Birth Mother Blog

How Can An Adoption Agency Help Me Give Up My Baby For Adoption?

How Can An Adoption Agency Help Me Give Up My Baby For Adoption?

By Kyla Helwig

Adoption is a beautiful process that allows women to provide a home for their children without being a parent. When a woman decides to pursue adoption in Missouri, the first step they will make is choosing an adoption agency. It is essential that you find a local adoption agency help that can serve you where you are. You may be wondering what services adoption agencies provide to help birth mothers. Many great things about adoption agencies will help the adoption process run smoother. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we believe that adoption agencies should provide birth mothers with top-quality care. We also want to inform you of the ways adoption agencies show you how to give a baby up for adoption

Birth Mother Counselors

You will be paired with a birth mother counselor provided by the adoption agency in the adoption process. This counselor will assist you in decision-making and offer you input and wisdom. These counselors have been through the adoption process before and understand how it works. They are a valuable resource for birth mothers as they make challenging decisions. One of the main aspects of the adoption process is forming an adoption plan. Your counselor will guide you through each decision and clear up all the confusion surrounding certain things.

Additionally, your counselor will help you get financial support or safe housing if you are eligible. If you need transportation to appointments or the store, your counselor can take you or arrange a different way. Ultimately, your counselor is there for you and wants to support you in any way possible. 

Provide Adoptive Parent Profiles

Another great thing about adoption agencies is that they can provide you with adoptive parent profiles. The agency has approved these parents as ready to adopt, so you don’t need to worry about qualifications. Your counselor can help you determine which family will be the best fit. If you choose to pursue a closed adoption, you won’t be able to choose the adoptive parents for your child. There is no contact between the birth mother and the child and adoptive parents in closed adoptions. However, in an open and semi-open adoption, you will be able to choose the adoptive parents. Personal values such as religion may weigh into your decision. Additionally, you may want to consider location or ethnicity.

Post-Placement Counseling and Therapy

After your child has been born, you may struggle with mental health issues. This is normal since the separation from your child can be hard to deal with. You may also feel that you abandoned your child or gave up on them. This is not the case! Adoption is incredibly loving and is a very humble thing to do for your child. However, after you give birth, you may not feel very great. This is why our agency provides all birth mothers with post-placement counseling. In addition, you will be able to receive individual and group therapy to help you cope after the adoption is complete. These resources are intended to help birth mothers get back on their feet following the adoption process. 

Coverage of Various Adoption-Related Expenses

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we don’t want you to have to stress over covering the costs of adoption. The agency covers all the counseling and legal work we provide. Additionally, if you need housing or financial assistance, we will provide you with this if eligible. This assistance will continue until up to six weeks after your baby is born. We want adoption to be something you can choose without the added stress of money. Adoption should be available for all women who want to provide their children with a loving home. 

Adoption Agency Help, How Do I Get Started With My Adoption Plan?

If you are interested in pursuing adoption, you are at the right place. There are many adoption agencies in Missouri, but our agency is right here, ready to help. Adoption is not an easy process, but the outcome is amazing. Your child will grow up in a loving family because you decided to take action now. Our agency wants to serve you no matter who you are or what you are going through. There is no situation of unplanned pregnancy that we will turn away from. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to us, and we will try our best to answer you. 

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

Missouri Adoption Agencies Near Me

Missouri Adoption Agencies Near Me

If you are a woman in Missouri facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering how to place your child up for adoption. Parenting a child is a lot of work, and not every woman can take on the responsibilities of a mother. Adoption Choices of Missouri is a private adoption agency with locations throughout Missouri and seeks to provide services that equip birth mothers to navigate the adoption process successfully. If you are looking to begin the adoption process, you may be wondering where Adoption Choices of Missouri has local offices and how to get started on your adoption plan. 

Where Do Adoption Choices of Missouri Have Local Offices?

