you to see the good you’ve done.

2. You Choose the Level of Communication After Adoption

When you first contact our agency, we will help you figure out your adoption options and create an adoption plan. This includes the type of adoption you want: open, semi-open, or closed. The type is based on the level of communication you want with the adoptive family and your child. No matter which one you choose, our agency makes sure the communication is carried out how you want.

An open adoption has full communication between you, the adoptive family, and your child. This is perfect for birth mothers who want a relationship with their child but don’t want to parent. Adoption Choices of Missouri can help you figure out exactly what that relationship looks like. We help schedule regular visits or get you pictures of your child.

Semi-open adoption has indirect communication through a third party. Adoption Choices of Missouri has a secure line of communication called Childconnect. We regulate communication between you and the adoptive family. No identifying information has to be shared, but through us, you can still get regular updates on your child. This can look different for everyone, so we listen to your needs and wants to figure out what is best.

Finally, closed adoption has zero communication. You can trust us to share no identifying information of either party. After the adoption is finalized, we carry through with the requirements of whatever type of adoption you choose.

3. You can Receive Financial Assistance After Pregnancy

The need for financial assistance also doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. Everyone’s situation is different. That’s why we evaluate your needs to see what assistance you still qualify for after the adoption is finalized. You will have an adoption counselor who walks you through the adoption process. This is the person who you can talk to about financial assistance.

Pregnancy can be difficult, and oftentimes, birth mothers can’t work for a period of time. That’s why we provide you with the financial support you need for six months after birth. We give you time to heal and become financially stable.

4. You and Your Baby are Our Priority

Adoption in Missouri can be difficult for birth mothers. There is a lot of focus on the well-being of your child and little on your own. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to change this. You and your baby are both our top priority. You are just as important as your child. That’s why we address your physical, mental, and financial needs.

You will never be alone for any part of this process. Your adoption counselor will be by your side when you first call us, in the hospital, and long after. We make sure your child is in the best environment possible to keep them safe and ease your mind. We have a home study checklist for adoptive parents to make sure they’re ready for a child. All of our adoptive parents have gone through background checks and home visits. We provide both you and your child with what you need even after placement.

Contact our Missouri Adoption Agency today

It is difficult to figure out how to give a baby up for adoption on your own. That’s why Adoption Choices of Missouri provides you with an adoption counselor to walk you through it. It’s very important to understand that placing a child for adoption is not giving a child up for adoption. You are not giving anything up or losing anything. You have weighed all of your options and made the best possible decision. We understand the strength it takes to make this choice.

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, contact us to make sure you will have support after the adoption is finalized.

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Adoption Plan vs. Adoption Process in Missouri

March 9, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Adoption Plan vs. Adoption Process in Missouri

By Katy Reagan

You’re probably searching for terms like “giving a baby up for adoption” or “Adoption Springfield, MO.” You’re also probably a little overwhelmed by all the information you’re taking in. That’s where we come in. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we will walk you through every step of your pregnancy, adoption, and life afterward. We will answer every question you have and help you with whatever you need. Choosing adoption is one of the best decisions a birth mother can make, but it can also be the hardest. That’s why we make sure you are always fully informed and confident in your decision.

What is the adoption process in Missouri?

The adoption process begins when you start considering placing your child for adoption. When you make that first phone call to Adoption Choices of Missouri, you will be assigned an adoption specialist. This is your Birth Parent Counselor, who will be with you from pregnancy to birth and after. They will answer your questions, outline your options, and advocate for you. While we are here to help, you get to make all of the final decisions. Whatever choices you make, your Birth Parent Counselor will fight for them.

You and your Birth Parent Counselor will talk about who you want your adoptive family to be. The adoption specialist will give you adoptive family profiles based on your requirements. This might be religion, location, ethnicity, etc. You’ll choose the adoptive family from these profiles and meet with them to make sure they’re the right fit.

Adoption Choices of Missouri and the adoptive family help you get what you need during your pregnancy. This might include financial assistance, safe housing, medical care, and transportation, among other things, if eligible. After you give birth, you have 48 hours before the adoption is finalized.

Other adoption agencies in Missouri may believe the adoption process ends here, but we know it doesn’t. We continue to offer the same level of support, love, and compassion after birth. We have unlimited counseling services available to you for as long as you need. Healing is a long process, but we will be with you for all of it.

