Making the decision to place your child for adoption is an incredibly difficult choice that requires a lot of thought, self-reflection, and research. Once you have decided that you want to explore the possibility of placing your child, figuring out who to contact, or how to get your questions answered can be difficult. There are a number of ways you can get your questions answered by knowledgeable sources and ultimately, if you so choose, place your child for adoption.
You may have resources locally that can help. If you go to church, your pastor or someone at the church may be able to connect you to an adoption agency. If you know anyone who has placed a child for adoption or anyone who has adopted, talk to her about who she worked with. Ask him who he recommends you should get in contact with. Your physician’s office, community health clinic, local hospital, or local health department may also have information on how to place your child for adoption.
That being said, don’t be afraid to broaden your search past your town or even your state. There are many adoption agencies and lawyers that work nationally. They will be able to present you with profiles of prospective adoptive parents who live somewhat locally or who are in a different area of the country entirely. In the event you selected a nonlocal family to parent your child, they would travel to you. The Internet can be a great resource for finding national agencies or law firms that specialize in adoption. If you find one that interests you, try also looking for any reviews of that agency. Check their Better Business Bureau rating, and if at any point you are displeased with your interactions with them, find a different placement agency. Unfortunately, not all adoption agencies are as focused on the well-being of expectant mothers and birth mothers as they should be.
At the bare minimum, the adoption agency should be able to explain to you how you will have your medical expenses and any other related expenses taken care of should you choose to place. A good agency will provide you with your own social worker and will offer you counseling services before and after placement. Many adoption agencies also provide lifelong support for birth moms, and some even have scholarships or other ways that can help you with your life’s goals after you place.
Even if you are nearing your due date, do not feel pressured to make a decision. Take the time you need to truly determine what is the best choice for you and your child. Examine your reasons for wanting to place. Are there any community services or other options that could help alleviate those concerns and make it possible for you to parent? No matter how dire you feel your situation may be, make sure you investigate all your possible options and that if you do choose to place, that you are working with an adoption agency that you feel supports you.
Pregnant and considering adoption? You don’t need to do it alone. Click here to connect with a caring, compassionate adoption professional who can help you figure out what’s best for you and your baby. All consultations and counseling are absolutely free.
Julianna Mendelsohn lives in sunny South Florida where, odds are, it is hot enough right now that she’s sweating just a little, no matter what she’s doing. She is the brains, brawn, blood, sweat, and tears behind The Adoption Mentor and is thrilled to be able to help others build their families through adoption. She is a former elementary school teacher, current MS in school counseling student, Sephora junkie, and the momma via domestic adoption to one lovely daughter.