Adoption Choices of Missouri has locations in many different cities throughout Missouri. All you need to do is find the closest location, and the local staff will help you get started on the adoption process. Our locations are in IndependenceSpringfieldSt. LouisColumbia, and Kansas City. You can contact Adoption Choices of Missouri to determine which location is closest for you to visit or simply determine it yourself. 

How Do I Get Started On The Adoption Process?

After you locate an office, you will be set up with an adoption counselor who will guide you through the process. You can direct any questions you have related to adoption to this counselor. Your first step in the adoption process will determine which type of adoption you want to pursue. After this, you will figure out the best adoptive family for your child based on a variety of approved families given to you by the agency. After this, you will figure out the logistics of the day of your child’s birth. You will receive counseling and therapy from Adoption Choices of Missouri following the adoption if you need support. 

What Types of Adoption Can I Choose From?

There are three types of adoption. The first type is open adoption, which entails that you will see your child and communicate with them as they grow up. This type of adoption allows for the most communication and connection between you and your child. The second type of adoption is a semi-open adoption. In this type of adoption, you will still communicate with your child, but to a lesser degree. For example, you may exchange letters and emails instead of seeing them in person. Through both these types of adoption, your child will know who you are and understand what background they came from. The final type of adoption is a closed adoption. In this type of adoption, you won’t be able to communicate with your child at all, and they won’t know who you are. This is a less desirable choice most of the time for both the adoptive parents and the birth mother. It is almost impossible to maintain a fully closed adoption as the child grows up and becomes more curious about technology. However, it is still possible if this is a type of adoption that you would like to pursue. 

How Will I Be Involved In Choosing the Adoptive Family?

As the birth mother, you will choose the adoptive family entirely. All the adoptive families you choose from will have been pre-approved by Adoption Choices of Missouri. They undergo a legal process called a home study that ensures that they can take care of a child in their current living conditions and are well equipped to parent. You will assess the profiles of various families and figure out which one will be the best fit for your child. If you want your child to grow up in a certain religion, area, a family of a certain ethnicity, etc., you will be able to use these factors to choose a family. 

How Do I Contact Missouri Adoption Agencies Near Me?

If you have additional questions or would like to get started on the adoption process, please contact Adoption Choices of Missouri, where our staff will be waiting to assist you in any way they can. 

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

KylaMeet the author: Kyla’s life has been filled with adventure and transition – both good and difficult. She loves to take on challenges head-on and lead an organized and balanced life. She’s passionate about many different areas and loves how writing gives her the flexibility to engage in research of almost every field of study imaginable. She grew up very involved in theater and music and continues to use her free time to play the piano and sing. However, she is also very interested in how the natural world works and takes any chance she has to spend the day away from crowds, enveloped in the seclusion of nature. Growing up in the Philippines, she’s had some unique experiences that have shaped her worldview and given her a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. She gets excited about research papers, completed to-do lists, and her morning coffee.

Adoptive Family Birth Mother Blog

Gift-Giving and Adoption in Missouri

Gift-Giving and Adoption in Missouri

The Christmas season is filled with the spirit of giving. If you’re involved in an open or semi-open adoption, you may be wondering how to approach gift-giving and adoption without crossing any boundaries. Gift-giving can be a very personal, meaningful way to express your gratitude for someone and let them know that they are special to you. However, giving a gift that goes too far or doesn’t display any effort can be somewhat offensive. Adoption Choices of Missouri has counseled hundreds of birth mothers and adoptive parents before and wants to help you understand how to give good gifts this Christmas. Here are some ideas of what to give and what not to give to the various people involved in your adoption this Christmas season. 