How do I create an adoption plan through Missouri adoption agencies?

Together, you and your Birth Parent Counselor will create an adoption plan. This outlines all of the decisions you’ve made regarding the adoption. An important first step is deciding the level of communication between you and the adoptive family. In an open adoption, there is full communication. A semi-open adoption has limited and confidential communication. Adoption Choices of Missouri has a secure line called ChildConnect for birth parents and adoptive families to use. A closed adoption has zero communication or identifying information.

You will also outline what kind of assistance you need during the pregnancy. This is the time for you to talk with your adoption specialist about any financial or other needs. The adoption plan lets everybody agree to expectations. One of the last steps will be your hospital birth plan, stating what you want during birth. This can include who gets to see the child and who will be in the room with you.

An unplanned pregnancy can make you feel like you’ve lost control. An adoption plan gives you back control, and your Birth Parent Counselor will make sure it stays that way. They will be with you at the hospital to make sure everything continues to go as planned.

What is the difference between the adoption process and an adoption plan?

We know there is a lot of confusing terminology in the adoption world. So far, we’ve told you about the “adoption process” and an “adoption plan,” but how’re those different?

The adoption process is the time frame that includes all of your adoption plans. We know pregnancy and choosing adoption are huge physical and emotional situations. So we also know the effects do not end after you give birth. That’s why the adoption process is your pregnancy, birth, placement of your child, and time after the adoption is finalized. This includes the resources Adoption Choices of Missouri offers long after birth.

An adoption plan is the decisions you’ve made about how the adoption will go laid out on paper. This is what your Birth Parent Counselor looks to in order to advocate for you. Everything you want and need is written out for everyone to know.

If you are pregnant and considering adoption and looking for guidance during the adoption process, we are here to 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 316-391-4904.

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Choosing an Adoptive Family as a Birth Mother

February 13, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Choosing an Adoptive Family as a Birth Mother

By Katy Reagan

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling unsure of what to do. We know you just want your baby to have the best life possible. Adoption Choices of Missouri can help make that happen. We walk you through the entire adoption process, making sure you have full control. You choose your baby’s adoptive family to make sure they have the loving, safe environment you want. Our agency is made up of real people who want to help you. Many of our birth mothers still stay in touch with their adoptive families and our counselors.

5 types of adoptive families

Same-sex couples: One of our birth mothers, Jessica, chose a gay couple as her baby’s adoptive family. By doing this, she was able to give them a chance to have a child. Same-sex couples can love and provide for children the same as straight couples.
Single parent: It is harder for a single parent than a couple to adopt. While this is the reality, it isn’t fair. Single parents provide homes just as stable and loving as adoptive couples. If you choose a single parent, you are giving them an opportunity they’ve never had.
Traditional Family: Some birth mothers may prefer their child to grow up with both a mother and father. The traditional family–a married mother and father–is an option for birth mothers. No matter your child’s gender, they will have someone to look up to and learn from.
Military family: A military adoptive family may be the best option for you if you grew up in a military family. You might be thankful for how much you were able to travel and want the same for your child. This type of adoptive family has the structure necessary to raise a successful child.
Transracial family: A transracial family is of a different race, ethnicity, or culture than your child. This is a wonderful option for a birth mother wanting their child to be exposed to different cultures. This grows an appreciation for diversity.

How Adoption Choices of Missouri reviews adoptive families

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, your biggest concern right now is protecting your child. So how do adoption agencies in Missouri review possible adoptive families? Adoption Choices of Missouri thoroughly evaluates our families to make sure they can provide the safe home you want. We require background checks, medical records, and home visits.

Adoptive families must fill out an adoption application. This gives us important information about them and outlines how the adoption process will go. Our counselors will visit their homes to learn more about them and evaluate the living space. Our counselors also educate and prepare adoptive families for adoption.

When the family creates an adoptive family profile to tell birth mothers about them, the matching process begins.

Beginning the matching process in Missouri adoption agencies

To begin the matching process, all you have to do is contact us. We have adoption specialists available 24/7 to speak to you about your options. You will meet your Birth Parent Counselor to outline your wants and needs. Then, together you will review adoptive family profiles. These will be families that we think you will fit well with. You have the final say on the family you want to adopt your child.

