Adoptions From The Heart understands that events such as an unplanned pregnancy can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions. There are many adoption agencies out there – which one will help you place your baby with a loving family?
This page contains general information on frequently asked questions regarding placing a baby up for adoption. However, the caring staff at AFTH can answer any specific questions you may have about the adoption process and, if you so choose, begin to customize your adoption plan.
What Happens When You Place A Baby For Adoption?
Placing a baby up for adoption is a genuine alternative if neither parent feels he or she will be able to meet the child’s needs emotionally, physically, financially, or socially. By choosing adoption, birth parents can make sure that the child’s future needs will be met.
If you desire, you can meet the prospective adoptive family members, receive pictures and letters after placement as well as have at least one visit a year with the family and child.
It is important that you stay open and honest about your emotions and your situation. Our adoption services include counseling both before and after the birth. We understand that this is a difficult decision and we want to help you work through your emotions as well.
Want to Learn More?
1. What is Open Adoption?
At Adoptions From The Heart, we allow women the chance to decide if they would like to choose the adoptive family for the baby and if they would like to have ongoing contact with the baby and the adoptive family after the baby is born.
When birth parents chose to maintain communication of some sort with adoptive families, it is generally referred to as open adoption.
In many cases, a birth mother wants to see pictures of the baby and get letters from the adoptive family. Other women would like the chance to visit with the adoptive family and the baby. While other women would like to select the adoptive family but are not comfortable with ongoing contact.
If you choose adoption, any of these are possible. The counselors at Adoptions From The Heart can help you to decide what is best for you.
2. Do you only do infant adoption? I have a two year old and while I’ve been trying to parent, I need a permanent solution. Can you help?
While we do primarily place infants for adoption, we have been seeing an increase in parents who are looking to make an adoption plan for their children who are toddlers and up to age 6.
Please contact us at 800-355-5500 and we can walk you through all your options and talk with you more about adoption in a judgement-free setting.
3. I’m not sure where to start. What do I do first?
You’ve already started reading about adoption on the Internet. That’s a great first start.
It’s important for you to learn about your options when considering placing your baby for adoption. This way, you can make the best possible decisions for yourself and your baby.
A counselor at Adoptions From The Heart can provide you with support, counseling, and information. If you choose adoption as the best plan for you and your baby, we can help you through each step of the process.
4. What is the cost of putting a baby up for adoption? I don’t have any medical insurance.
A counselor at Adoptions From The Heart can assist you in getting the medical coverage and financial support that you are entitled to. If you don’t qualify for medical insurance and you decide that adoption is the best choice for you and your baby, the medical bills for your pregnancy and your delivery can be covered by the adoptive family.
5. Will I get to choose the Adoptive Family?
At Adoptions From The Heart, we believe that a birth mother should be able to select the adoptive family for the baby.
Birth mothers can see profiles of all the prospective adoptive parents that match their background. These adoptive families have already been approved, as well as undergone a home study, by Adoptions From The Heart. Our licensed adoption agency does not pre-select families or limit the number of family profiles that you can view.
The experienced adoption agency counselors at Adoptions From The Heart want to be sure that you have all the options in your situation so that you can make the best decision possible.
It’s important to know that you do not have to select the adoptive family if you would prefer not to. Your counselor will discuss with you any preferences that you have about the type of adoptive family the baby should be placed in and the counselor will then select a family based upon your requests.
6. Will my baby go into foster care?
No.
Many women feel strongly about foster care and their baby having to go to a home other than the one that they have chosen. At Adoptions From The Heart, we believe that babies should be placed directly with the adoptive parents that birth mothers have selected.
7. Do I have to pick the family?
When considering adoption, choosing the loving family with whom to put your baby is an option. Yet, you aren’t required to select a family for the baby. Many birth mothers ask their social worker to select a family based on what they feel is important in a family.
For instance, some women would like a family with stay-at-home parents. Others feel that the religious background of the family is important to them, while other women may want the adoptive family to share some of their hobbies and interests.
8. Can I stay in touch?
Absolutely! As you are thinking about the kind of adoption that you prefer to have, you should consider what kind of contact you want to have after the baby is placed with a loving family.