Gift-Giving Ideas for Your Child After an Adoption

As a birth mother you might want to give your child a gift this Christmas, here are a few tips. Before you buy your child a gift, you should check with the adoptive parents and figure out what budget they have for Christmas presents. Trying to buy your child a more expensive or elaborate gift than the adoptive parents is not a great way to maintain a good relationship with them. Instead, work out a budget with the parents and base your gift on that. You may want to get your child a gift that reflects your heritage so that they have an item that will remind them that a part of them will always be connected to you. You could also get them a gift that follows a theme so that in years to come, they will have a collection of special items that they can clearly link back to you. Some examples of theme gifts could be an ornament, a stuffed animal, or a board game. Try not to give your child any gifts that might conflict with what their adoptive parents allow or agree with, such as religious items or media that might be controversial. Overall, be thoughtful with the gift that you choose, and deliver it in a way that aligns with the adoption plan you agreed upon with the adoptive parents. 

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for The Adoptive Parents

If you are a birth mother, you may wish to provide the adoptive parents with a gift to express your gratitude or just to show you care about them. Just like with your child, make sure you don’t send them anything that could be considered offensive or contradict their personal beliefs. Giving a gift to the adoptive parents isn’t always appropriate in certain relationships, but it can be very meaningful if you have a good relationship with them. You don’t need to splurge on them in order to “earn” their approval. The gift you choose for them should just be something that expresses your gratitude for them and will let them know that you’re thinking of them during the holidays. If you don’t feel like you can get them a gift, you could consider writing them a thoughtful letter instead. Giving gifts this Christmas should only be done out of care and gratitude rather than obligation or insecurity. 

What Can I GiveThe Birth Mother as a Holiday Gift?

If you’re the adoptive parents, giving a gift to the birth mother might be something that you wish to do this Christmas. If you have a good relationship with the mother and wish to let, her know that you’re thinking of her, sending a gift is a meaningful way to express this. As before, make sure that the gift won’t come across as rude or offensive, and don’t try to overwhelm her with a gift that might make her feel insecure about whatever she got you (if you’re exchanging presents). You could consider asking her what she might need or want so your gift will be utilized well. Buying a personalized gift may show her that you gave her present some thought. 

Have a Merry Christmas from Adoption Choices of Missouri

Christmas time isn’t meant to be stressful, so only give a gift if you want to and know it will be appreciated. Adoption Choices of Missouri hopes that these tips will guide you as you determine what type of gift to give. If you’re facing unplanned or teen pregnancy, please reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri. We will seek to assist you as you decide whether or not to place your baby for 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

KylaMeet the author: Kyla’s life has been filled with adventure and transition – both good and difficult. She loves to take on challenges head-on and lead an organized and balanced life. She’s passionate about many different areas and loves how writing gives her the flexibility to engage in research of almost every field of study imaginable. She grew up very involved in theater and music and continues to use her free time to play the piano and sing. However, she is also very interested in how the natural world works and takes any chance she has to spend the day away from crowds, enveloped in the seclusion of nature. Growing up in the Philippines, she’s had some unique experiences that have shaped her worldview and given her a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. She gets excited about research papers, completed to-do lists, and her morning coffee.

Birth Mother Blog

How Can I Have a Relationship With My Child After Adoption?

How Can I Have a Relationship With My Child After Adoption?

One of the main questions that you may have as a birth mother who is considering giving up your baby for adoption is whether or not you will be able to have a relationship with your child after adoption. Some mothers would rather not continue communication with their child post-placement, but other mothers desire to stay involved in their child’s life. Maybe you’re only a teenager, and taking care of a child would completely place your life on hold, or maybe you’re just unable to take care of a newborn at whatever stage of life you may be at. Whatever your situation is, at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want you to know that your relationship with your baby doesn’t need to end at birth. 

The Different Types of Adoption

The extent of your future relationship with your baby post-placement depends on the type of adoption you and the baby’s adoptive parents choose. In your adoption plan, you will have to decide whether you want your adoption to be an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Each of these different types of adoptions entails a different level of future communication between you and your child, so understanding each option is essential as you move forward with your adoption in MO

Open Adoption, Keeping Connected with My Child After Adoption

Open adoption is when you, as the birth mother, will be able to have frequent interaction with your child as they grow up. The specific types and frequency of interaction between you and your child vary case-to-case depending on what you decide with the adoptive parents. However, in most cases, open adoption means that you will be able to meet your child in person on numerous occasions, as well as send them letters, call them on the phone, and generally be involved in their life. Through open adoption, your child may even be able to meet your nuclear and extended family. However, it is important to know that fully open adoption is not often as desirable for adoptive parents because frequent interaction with you may confuse your child as they try to understand your role in their lives. 

