For Birthmother
1. Why Choose Adoption?
The choice of adoption is a positive alternative to an unplanned pregnancy.
Many women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy situation do not
search out all of their options. An adoption plan can be what ever you
want it to be.
2. Who will help me understand this decision and deal with the loss of my
child?
The decision to choose adoption is not an easy one to make on your own. It
is a difficult and often painful choice. However, there are ways to lessen
the pain when dealt with in a positive environment. Our agency will provide
counseling at no cost to you, the birth mother.
3. Can I choose the adoptive family of my child?
Yes, you have the option of approving the parent(s) who will be adopting your
baby. The family makes a profile, which is close to a mini-scrap book
that will tell you about their lives together. The profiles we will present
to you are filled with photos of the family, their vacations, their home
and lots more. The family will also include a "Dear Birth Mother" letter
addressing other frequently asked questions such as their religious preference,
their likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc.
4. How do I know the adoptive family can provide a safe environment to raise
my child?
All of our prospective adoptive parents go through intensive background checks.
Social workers meet them in their homes to interview them. The couples
are required to provide a State Bureau of Investigation report and a child
abuse clearance report. They must provide birth certificates, a copy of
their marriage license, physician reports that include HIV test results,
etc. We screen the adoptive families intensively for any sign that they
would or could abuse/neglect any child in their care.
5. Will I be able to meet the adoptive couple in person?
Yes, you can have as much or as little of a relationship with the adoptive
couple as you want. If you wish, they can come meet you before the baby
is born. You also have the opportunity to talk with them over the phone
through out the pregnancy. You can call to let them know how your doctor's
visits are going. If the family is able, and you are willing, they can
even attend a doctor's appointment with you.
6. Can I make an Adoption Plan without the Birth Fathers Consent?
Yes, but the laws differ according to the particular state of the birth mothers residence as well as each unique situation. Please call our offices to discuss your particular situation with our agency attorney at no charge to you!
7. Will I be able to receive help with transportation if I need it?
Our social services staff can help you get to and from your doctor's visits
as well as take you to pick up prescriptions. If further assistance is
needed (i.e. Trips to the grocery store, a ride to work, etc.), our staff
will be glad to help arrange that for you. We understand how important
it is that you stay healthy and well taken care of.
8. How do I pay for the medical costs incurred by the pregnancy?
The choice of adoption is always at no cost to the birth mother. We will help
you find assistance in paying the medical bills. The portion of the medical
expenses not covered by private insurance or by state funds, will be provided
by the adoptive family.
9. Can I have contact with my baby while I am in the hospital?
Our case workers will help you in making that decision. You can see your baby
as often as you want to while you are in the hospital. The time you spend
with your baby in the hospital will create very special memories. That
is quality time for you and your child.
10. When will the adoptive family take the baby home?
In most situations the adoptive couple are at the hospital while you are
in labor. If you would like, they can even be in the room with you during
the delivery. The agency suggests they come to the mothers state of residence a day or two before
your estimated due date. If you deliver before your estimated due date,
they will be on the next flight out of their home town.
When the baby is discharged from the hospital, the adoptive family will take
the baby to their hotel suite. In five to ten days, they will receive
clearance to leave the state and take the baby home.
11. Is transitional care ever involved?
In extreme cases, when the adoptive couple are unable to arrive before the
baby is released from the hospital, we will place the baby in transitional
care. The families who watch the children for this short period of time
are screened as intensively as the adoptive family.
12. Do I have to go in front of a Judge to give my consent?
The consent to the adoption must be given before a judge within the State of Oklahoma. This process usually
takes between fourty-five minutes and an hour. The court system needs
to make sure you are not being pressured into this decision.
In other states, the consent process varies and many times it will take place in front of a notary public and the adoption agency. Please call us for more information if you live outside the State of Oklahoma.
13. Will I have to find my own attorney for the consent?
We will provide an attorney for you as well as pay their fee. The agency
will cover all of your legal fees for the adoption.
14. Can the agency help me with living expenses if I am unable to work?
The agency will provide court approved living expenses to those birth mothers
who are in need of the help in Oklahoma. We also provide assistance while you are recoving from the birth and can not return to work. We understand how difficult it is to get
back on your feet and return to work after delivering a baby. In other states, the laws on living expenses vary and therefore, if you live in another state, please call our offices at 1-800-898-6028.
15. Will I be able to know about my child's health and well-being after his/her
birth?
Ongoing correspondence is definitely an option for you as a birth mother. We require
that the adoptive family be open to sending pictures and letters at least
once a year until the baby reaches the age of eighteen (18). You are also
able to send the adoptive family letters and pictures. The exchange of
letters, pictures and gifts is through our agency. This maintains the
confidentiality of the adoptive parents' last name and address.
|