Once you’ve been matched with the family of your choice, you will create an adoption plan. This will outline how you want the adoption process to go. You can choose between an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. With open adoption, you will have full communication with the adoptive family and your child. You will have limited communication through our secure channel in a semi-open adoption. In a closed adoption, there will be zero communication or identifying information.

Amber, one of our birth mothers, speaks about how open adoption was the best thing for her. With our help, she was able to create a better life for herself and help another family adopt. She spoke openly with them before the adoption, and they still have a relationship today. She gets pictures of her son every month and sees him once a year. Through Adoption Choices of Missouri, she is able to still play a big role in his life.

The adoption process is personalized for you

You have probably Googled “Adoption agencies near me” and “Adoption Springfield MO” to find the right adoption agency for you. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we get to know you to make sure we’re the right fit. Adoption is never an easy choice, but we walk you through the entire process. Our Birth Parent Counselors are with you from the first phone call.

One of our birth mothers, Cassie, speaks about how personalized the process was for her. When she was unable to drive, her adoption specialists drove her to sign the final paperwork. Our birth mothers and their Birth Parent Counselors stay in touch after the adoption is finalized. We are invested in your health, happiness, and success. When you need advice, legal help, or even a place to stay, we will help you get it.

If you are a pregnant woman searching for guidance on adoption and choosing an adoptive family. 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.

Birth Mother Blog

What types of families can adopt my baby in Missouri?

February 2, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What types of families can adopt my baby in Missouri?

By Katy Reagan

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you’re probably worried about who will be adopting your child. Well, Adoption Choices of Missouri can ease that fear. We fit the adoptive family to you and your needs. With us, you get to know who will be raising your child. This way, you can rest assured they will grow up in a loving and supportive home. Any requirements you have regarding the adoptive family will be met during the matching process. And if you’re unsure of what you want, we can offer guidance. We know birth mothers and children are very diverse, so our adoptive families are too. Get to know some of your options for the types of families to adopt your baby.

What are possible adoptive families in Missouri?

Same-Sex Couples/LGBTQ+ Families

LGBTQ+ families offer a home where children can be themselves and find their identity. As a minority, LGBTQ+ couples can raise your child from that unique perspective. This allows for acceptance and understanding. Choosing this type of family could be right for you if you yourself are a minority.

Single Parent

Adopting has traditionally been more difficult for single parents. There is no justified reason for this because single parents are just as capable of raising a child as couples. Choosing a single parent may be best for you if you want to give them a chance they deserve. If you were raised by a single parent and know how beneficial it was, that may be another reason.

Traditional Married Mother and Father

You may have found memories of both your mother and father and want the same for your child. The traditional family with a mother and father offers this. No matter your child’s gender, they will have someone to share their experience with. This can offer specific guidance other types of a family cannot. If your values align with the traditional family, you can find exactly what you want in this type of family.

Transracial Family

A transracial family is an adoptive family of a different race, ethnicity, or culture than your child. Choosing this type of family can broaden your child’s horizons. They can experience a culture different than their own and learn to appreciate diversity and inclusion.

How does Adoption Choices of Missouri review adoptive families?

If you are looking into adoption agencies near me, a big question is how do we keep your child safe? We make sure all our adoptive families can provide the safe and loving home you want. They have been thoroughly evaluated through background checks, medical records, and home studies.

They are required to fill out an adoption application that outlines the adoption process and all that is needed from them. Our adoption specialists also conduct a home study, where they visit the adoptive family’s home. Here they gather information about the family and educate and prepare them for raising a child. The adoption specialist evaluates the family and living space for adoption.

The family must create an adoptive family profile for birth mothers to look over. This gives an overview of who they are and their history.

How to start the matching process for a Missouri adoptive family?

So you’ve looked into adoption agencies in Missouri and Adoption Springfield, MO, and want to know more? The first step is to contact us. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start you with your own Birth Parent Counselor. Together you will review your case and look at adoptive family profiles. Once you choose one based on your preferences, you will be matched with the family.

Once you’ve been matched, you will create an adoption plan. Everything you need for this to go as smoothly as possible will be provided.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn about possible adoptive families, 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

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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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.

Adoption agencies in Missouri Blog

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.