IS ADOPTION THE RIGHT CHOICE?

If you are thinking that adoption might be the best plan for your child, we understand that you have many questions. Deciding whether to raise your child or to make an adoption plan so your child can be raised by other parents is a very important, and difficult, decision to make. We are available to provide you with assistance and support as you explore the options available to you and make the decision that is right for you and your child.

FAC staff is very professional and have considerable expertise in adoption issues and the rules, regulations and procedures that must be followed. Several of our staff members have experienced adoption in their personal lives. We can provide you the information you need as you consider what to do. Talking to a professional about the pros and cons of adoption can be very helpful.

When should I contact the agency?

You should contact an adoption professional as soon as you start thinking about adoption. It can be very stressful to wonder and worry about what plan is the right one—talking to a professional and getting accurate information can help ease your mind. Even if you do not make a decision right away, you will have the opportunity to get all of your questions answered, and to discuss your feelings about what is happening. If you are very late in your pregnancy, or if your child is already born, we can still help—it is never too late to call us.

What questions will I have to answer?

We will be asking you questions about the type of parents you want your child to have, and about what contact you might want to have if you do choose adoption. We will also ask you questions about your pregnancy, your heath history and the health of family members. We will ask you about other information that will be important for your child and the adoptive parents to know about you. We will suggest questions you can ask yourself in order to make the best decision. Your family is welcome to meet with us and be part of the process if their involvement will be helpful to you.

Does the child’s father have to be involved?

It is always helpful for both parents to be involved in making decisions and plans for a child, and the father is welcome to participate. If you and the father are married to each other, he must be involved. If you and the father are no longer together, we must make every attempt to contact him and inform him of the plans you are making. Adoption laws vary from state to state, but every state requires that the legal rights of all parents be terminated before a child can be adopted. FAC will help with contacting the birth father so you don’t have to do what is uncomfortable for you.

If I decide that adoption is the best plan for my child, can I choose the parents?  

Yes! You can absolutely choose the parents you feel are best suited to raise your child. FAC always has families “approved” and ready to adopt. (All parents must meet the requirements for adoptive parents in the state where they reside. FAC is licensed to approve individuals and couples to adopt. We will provide you with information about the process of studying and approving adoptive parents.) You may consider the families already approved by FAC, or you may refer a family that can go through the approval process in order to adopt your child. You can make your choice based upon written “profiles” that prospective adoptive parents provide; you can speak with them by telephone; and/or you can meet with the people you want to consider as adoptive parents. FAC will assist you through this process and be with you during meetings if you desire.

When do I have to decide?

A final decision about adoption does not need to be made until after the child is born. Even if you believe your decision is firm, it is not unusual to rethink your decision—maybe even several times! It is important to keep in mind that you will make your decision with both your emotions and your brain—and sometimes your thoughts and feelings will not be the same. Your agency representative will be with you to provide support until you have made a definite decision. If adoption is your decision, we will assist you with all that needs to be done to insure your child’s future is secure.

The information on this page is just a small sample of the information we will share with you, and we know you have many more questions. The best way for us to educate you about the adoption process, and provide you with support while you consider your decision, is to meet with you. You need to know who we are and develop a comfortable, trusting relationship with us so that you can decide if we are the right agency to help you at this very important and challenging time in your life.

Remember:

• All decisions regarding plans for your child will be made by you.
• Everything you discuss with FAC is completely confidential.

We look forward to talking to you. Please contact us by calling or emailing: Telephone: 1-800-753-0129 Email: kathyluz@facadopt.org