The beginning stages of planning for an adoption can feel overwhelming. There are doctors appointments to set up, adoption agencies to call and big decisions to make that will impact your child’s future. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Our team is here to care for you throughout the adoption process. Here are three things to consider to choose the right adoptive family for your child.
Consider Your Core Values
Most birth moms have a good idea about the type of adoptive family they would like to choose for their child, but it can still feel very overwhelming. It’s important to consider your moral values and religious preferences as you learn about different potential adoptive families. If you aren’t sure exactly how to approach this part of the process, our care team will help you figure out the things that are most important to you. We never want you to feel alone in this process, and we’re here to help you make the best decisions for both you and your baby.
Open Adoption or Closed Adoption or Semi-Open Adoption
Before you choose an adoptive family for your child, we recommend that you come to a decision about whether you would like a closed, semi-open or open adoption. This is an important part of the process, and it is something that will be communicated with the adoptive family once you make a decision.. So, what do these three forms of adoption mean?
An open adoption means you can choose and meet the family and have the option of seeing the child again in the future.
A semi-open adoption means that you may choose and meet the family, but ongoing contact is handled through the agency. The family will send pictures and letters to keep you updated about the child’s progress. You can send gifts, letters, and photos.
A closed adoption means that you may choose the family if you wish, but you have the option of having no contact after the child is placed.
If you need further clarification about the differences between these three different adoptions, contact a member of our care team, and we’ll explain it further.
Trust Your Instinct
There are so many amazing adoptive families waiting to bring a child home, and it’s common to see a future for your child with multiple families. Some birthmothers understandably feel overwhelmed when choosing the family for their child. Other times a birthmother feels a connection to a family without having a clear reason why. The decision about your adoptive family can come about in many different ways, and our care team wants to help you feel confident about your decision. After a birthmother has listed out her values, learned about the family and decided on the kind of adoption she would like to have, we encourage each birthmother to make the decision that feels right for both her and her baby.
Are you ready to make an adoption plan? We would love to hear your story and help you make these big decisions. You can also learn about some of our adoptive families waiting to bring a child into their home.