Semi-Open Adoption, Learning About My Child After Adoption

Due to the difficulty that navigating a fully open adoption may present to your child. Through a semi-open adoption, there is still the possibility of meeting your child in person, but the meetings would be much less often and possibly wouldn’t occur until later on in their life. However, through a semi-open adoption, usually, there is communication between the birth mother and child through other means of interaction, such as letters and phone calls. In a semi-open adoption, you will be a figure in your child’s life that is familiar and somewhat well-known, and the culture and background of your family can be shared with your child. 

What Is Means to Have a Closed Adoption

The final type of adoption is a closed adoption. Your child won’t know who you are and may not even know anything about you through a closed adoption. Their adoptive parents won’t discuss you and your background with your child, and you won’t be able to communicate with them. Many adoptive parents don’t desire this type of adoption for the adoptee for many reasons, the first being how difficult it is to maintain a true closed adoption. As your child grows up, if they know that they are adopted, they most likely will try to figure out who you are and where you are living. Additionally, it is valuable for your child to know their background and where they came from since they are still biologically your child.

Which Adoption is the Best Choice for a Future Relationship?

Ultimately, the type of adoption you choose will be an agreement you make with the adoptive parents. However, if you want to keep a relationship with your child post-placement, you should seek to establish either an open or semi-open adoption through your adoption plan. Either of these options will provide you with the opportunity to invest in your child as they grow up and stay involved in their life. This can be a source of comfort for you; just because you’re giving up your baby for adoption, you won’t be removed from their life, and they may even get to meet you in the future. Adoption Choices of Missouri will assist you in forming an adoption plan that will meet your desires as a birth mother while also honoring the requests of the adoptive parents. Of course, your relationship with your child post-placement won’t be the same as a mother-child relationship – and it shouldn’t be. This would be far too confusing for your child to understand, especially when they’re young, and it wouldn’t be fair to the adoptive parents. Choosing the adoption route means that you won’t be as involved in your baby’s life as you would be as their mother. However, adoption doesn’t mean the end of your relationship. You can confidently choose adoption without the fear of losing any connection with your baby and find comfort in the fact that your future can still include your baby. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Adoption Choices of Missouri

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

KylaMeet the author: Kyla’s life has been filled with adventure and transition – both good and difficult. She loves to take on challenges head-on and lead an organized and balanced life. She’s passionate about many different areas and loves how writing gives her the flexibility to engage in research of almost every field of study imaginable. She grew up very involved in theater and music and continues to use her free time to play the piano and sing. However, she is also very interested in how the natural world works and takes any chance she has to spend the day away from crowds, enveloped in the seclusion of nature. Growing up in the Philippines, she’s had some unique experiences that have shaped her worldview and given her a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. She gets excited about research papers, completed to-do lists, and her morning coffee.

Birth Father Birth Mother Blog

Do I Have to Tell the Birth Father About an Adoption Plan?

Do I Have to Tell the Birth Father About an Adoption Plan?

As a birth mother, you may have a great relationship with your baby’s birth father, or you might not even know who the birth father is. Maybe you aren’t on speaking terms with the birth father, or perhaps you’ve lost contact with him. Regardless of the situation, your baby has a birth father, and there may be some concern over whether or not he will be included in the adoption plan. 

Due to legal requirements, there is an extent to which the birth father will be involved, even at a private adoption agency like Adoption Choices of Missouri. Many states will require the birth mother to post an adoption announcement in the legal advertising portion of the newspaper, which is meant to inform any potential birth father of the decision to give a baby up for adoption. Talk to your legal advisor or adoption caseworker for more information about the legal requirements of adoption and consent. Our adoption agency in Missouri has gone through this process many times and is prepared to guide you through it with as much clarity and ease as possible. 

