Birth Parents FAQ – Open Arms Adoption Agency

FAQ’S FOR BIRTH PARENTS

WHAT IS ADOPTION?

Adoption is the process of granting legal parental rights of a child to an individual or family who are not the biological parents of the child. Adoption includes an expecting mother or couple who make a loving and brave choice to give their child a new family who is 100% prepared to parent.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ADOPTION?

We think the benefits of adoption are many, including some very important ones: You will be in control of the entire process, you will select your child’s family, and you will have the opportunity to pursue your goals and prepare for your future. See the 10 Virtues of Adoption for more about the benefits of adoption.

WHAT IS OPEN ADOPTION?

An open adoption is a type of adoption plan that allows a birth mother to stay in contact or have some kind of connection with her child and the child’s family throughout their lifetime. Open adoptions can look a variety of different ways depending on the needs and wants of everyone involved. Open Arms encourages open adoption plans as it is usually in the best interest of the child.

Closed adoptions refer to adoption plans where there is no ongoing communication or relationship between birth mother and child once the adoption has been finalized. Closed adoptions were more popular in the past, but this has changed. Sometimes a closed adoption may be the right choice. An adoption professional at Open Arms can help walk you through adoption plan options and help you select what is right for you and your child.

WHO CHOOSES THE FAMILY FOR MY CHILD?

You do! We are here to help you figure figure out what you are looking for in an adoptive family, and support you in choosing the family that is the right fit for your child. Open Arms encourages expectant mothers to look over the parent profiles we provide thoroughly to learn more about them and find the right family that matches what you are looking for.

WHAT KIND OF HELP WILL I GET THROUGH THE ADOPTION PROCESS?

Open Arms is here to make this process as easy as possible. We provide supportive options counseling and step-by-step guidance throughout your decision-making process and even after you give birth and finalize an adoption plan. We help connect you to the legal services that you are entitled to, and help you find and connect to community resources that may be highly useful. You may also be able to receive financial help with medical and legal costs.

WHAT IF I HAVE LEGAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ADOPTION?

Every birth mother is entitled to their own legal counsel. We encourage each birth mother to reach out an adoption attorney with specific legal questions. We can help you find an attorney by providing referrals to working adoption attorneys in the area. While we understand the basic legal components of adoption, we are not attorneys and will not provide you with legal advice.

HOW MUCH DOES ADOPTION COST?

All services that Open Arms provides to expectant parents are free of charge.

WHAT KIND OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL I RECEIVE?

Financial assistance is available to cover some of or all of your expenses that are associated with having a child. Some of these costs may be living expenses, transportation to medical appointments, medical bills, prenatal vitamins, or groceries. Open Arms will talk with you in more detail about your specific situation to learn how we can support you in the best way.

WHAT SUPPORT AM I OFFERED AFTER THE ADOPTION?

Open Arms values the time we spend working with an expectant mother, and we want to stay in touch with you! You are part of our family moving forward and we are excited to work with you further. We always provide you with continued counseling, and can help you fill out college applications, we are here to help. We also offer an additional
opportunity for you as Open Arms alumni to serve as a birth mother mentor to other
expecting girls in the future.

WHY SHOULD I CHOSE OPEN ARMS ADOPTION AGENCY?

Open Arms Adoption Agency is a boutique adoption agency that provides personal, supportive, and compassionate services to women considering adoption. Due to our size, our clients do not fall through the cracks, and can expect to receive direct and tailored attention. Additionally, our staff members have had first hand adoption experience, so we empathize with all who are thinking about the adoption process, and other options.

HOW DO I KNOW IF ADOPTION IS RIGHT FOR ME AND MY CHILD?

Let’s be honest. Adoption may not be the right decision for everyone. We believe that this decision must be an ongoing process with trustworthy information from trustworthy people. For many who have chosen to make an adoption plan, their financial situation, living situation, amount of family support, partner support, their own goals and dreams, and readiness to parent have been a part of their decision-making process. We also believe that if the adoption process is done right, birth parents tend to feel confident and good about their decision to make an adoption plan. We are here to answer your questions and to support YOU in figuring out if adoption is the right choice.