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Adoption - is it right for me?

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Adoption can be a good decision.

Thinking about adoption as one of your pregnancy options takes a great deal of courage. We appreciate the fact that you want to know more before making a decision about your pregnancy. Considering adoption doesn’t mean that you don’t care about your child. It does mean that you are responsibly thinking about all possible options. Adoption isn’t the right decision for everyone, but could it be right for you?

Today’s adoptions are very different from what you may think. Adoptions in years past were often secretive and birthparents rarely had contact with their child or the adoptive family. Today, you have many more options and opportunities.

Your Rights

At Boys & Girls Aid, we believe:

  • You have the right to make your decision without pressure
  • You have the right to confidentiality
  • You have the right to choose the family who will adopt your child
  • You have the right to choose to have ongoing contact with the adoptive family
  • You have the right to talk with women who have gone through similar experiences

If you choose to make an adoption plan, we realize that you have choices. So what can you expect if you choose adoption with Boys & Girls Aid?

You have help along the way

Our counselors are here to support you each step of the way.

  • Your counselor is available to you throughout the adoption process
  • You decide how much support you would like your counselor to provide
  • Your counselor will support you by communicating with the birthfather, your family, and anyone else you choose to involve

This is your life, your decision

You have the ability to make the best decisions for yourself and your child. Your voice will be heard and not judged. Your wishes will be respected.

  • You can choose the adoptive family for your child from our carefully screened and approved families. Here are some of our current waiting families.
  • While we encourage openness in adoptions, you can decide how much and what kind of contact you have with the adoptive family and your child
  • We welcome the important people in your life to be involved in this journey
  • Birthfather involvement is encouraged, but we understand that this may not always be an option

Providing for your needs

We can supply financial support as needed during your pregnancy and up to three months after your child is placed with the adoptive family. This may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rent and utilities
  • Food and clothing
  • Transportation

You can have peace of mind

We have been placing children in adoptive homes for more than 120 years. You can take comfort in knowing that you and your child will be cared for by experienced and compassionate counselors.

  • All adoptive families are qualified and fully screened
  • Your privacy and the information you share with us will be respected
  • We understand adoption law and will make a safe and legal placement

You can stay connected

Our staff is here to help facilitate contact with the adoptive family for years to come. Post-adoption services may include:

  • Letter and picture exchanges
  • Contact with the adoptive family
  • Arrangements for family visits

Making an adoption plan

You may be wondering what is included in making an adoption plan. First, you will meet with a counselor to talk about your pregnancy options. You can meet with her as many times as you would like. You can choose to involve the birthfather or any of the important people in your life.

If you decide to make an adoption plan, you will give your counselor some background information and you will discuss what is most important to you in choosing an adoptive family. You can also talk with her about your likes and dislikes and any other information you feel is important for her to know. As you progress in your pregnancy, your counselor will provide you with adoptive family profiles. You choose the family that you feel is the best match. You will have the opportunity to meet the adoptive family if you choose. Here are some of our current waiting families.

A few weeks before you give birth, you will make a hospital plan with your counselor. This will outline your wishes and desires surrounding the birth and entrustment of your child to the adoptive family. You will also decide the amount of openness, or contact, with the adoptive family. There are different levels of openness. You may decide to stay in touch by exchanging letters or pictures, or you may decide to meet periodically. You and the adoptive family will determine the amount of openness that works best for everyone.

It may help to hear about other birth family and adoptive family experiences. Click on the stories below for more information.