Finding the Right Services for Your Needs
One of the first steps you’ll take when you’re pregnant and looking into adoption is finding the right adoption agency to work with.
But with so many choices how can you narrow down your options? This guide will explain five key services to look for when pregnant and looking into adoption agencies.
If you have any questions about finding an adoption agency, then you can get more free information now from an experienced adoption professional.
5 Services to Look for When Choosing an Adoption Agency
When you’re pregnant looking into adoption agencies, you want to make sure you’re working with an agency that knows what they’re doing. One of the best ways you can tell you’re working with the right agency is by the looking at the services they offer.
Below are five essential services to look for when you’re pregnant and looking into adoption agencies.
1. Free, 24/7 Counseling and Support
Adoption is an emotional journey for everyone involved. Although support from friends and family is crucial, adoption professionals are trained to guide you through the adoption process. When you speak with an adoption professional, they should never try and talk you into a decision you are not comfortable with.
Your adoption professional should be compassionate and help in any way they can. When you’re pregnant and looking into adoption agencies, your relationship with your adoption professional should continue throughout the entire process. Your adoption professional should do anything possible to offer the counseling and support you need during this emotional time.
Some agencies will offer 24/7 support, letting you contact your adoption professional on any day of the week at any time of day. Adoption professionals should provide:
- Help determining if adoption is right for you
- Emotional support throughout the process
- Education on how the adoption process works
- Suggestions on how to communicate with the adoptive family
- All your needs met in one place
2. Financial Assistance
Financial support is one of the most important services that an adoption agency can offer. Remember, when you’re pregnant and looking into adoption, it will always be free for you. Your adoption professional should ensure your financial needs are met and protected. With the right financial support, you can focus on having a healthy pregnancy.
Depending on your needs and situation, you may be eligible to receive living expenses to help cover:
- Rent/mortgage
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Doctor’s appointments
- Groceries
- Maternity clothing
- And much more
3. Wide Range of Adoptive Families to Choose From
It’s a good sign when an adoption agency has an extensive list of waiting families, as it gives you the chance to choose a family based on your preferences. When an adoption agency connects you with an adoptive family, they will also show you their profile and, in some cases, a video profile that provides accurate, visual insight.
When you’re pregnant and looking into adoption agencies, you can look for families based on:
- Where they live
- How old they are
- Their neighborhood community
- The number of other children in the household
- Their lifestyle, traditions and hobbies
- Their previous experience with adoption
- And much more
Because adoption agencies work regularly with both birth mothers and adoptive families, they are often the most prepared and reputable for providing this adoption service.
4. Pre-Placement and Post-Placement Contact
One of the ways you choose an adoptive family is based on the type of adoption relationship you want. This refers to how much contact you prefer during and after the adoption. Your adoption professional can facilitate this contact, too, especially in a semi-open (mediated) adoption.
When you’re pregnant and looking into adoption agencies, make sure to ask about their adoption options, whether that be open, semi-open or closed adoption.
Most adoptions today are open or semi-open, as it gives you a chance to stay connected to your child after placement. Your adoption professional will help you get to know the adoptive family and, if you choose to meet up with the adoptive family, they can coordinate those conversations.
5. Legal Support
For adoption finalization, you need to work with an adoption attorney. Attorneys will make sure your adoption process is fair, legal and ethical.
When you’re pregnant and looking into adoption agencies, make sure they have a trusted, in-house attorney who will work with you so you understand your rights and the paperwork you’re signing. Some of the legal aspects your adoption attorney will help guide you through include:
- Consent: This is when you legally consent to the adoption and terminate your parental rights around 24-72 hours after your baby’s birth.
- Revocation period: After you give your consent for adoption, there may be a revocation period in your state where you can legally change your mind. But, most states allow revocation only if you made your decision under pressure or any other fraudulent situation.
- Enforceable contact agreements: Certain states implement legally enforceable contact agreements between you and the adoptive family. This ensures that the adoptive family keeps what was promised to you regarding regular communication.
Finding an Adoption Agency
Now that you’ve heard about some of the key services to look for in an adoption agency, you can start researching and contacting adoption agencies.
When you’re pregnant and looking into adoption agencies, ask them the following questions:
- When will my adoption social worker be available?
- How are living expenses handled?
- How many waiting adoptive families do you typically have?
- Are you licensed?
- How much control do I have over the adoption?
- What is your agency’s view on open adoption and pre-placement contact?
- Do you provide free adoption counseling?
If you have any questions about the adoption process, or if you’re ready to get started with adoption, then you can get free information from an experienced adoption professional today.
