Are you experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and looking into adoption? Placing a child for adoption is a difficult, personal decision. You deserve the facts and support from a qualified, experienced adoption professional as you explore this option. And, you deserve to do so in a safe, shame/judgement free space without pressure or coercion.
Please note, any legal information provided is only applicable to the state of Indiana. Please also know, these are just fast facts! You likely have more questions about the information provided and we have many more details we can share. We’d love to connect with you!
1. Adoption is a permanent, lifelong decision.
2. You should receive assistance and support looking at all your options including those outside of adoption. You should receive support locating the parenting resources in your community!
3. You cannot complete an adoption plan until after your baby is born. But you do not have to sign at the hospital. Some women complete their adoption plan at the hospital prior to discharge. Others need more time and take their baby home for days/weeks/months. Adoption can still be an option for you even if your baby is not a newborn. Do not let any professional pressure you into signing at a certain time!
4. You can receive financial assistance while considering adoption. In the state of Indiana, you can receive up to $4,000 in living expense funds. This money can be dispersed starting in the second trimester of pregnancy and up to 6 weeks following birth. If you receive financial assistance during pregnancy and ultimately choose to parent, either during pregnancy or after birth, you are not required to pay back any money already received, nor should anyone ask or expect you to!
5. You should be offered separate legal representation from the prospective adoptive family at no cost to you.
6. You should receive comprehensive information/education about adoption including the potential lifelong impacts for you and your child. While there is love and a broader definition of family in adoption, there is also trauma, grief and loss. You matter to your baby and they will experience a loss being separated from you. This doesn’t mean it’s
necessarily a bad decision or you are a bad parent for choosing this option for them, it means you need to be informed about the entirety of adoption and how both you and the adoptive parents you choose can be involved in the lifelong journey of grieving and healing for all involved.
7. You can choose the adoptive family for your baby! They should have a home study completed by a licensed child placing agency in their home state. They should be thoroughly assessed/screened to ensure health/stability/safety. They should also receive comprehensive, quality adoption education to prepare them for navigating this specific, unique, sacred type of parenting.
8. You can choose an open adoption! However, you need to be informed, in the state of Indiana, when you place a child under the age of 2, any agreements for ongoing contact/relationship with the adoptive family and your child is a moral obligation not a legal one. Agreements are not legally enforceable. Thus, why is it so important you choose an adoptive family who has been well educated by their adoption professional on the importance of open adoption, especially for the child, and how to navigate the complexities of these lifelong relationships.
9. You can absolutely see and spend time with your baby after they are born while you are deciding if you want to proceed with your adoption plan! You should be encouraged (not pressured) to spend time with your baby, as much time as you want. You should NOT be pressured to have the adoptive family at the hospital if that does not feel right to you and you want the time and space to make this decision without their presence. You get to build your support team, whether that’s birth father, family, friends or possibly adoptive family, too.
10. You should be offered and receive quality post placement care and support if you ultimately choose adoption. This includes free, lifelong access to adoption competent counseling and support group