Beginnings
Care for Life Center

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Adoption
Maybe you know in your heart that you can’t take care of your baby. There’s not enough time, money, or help. Maybe you already have children and one more baby would be too much stress on you.

The good news about your situation is that there are so many families all over the country that would love to have a baby of their own, but can’t due to infertility. They are waiting for a person like you - a person that wants to give a baby life, and share that baby with them.

You are doing the right thing by researching all of your options. Adoption is a choice that you need to think about carefully, but if you can’t parent, no matter what the reason, adoption may be the right choice for you.

At Beginnings, we can give you general information about adoption and refer you to a number of adoption agencies.  One of these is Bethany Christian Services, which operates a national hotline from    8 AM to 12 PM, 7 days a week (1-800-Bethany). This hotline routes callers to one of 56 local offices which can then provide local and regional information. 
We also refer to Adoption Associates, Inc. They can be reached at www.adoptassoc.com or 1-800-677-2367.

On-going education and support for parents are offered through these adoption agencies. Adoption is a life-long process and adoptive families have unique issues and concerns. Information and support is given to birth-parents throughout the entire process.  After-adoption support is also provided.  We encourage you to explore this option and find out about open, closed and semi-open adoptions and the services that are available to you.

Here are some answers to frequently-asked questions:

How can I be helped financially?
There is no cost to you for adoption. You do not need an attorney. Your adoption agency will handle all the legal and financial details for you.

Can I get assistance with medical and living expenses while I am making an adoption plan?
Assistance with medical and living expenses is available through your adoption agency.

What services does an adoption agency offer me?
  • Assistance with medical and living expenses
  • Referrals for housing and coordination of medical services
  • Interim care for the child, if desired
  • Development of an adoption plan
  • Hospital visitation and coordination of services with hospital staff
  • Birth parent support groups
  • Post-adoption counseling
  • Assistance with the legal process of termination of parental rights
  • Counseling services for designated (private) or attorney-facilitated (designated) adoptions
  • Pregnancy counseling for you and your extended family before and after birth
Can I choose a family for my baby?
Yes! Most agencies have many different families from which you may choose. These families have been screened and approved. There are additional options, such as choosing a friend or someone who has been recommended to you. You can see a list of Bethany's family profiles online, and the agency you choose will have more profiles for you to look at.

How much will I get to see my baby after birth and after adoption?
You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as you want. When planning your child’s adoption, you can choose an open adoption plan that allows ongoing visits with your child, or you can choose semi-open plan that keeps you informed about your child’s progress through letters and pictures. If you prefer not to have any contact with your child or the adoptive family, confidential adoption plans are also possible.

How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?
The timing of your child’s placement depends on three factors:
  • What you prefer to be the time of placement
  • Legal aspects of adoption, which may vary from state to state
  • The cooperation of the birth father
Many women want their baby placed with the adoptive family directly from the hospital, but you may prefer to place your baby in temporary care while you consider adoption.

How much will my child know about me?
That depends on what type of adoption you choose - open, semi-open, or confidential. Also, your agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history to your child, no matter what type of adoption you choose (in some states this is required).

Does the birth father have any rights?
Both you and the birth father have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with the birth father and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated.

Can my child find me if he/she wants to search someday?
The laws in your state determine when and how your child may have access to information in the adoption file.
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