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Understanding Adoption Planning

Many domestic adoption agencies have counselors or caseworkers who help expectant parents plan for their children. Each State has different laws governing the legal process for placing a child for adoption. In some States, birth parents may sign legal documents with a counselor at the agency; other States require documents to be signed in court. In all States, no legal documents can be signed until after the child is born.

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Below are some questions expectant birth parents may want to ask of any potential agency:

• What is the cost for birth parent services?
• Does your agency offer counseling about all options available?
• Does your agency help in arranging for medical care or help in paying for the expenses of labor and delivery?
• What if I deliver my baby and haven't created a plan? Can you work with me from the hospital?
• How are your prospective adoptive parents screened?
• Can I choose the adoptive parents for my child?
• Will I have an opportunity to meet them?
• What kind of ongoing information about my child will I receive after placement?
• Does your agency offer open adoption? Do you have prospective adoptive families willing to maintain contact with the birth parents after a child is placed?
• Does your agency offer support groups for young women and men who are faced with similar issues?
• What are the birth father's rights in my State/territory?
• Are there families available for African-American and biracial babies?
• If I choose adoption, when is my decision final?
• How do I get started?

Updated on December 7, 2007