What Do You Know About Adoption?
Like having an abortion, adoption involves loss, but unlike abortion, you can continue to have a relationship with your child and their adoptive family.
Placing your child for adoption is a difficult decision, but if parenting is not an option, adoption can be the perfect solution.
Although every state’s adoption laws are different, the following are some of the benefits you receive by making an adoption plan:
- You pay nothing for adoption services.
- You are free to choose the adoption coordinator that best fits your needs.
- All of your medical and legal expenses are covered.
- In certain circumstances, you may receive financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses such as rent, food, transportation, etc.
- You may select the adoptive parents who will raise your child.
- You determine the amount of openness you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family.
- You can change your mind at any time before signing legal adoption papers.
- Your child can grow up in a financially stable, loving, two-parent home.
- Your child avoids the potential of foster care.
The Three Types of Adoption
When you place your child for adoption, you choose the plan you are most comfortable with. The following are three plans that determine the amount of communication you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family.
Open Adoption
An open adoption means you and the adoptive family you’ve selected contact one another directly. Together, you decide whether to communicate by mail, email, or phone. You can also arrange in-person visits.
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption is also called a mediated adoption. You can communicate by mail, email, or phone with your chosen adoptive family, but all communication goes through a third party, such as your adoption coordinator. Your coordinator can also arrange in-person visits. This plan provides more privacy for everyone involved.
Closed Adoption
Today, 90 to 95% of all adoptions are open or semi-open. However, if you desire complete privacy, you can choose a closed adoption. You and the adoptive couple do not have contact, and the courts seal the adoption records.
Making Your Adoption Decision
Choosing to place your child for adoption is one of the most challenging yet loving decisions you can make. It requires thorough counseling and a complete understanding of the adoption process.
Wabash LIFE Center is not a licensed child-placing agency, but we can refer you to several reputable adoption agencies in our area. Talk with us about the possibility of adoption. Remember, you control the adoption process and can choose the future you wish your child to have.