How Involved Can the Birth Father Be?

It is important that any birth mother follows the requirements to receive the birth father’s consent for the adoption to prevent any complications in the future. After this requirement is fulfilled, involvement varies from case to case. In some situations, such as many teen pregnancy cases, after the consent, the birth father may choose how much involvement he has in the adoption process, although this does not have to be true for every situation. Speak to your adoption caseworker for more information about the birth father’s role and responsibilities.

If you have a good relationship, the birth father can be just as involved as you, the birth mother. He can help decide the future family of your baby and guide you as you figure out all the details of your adoption plan. The birth father can provide a great form of support for birth mothers. Yet, there are cases where birth mothers have a negative relationship with the birth father and may have a hard time involving them in the adoption plan. If things get complicated between you and the birth father, Adoption Choices of Missouri is equipped to assist you in sorting out any disruptions between you and the birth father. 

Do I Get the Final Say in the Adoption Journey?

If the birth father wants to be involved in the adoption plan throughout the adoption process, he has a right to contribute. Although interacting with the birth father may cause pain and negative feelings to resurface, if he genuinely desires to help in the adoption plan, keep in mind that the process is meant to provide a secure future for your child. Thus, allowing feelings to get in the way of the valuable insight he may provide to the process may not be what’s best for your child’s future. 

So, Do I Tell the Baby’s Birth Father About the Adoption Plan?

The various requirements of the adoption process can get complicated. Speaking to an adoption caseworker or legal advisor can help clarify how to approach the situation. This news may be harder for some to take than others, but if considering adoption is the best choice for your child, in the long run, letting the complication of figuring out who the birth father is or concern over his consent steer you away from choosing it would be detrimental. Ultimately, as a birth mother, try to approach the feelings the birth father may have with grace and understanding because your child is his child too. Discuss with him the courage and love it takes to choose the route of adoption for your child and come to an agreement together on how to deal with your pregnancy if possible for more information on the adoption process and what next steps you can take with your pregnancy, contact Adoption Choices of Missouri

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

KylaMeet the author: Kyla’s life has been filled with adventure and transition – both good and difficult. She loves to take on challenges head-on and lead an organized and balanced life. She’s passionate about many different areas and loves how writing gives her the flexibility to engage in research of almost every field of study imaginable. She grew up very involved in theater and music and continues to use her free time to play the piano and sing. However, she is also very interested in how the natural world works and takes any chance she has to spend the day away from crowds, enveloped in the seclusion of nature. Growing up in the Philippines, she’s had some unique experiences that have shaped her worldview and given her a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. She gets excited about research papers, completed to-do lists, and her morning coffee.

Birth Mother Blog

Why do the Adoptive Parents Need a Home Study?

Why do the Adoptive Parents Need a Home Study?

The adoption process is much more complex than just a birth mother giving their baby to new parents. There is a checklist of legal requirements that must be completed before the adoption can be completed. One of these requirements is called a home study, which determines if the prospective adoptive parents are capable of taking a child into their home. Home studies can be stressful for the adoptive parents, but they are very necessary to ensure that the birth mother’s child will grow up in a safe environment with loving parents. 

What is a Home Study?

When a couple or an individual approaches an adoption agency in Missouri, such as Adoption Choices of Missouri, they will be placed with a social or caseworker. This licensed professional will meet with the adoptive parents and educate them on the different qualifications that an adoptive family must possess and evaluate whether or not the couple is ready to adopt a child. In the case of a couple, the social worker will meet with the couple together and one-on-one. The adoptive parents must provide references for the social worker to meet with to gain insight, and the couple or individual’s medical and financial history will be evaluated. If all of this information is approved by the social worker, they will visit the prospective family’s home to assess their living situation and decide whether or not they are capable of welcoming a child.  

