What to Think About

The decision to place your child for adoption is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. To consider the future and well being of your child over your own feelings is a tremendously unselfish choice. Choosing the right adoption agency is paramount to helping you and easing the process.

• What type of adoption are you looking for? Would you like an "open" adoption with visitation scheduled at certain points throughout the year? Most birthmothers prefer a "semi-open" adoption. Typically pictures and letters at special events throughout the year are sent to you. Christmas, Birthdays, Easter pictures or whatever you feel comfortable with. Perhaps, a "closed" adoption is more your preference. In a closed adoption there are no pictures or letters exchanged. The decision regarding what type of adoption you want is completely yours.


• Do you want a local agency to place your child in the same town in which you live? As the years go by, will it be difficult for you to see your child at the local grocery store or at the mall. Our agency works nationwide and you can specify if you want a local family or an adoptive family that is out of state.


• What size of agency would you prefer to work with? The number of qualified and adoption ready families are typically proportional to the size of the agency. Choosing the right family to raise your child is clearly important. National agencies have the ability and resources to attract large numbers of families from across the country. The more families to choose from, the better the chances of finding a family that meets all of your adoption goals.


• How important is accessibility to your agency throughout the adoption? Would you like to be able to call your agency coordinator at 8:00 at night with questions or just to talk? Most agencies utilize an answering service or voicemail after 5:00. Before committing to an agency, ask if you will have direct access to your coordinator at all times.


• Will you have the opportunity to talk with somebody that has experienced what you are going through? Our agency has a Birthmother Mentor on staff that is available to you 24/7. She has placed a child for adoption and can empathize and understand the emotions you are feeling. Her goal is not to talk you into adoption, instead; she is there for you to confide in and help you make the right decision for you.