Your Role: What You Can Do
Your child may feel scared and alone. Assure your child that you will be supportive and that you are there to listen.
If your daughter is pregnant, she will need to find a doctor to begin receiving medical care. Check and see if her prenatal care and delivery are covered under insurance. If not, there are other programs she may qualify for through local pregnancy centers or through Medicare. We can help connect you.
Do not hesitate to contact our agency with any questions or concerns regarding the pregnancy or the adoption process. If your daughter is considering adoption, it is important that she make this decision on her own, yet with support, guidance and education on her options.
Suggestions when talking to Your Child about Adoption:
If your child is considering adoption for their baby, it is important to first gather information and to learn how the adoption process works. Know that the adoption plan is personal – no adoption plan is the same. Your child can choose what is best for the baby including the family as well as the openness level for continued contact if they choose.
- Be brief—the subject can be overwhelming.
- Use positive language.
- Be informative, not persuasive— ultimately this is her decision.
- Speak in the third person since adoption is still just an OPTION at this point as no final decision has been made: ex. “if a woman chooses”
- Share any personal stories you have heard about adoption—make it real, not like a movie or TV show.
- Keep in mind adoption is not best for everyone—the decision should be best for your child and most importantly for the baby
Your Daughter Wants an Abortion
Depending on the stage of her pregnancy, your daughter may be considering abortion. It is important that she learn all of the facts and considers her options. Encourage her to take some time to find out about all of her options. Educating herself about alternatives to abortion enables her to make a real choice. A decision based on assumptions or partial information is not a true choice.
Your Child Wants to Parent
If your child is considering parenting the baby, stay open and listen to what he or she has to say regarding the decision. Again, consider contacting Adoptions From The Heart to speak with an adoption counselor. We can present a number of resources and information to help your child make the best decision for both them and the baby. Our AM I READY TO PARENT brochure can help facilitate a discussion about parenting with your child.
Adoption and Our Grandchild
If your child chooses adoption for his or her baby, we understand it can sometimes be difficult for parent and other family members as they will also experience a loss. It is important for you to understand the decision and seek support as well. Grandparents can also be included in the child’s adoption plan. Depending on the level of openness in the adoption, you may be able to visit with the child and receive photos and letter or email updates as well. All relationships change and develop over time but the opportunity for you to get to know the child is possible.
The Father of the Baby
When choosing adoption for the baby, the father of the child should be involved in the counseling as well. The father of the child does have specific rights which you can learn more about here. If you or your child do not feel comfortable or are unable to contact the father, we can reach out to him about his baby.
Want to Learn More?
Testimonials From Women We Have Helped
“Obviously this situation wasn’t one I saw myself being in when I was only 19 years old, but, wishful thinking aside, I was, and it will be something I remember forever. I called various adoption agencies and Adoptions From The Heart seemed a lot more friendly and open and more willing to talk to me even if I hadn’t pledged my loyalty to their services. It helped a lot to know that I didn’t have to take care of everything by myself. I appreciate all the help and guidance you’ve given me and I wish that everyone’s adoption experience could be as comforting as mine was (thanks to you and your staff). The work you do and the effort you put in is fantastic and really admirable. Thank you again for everything.” – Samantha
“I can’t even begin to thank you for everything you have done for me. I could never have done anything without you. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.” – Theriese (letter to an AFTH social worker)
“Thank you so much for everything. You guys are a true blessing to me and my daughter.” – Michelle (Birth mother aided by the donation fund)
1. Contact Us
We know you have questions. Our experienced social workers are standing by to listen to you and inform you about your options. Call, text, submit a form or chat with us 24/7.
2. Talk to a counselor
Our experienced counselors will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and advise you of your options. We will support you all the way through your decision. Once you have made a decision as to what you want to do with your pregnancy, we will give you assistance with your next step.
3. Stay Supported
Support is key. We know from the thousands of people we have helped that no matter which option you choose, you always need support.
If you choose to adoption for your baby
Here are the next steps >>
Pick an adopting family
We have a database of families that have created profiles to show their values, and why they are seeking to adopt a child. You can watch videos, read their bios and decide which family you are most comfortable with and one that fits your goals. We can help you through this process.
Complete your adoption plan
Once you have selected a family, we will help you with the details of the adoption, and how involved you would like to be. We pass no judgment and we are here to support you and achieve your goals.