Not every family will be perfect, and Adoption Choices is well aware that every parent will have flaws. Our social workers are ready to come alongside parents looking to adopt and will help them figure out ways to combat potential issues that may arise in the future. However, these home studies are the best way for our social workers to determine whether or not a family is able to undergo the significant change of adoption. 

Why Are Home Studies Necessary?

Although home studies are stressful for prospective parents, they are extremely vital to ensuring a positive adoption experience for both the adoptee and adoptive parents. One main reason why home studies are necessary is to protect the adoptee and ensure their safety in a loving home. From a birth mother’s standpoint, being certain that your child will end up in a home that is capable of raising one is a major necessity. Choosing to give up a baby for adoption is hard enough without having to worry about whether or not your baby will end up in a good home. Fortunately, home studies are one of the ways that Adoption Choices is able to remove some of the stress from birth mothers and ensure well-equipped parents for all adoptees. 

Another reason why home studies are so important is that they aid the prospective parents in assessing if they are actually ready to welcome a kid into their home. Home studies are educational processes that allow parents to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, provide a space for personal revelation and allow social workers to get to know what type of parents they are or will be. Not passing a home study doesn’t mean that the parents are not capable of being good parents. There are many different reasons why a home study is not passed, but that doesn’t mean that the prospective parents will fail at being home to any child or will fail all home studies in the future. Home studies are simply a way for a social worker to assess if the parent(s) can welcome a child into their home in their current living situation and stage of life. 

Ultimately, home studies are a legal requirement for adoptions, so there really is no way to avoid them. Despite the stress they may cause, they are vital for ensuring the safety of the adoptee and providing the birth mother with peace. 

How Do Home Studies Affect the Adoption Process?

Home studies are just another step along the journey of adoption. Once a home study is complete, an adoptive family will be able to be chosen by a birth mother as the new parents for their child. Home studies are one of the most important steps in adoption since adoptive parents must be ready and able to take a child into their home in order for adoption to be a safe route for birth mothers facing unplanned or teen pregnancy to choose. The stress of a home study shouldn’t be a deterrent for prospective adoptive parents, but the parents should prepare for the home study, familiarizing themselves with the process they will undergo. They can expect to undergo a background check, and each member of their family will be interviewed, even children. In addition, they should ensure that their home is safe for children and may wish to child-proof their home, installing gates on the stairwells or child-proofing the outlets. 

All in all, home studies shouldn’t instill any fear in a couple or individual considering adoption but should serve as an opportunity to prepare for the potential to welcome a new child into their home. For more information on home studies or the adoption process in general, contact Adoption Choices of Missouri, where a team is eager to help you 24/7. 

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

KylaMeet the author: Kyla’s life has been filled with adventure and transition – both good and difficult. She loves to take on challenges head-on and lead an organized and balanced life. She’s passionate about many different areas and loves how writing gives her the flexibility to engage in research of almost every field of study imaginable. She grew up very involved in theater and music and continues to use her free time to play the piano and sing. However, she is also very interested in how the natural world works and takes any chance she has to spend the day away from crowds, enveloped in the seclusion of nature. Growing up in the Philippines, she’s had some unique experiences that have shaped her worldview and given her a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. She gets excited about research papers, completed to-do lists, and her morning coffee.

Birth Mother Blog

What is the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and Why is it Important?

What is the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and Why is it Important?

Unplanned pregnancies can be scary, and figuring out how to care for your baby may seem like a daunting task. Being an Indian mother adds an additional layer of fear to the process since preserving Native culture and heritage may seem impossible through the means of adoption. Fortunately, according to the United States Department of the Interior, a Federal Law known as the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed in 1902 in order to protect children who are born to a mother who is a member of an Indian Tribe. This law, which is fully recognized by Adoptions Choices of Missouri, is in place to keep these children within their unique tribal community and seeks to place adopted children in homes that will allow them to grow up in the culture they were born into. 