When it comes to communication after placing a baby for adoption, there are many options! You can exchange letters and photos, emails, or even visit in person. A counselor from AFTH can help you to find a family that looks forward to the continued contact that you are most comfortable with.
9. What if I don’t want to meet the adoptive family?
That’s OK, too. You can decide if you are comfortable meeting the adoptive family or not.
For some women and men, arranging a meeting with the adoptive family members after deciding to place a baby for adoption can seem scary. That’s why is so important to know that your AFTH social worker will be there to help you decide what makes the most sense for you.
10. Will I be able to see my baby in the hospital? Will the birth father, family, and friends be able to see my baby?
Yes, as the birth mom you can spend as much or as little time as you decide with the baby. You will determine who else sees the baby. Your counselor will help you make the arrangements.
11. What if I change my mind?
No binding decision can be made until after your baby is born. Each state has different laws regarding the time frame you have to change your mind once you sign papers terminating your parental rights.
At AFTH, we have “know your rights” flyers for every state we are licensed in that will help you understand your legal rights regarding the adoption process.
12. What do I have to do?
There are very few pieces that you must do in adoption. We require women to fill in what they know about their medical background for the baby. And, if you decide that adoption is the right plan for you, there is paperwork that must be completed.
Everything else in the adoption plan is flexible – you can decide if you want to select the family, if you want to meet them before the baby is born, if you want to keep in touch after the baby is placed, and so many other things.
That’s why it’s important to connect with one of our counselors if you are thinking of placing your baby up for adoption. She will help you through each decision and be there to support you.
13. What do I do next?
Please call us toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-355-5500 or text us at 610-787-2453 to make an appointment with a counselor and to receive more adoption information. If transportation is a problem, we’ll come to you. We’ll be discreet when returning your call.
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)
What To Expect When Placing A Baby Up For Adoption: Step By Step Process
The adoption process is unique to your needs but here is an example of the basic step by step process of an adoption plan:
Step 1: Gather Information About Adoption
- Contact AFTH to speak with a pregnancy counselor, ask any questions and discuss your options and find out whether adoption may be the right option for you and your baby.
Step 2: Meet With Your Counselor To Make Your Adoption Plan
- Assistance in obtaining a doctor, medical assistance, welfare, transportation to appointments, housing, etc.
- Financial assistance may be available depending on your circumstances.
- Fill out paperwork that will help your counselor get to know you better.
Step 3: Select A Family (if you choose)
- Begin reviewing prospective adoptive parent profiles and Youtube videos for the type of family you would like to choose for your baby.
- Get to know the family you choose by meeting them with your counselor a few times before your baby is born.
Step 4: At The Hospital
- Discuss plans for the hospital: time with the baby after birth, prospective adoptive parents’ role at the hospital, who you want in the delivery room, etc.
- Labor and delivery of your baby. Your counselor will meet you at the hospital for support.
- Discharge from the hospital; after birth, the baby will be discharged with the family you chose.
Step 5: Legal Process
- Meet with your counselor to fill out the legal paperwork to complete your adoption plan.
Step 6: Ongoing Support
- If you choose an open adoption, receive photos and letter or email updates and possible visits.
- Adoption is a life-long journey, your adoption counselor is here for you. Support groups are also available.
Want to Learn More?
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.
AFTH Can Help
There is no easy choice. There is no wrong choice. An unplanned pregnancy can be one of life’s most difficult experiences.
AFTH gives you the option to select prospective adoptive parents from our approved families through letters, photos and videos. You can meet them and stay in touch with your child as he/she is growing up. You can join a support group with other women who are considering adoption and/or have already placed their children for adoption. Choose either a totally open, semi-open adoption or a traditional (closed) adoption.
The adoption options offered by Adoptions From The Heart can be molded to fit your desires and needs exactly. Receive letters and pictures each year or visit your child after the adoption is finalized. Your child will be placed directly with prospective adoptive parents, not in foster care. Our experienced, caring and skilled counselors provide individual and family counseling to help you sort out your feelings and make informed choices.