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Adoption can be a complex and beautiful journey, but it’s often misunderstood. Many birth mothers aren’t aware of how much control they have or the resources available to them through the adoption process!
Today, we’re answering some common questions about adoption, to shed light on this brave and loving decision! Keep reading to learn more.
What are the Different Types of Adoption?
Did you know that you get to decide how much contact you want to have with your child and the adoptive family–both during and after the adoption takes place? Based on how often you’d like to communicate, you can choose open, closed, or semi-open adoption.
What if I Want as Much Communication as Possible?
If you’d like to play an active role in your child’s life, an open adoption[1] might be a good choice for you. Open adoption allows you to communicate openly with the adoptive family, whether through emails and letters, phone and video calls, or even in-person visits!
What if I Want Little to No Communication?
Perhaps you feel that it would be easier to close this chapter of your life by remaining anonymous. In that case, you could choose a closed adoption[1], which does not allow for any communication between you, the adoptive parents, or the child after it’s been born.
Neither you nor the adoptive family shares any identifying information, such as names or addresses. However, the adoptive family does receive a copy of your medical history, so they can get the proper care for the child if medical issues arise.
What if I Want Something in Between?
If you’re looking for a happy medium between open and closed adoption, consider semi-open adoption[1]! Semi-open adoption is similar to open adoption, except all communication with the adoptive family is managed by the adoption agency.
You can decide whether to stay in touch or distance yourself over time. Regardless, you can still receive pictures and updates from the adoptive family, usually through a secure portal on the adoption agency’s website.
You get to choose the adoption type that best fits your unique circumstances. However, your feelings can change over time! You may start out thinking a semi-open adoption would be best, but later decide you’d like to be more involved in your child’s life and switch to open adoption. You can even change your mind and back out of the adoption before a certain point (more on that in a moment). Whatever your circumstances, you’re in charge of your adoption plan, each step of the way!
Do I Get to Choose the Adoptive Parents?
Even though you’re placing your child for adoption, you still have a say in the type of upbringing you’d like them to have. As the birth mother, you have the right to select the adoptive parents! Adoption agencies usually provide profiles of hopeful families so you can find the perfect match. You can make your selection based on a combination of factors, such as:
- Where they live
- Their occupations
- Their religion
- Their race
- How many children they have or plan to have
- Hobbies and personality traits
Once you’ve made your selection, the adoptive family is required to complete a home study to assess their parenting skills, financial stability, and readiness for adoption. The home study ensures that the child is placed with the family that can best meet their needs!
Do Birth Mothers Receive Financial Assistance?
To help you get all the care and support you need, the adoption agency or the adoptive family can cover some of your expenses! This includes your[2]:
- Housing and utilities
- Food
- Transportation
- Maternity clothing
- Mental health and medical services
- Attorney or social work services and fees
The exact amount paid for birth mother expenses is usually limited to what’s considered “reasonable and customary”[3]. Your adoption professional can determine the financial aid you qualify for!
Can I Change My Mind About the Adoption?
Just because you started the adoption process, you don’t have to complete it. You can change your mind about the adoption at any point during your pregnancy, even if you’ve already chosen an adoptive family. After the child has been born, you have 10[4] days to decide whether or not you’d like to raise your child.
If you have any reservations about the adoption, talk to your caseworker! They will keep you informed about your rights as the birth mother and help you to stand up for yourself!
Free Adoption Resources in San Antonio, TX
If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption in Texas (or just want to learn more), speak to a client advocate at Resources for Women! We’re here to help you explore adoption without any pressure or commitment. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll connect you with our trusted adoption partners, so you can create an adoption plan on your terms!
Call us at (210) 651-1611, text us at (210) 638-8221, or schedule your free appointment online today!
Sources
- Could Open Adoption be the Best Choice for You and Your Baby? Child Welfare Information Gateway. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/openadoption.pdf
- Birth Mother Expenses Covered by Each State. Texas Adoption Center. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.texasadoptioncenter.org/blog/birth-mother-expenses-by-state/
- Regulation of Private Domestic Adoption Expenses. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/expenses.pdf
- 10 Questions You Have About Texas Adoption Laws. Considering Adoption. (2022, January 18). Retrieved from https://consideringadoption.com/adoptions-by-state/texas/adopt/texas-adoption-laws/