If I’m an Indian Mother, What Would This Mean For Me if I Chose the Route of Adoption?

The ICWA will ensure that your baby is placed into a home within your tribe, so you don’t need to worry about your child growing up in a setting that doesn’t reflect their heritage. This law is in place to prevent the removal of Indian babies from their familial ties to their Tribe, which was observed in decades past. Making the decision to give your baby to an adoptive family is difficult enough without the added stress of possible tribal abandonment. Thanks to this law, the added layer of fear that you may face during your pregnancy can be lifted, and as you consider adoption, you can make a decision without the concern of your child’s separation from their heritage. 

Are There Any Additional Steps in the Adoption Process that I Will Have to Take?

Most of your adoption process will align with our typical adoption process at Adoptions Choices of Missouri. Your first step will be to contact us. We will do our best to answer all your questions and provide you with any assistance you may want in making your adoption decision. If you choose to go the route of adoption, your next step will be to schedule an initial meeting with a Birth Parent Counselor. Following this, you will be provided with the appropriate paperwork, and you will be asked to provide proof of pregnancy. 

Afterward, you will be asked to find a doctor, and the matching process will commence. You will then be given different profiles of families for your baby to be adopted by. Under the ICWA, you will get to choose from families within your tribe that will raise up your child in the culture it belongs to. 48 hours after your baby’s birth, it will leave the hospital with the adoptive family, and you will give your final word of consent. We will provide emotional support and counseling services for you post-birth as we know this process can be difficult to process. We will also work with you to provide you with any financial support or housing needs throughout the process. In order for your child to remain under the protection of the ICWA, you will need to work with the Missouri State Court to ensure that your final adoption decree is submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs within 30 days of the adoption. In this decree, you must include:

  • Name and birth date of the child
  • Tribal affiliation
  • Names and addresses of biological and adoptive parents
  • Name and contact information for an adoption agency in Missouri
  • Signed affidavit 

If My Baby is Kept Within My Tribe, Will I Still Be Able to Be Present in Their Life?

There is no one set method for adoption. You have the option of choosing open adoption, which would allow you to share names, phone numbers, and contact information with the adoptive family. You can even meet in person with your baby’s adoptive family and keep in contact with them before and after the birth of your child. Through open adoption, you could possibly have in-person visits with your child if you come to an agreement to do so with your child’s adoptive family. It’s important to remember that just because you choose to place your baby in an adoptive family, you don’t have to be removed from their life. If you are an Indian mother, the ICWA allows you to remain a member of your child’s tribal family, which may eliminate some concern over losing touch with your child post-adoption. 

So, How Should the Indian Child Welfare Act Guide my Decision-Making Process as an Indian Mother? 

We don’t want to pressure you into making any decisions regarding the life of your baby. However, if you are a member of a Native Tribe, understanding the implications of the ICWA may bring about a sense of relief over any concerns you may have regarding your child’s separation from their tribal culture. At Adoptions Choices of Missouri, we are eager to assist you in the adoption process and will act in alignment with the ICWA when it comes to placing your baby in a new home. You shouldn’t have to deal with the possibility of your child being sent to a home that doesn’t reflect your heritage, and thanks to the ICWA, you don’t have to. For any additional questions or concerns you may have regarding your unplanned pregnancy, contact us at Adoption Choices of Missouri. We will be available to assist you 24/7 — all you need to do is reach out. 

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

KylaMeet the author: Kyla’s life has been filled with adventure and transition – both good and difficult. She loves to take on challenges head-on and lead an organized and balanced life. She’s passionate about many different areas and loves how writing gives her the flexibility to engage in research of almost every field of study imaginable. She grew up very involved in theater and music and continues to use her free time to play the piano and sing. However, she is also very interested in how the natural world works and takes any chance she has to spend the day away from crowds, enveloped in the seclusion of nature. Growing up in the Philippines, she’s had some unique experiences that have shaped her worldview and given her a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. She gets excited about research papers, completed to-do lists, and her morning coffee.