What Should I Know About Adoption?
Like all of your options for your unexpected pregnancy, placing your child for adoption is a difficult decision. However, adoption can be the best option for many reasons:
- You feel you are either too young or too old to parent
- You’re pursuing your education or career
- You’re already supporting other children and are concerned about adding another one
- You do not have the financial or emotional support needed to raise a child
- You are in a difficult relationship that wouldn’t be healthy or safe for a child
The Adoption Process
Adoption is the legal transfer of parental rights from the birth parents to adoptive parents. Your child becomes a member of their new family as if born to them.
As the birth mother, you control the adoption process. Depending on your adoption plan, you choose the adoptive couple, the environment you want for your child, and the type of relationship you hope to have with your child after placement.
Different Adoption Plans
There are three different types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. Which type you select depends on how involved you want to be in your child’s life once they are adopted.
- Open adoptions are becoming increasingly popular. An open plan allows for an ongoing relationship between the birth mother, the adoptive family, and the child. As the birth mother, you would select a couple who is also eager for an open relationship.
- At one time, closed plans were the only type of adoption available. The adoption specialist you choose is responsible for selecting the adoptive family, and after finalization, you have no further contact with your child or their family.
- A semi-open adoption is in between the other two plans. You have communication, but first, you send your letters or cards to your adoption specialist, who forwards them to the adoptive family.
Is An Open Adoption Good For My Child?
Research shows that adopted children benefit immensely from having a relationship with their birth family. Here’s why:
- Knowing their birth mother, father, and other additional birth family members gives them a sense of identity and belonging.
- Open adoption allows the birth mother an opportunity to explain to her child why she chose adoption.
- Birth family relationships answer those nagging questions like “Who do I look like?” “Why do I always eat Ranch Dressing?” or “Do others in my birth family like gerbils?”
- Having a connection to the birth family means more family members to love!
Is An Open Adoption Good For Me?
Making an adoption plan takes time, support, counseling, and courage. Here are some benefits of choosing open adoption:
- It allows you to continue pursuing your career or education.
- You won’t have the burden of financing and the time required to parent.
- By selecting the adoptive parents, you have peace of mind knowing who they are and how much they love your child.
- An open adoption plan lets you build a relationship with your child and their adoptive family.
- You have the opportunity to talk with your child about why you chose adoption and assure them of your love.
Let’s Discuss This Option
At True Care, we offer women a comprehensive look at all of their options to be informed and empowered to make the best decision possible. If you’re interested in learning more about adoption, we can provide referrals to reputable adoption agencies.
If you’re interested in discussing your other options, schedule an appointment with True Care Women’s Resource Center today.