ABCs of Adoption

First Meeting

The first meeting is designed to give our birthparents education about the adoption process and give them an opportunity to meet our staff. At this meeting a birthparent coordinator will explain the adoption process in general and the support we will offer you throughout the adoption journey. Information regarding openness, getting started paperwork, agency and legal requirements are also presented. Questions and concerns are addressed.

Getting Started

The getting started meeting is designed to review the getting started paperwork that the birthparent(s) have completed. This is when we discuss your comfort level with the adoption plan and when you would become an active client with the agency. Just because you become an active client with the agency does not mean your parental rights are not intact. Remember, no one can relinquish a child for adoption until after the birth, so you can explore your options now and make your decision later. If the birthfather is not involved in the adoption plan we would discuss whether or not he is aware of the pregnancy and if he is supportive of the adoption plan. We would also expand on your options in choosing a family and begin discussing the process of looking at profiles. Questions and concerns are addressed.

Profile Selection

The purpose of the profile selection meeting is to review profiles of prospective adoptive couples. A profile is like a scrapbook composed of pictures and written information, which allows you the opportunity to get to know the family better. We will be with you to answer any questions you may have regarding the prospective families. Your decision does not have to be made at this meeting. You are able to take as much time as needed to select a family that you feel a connection with. We discuss the opportunity to meet the selected adoptive couple depending on your comfort level. This meeting occurs when you are at least six month along in your pregnancy. Questions and concerns are addressed.

Meeting the Selected Family

Many birthparents choose to meet with the selected adoptive family, which usually takes place over a lunch or dinner. This is a time when you and the adoptive couple can meet in person and spend time getting to know each other better. You may have questions you want to have answered before you decide to be matched with the family. A birthparent coordinator will be present to support you as well as help ask questions and keep the conversation going. An adoption coordinator will be present with the prospective adoptive family to support them during the meeting. A birthparent coordinator will contact you the following day to see how you felt about the meeting and whether or not you want to be matched with the family.

Meeting the selected family is something you can do either before or after placing your child for adoption. However, if you do not feel comfortable meeting the family this is not something you are required to do.

Hospital Experience

   During your hospital experience, a birthparent coordinator can be there as a support for you through labor and delivery as well as help you through any tough emotions you may struggle with along the way. If you are wavering in your decision we can be there to help explore all the options you are considering. During your hospital stay you have the choice to see or spend time with the baby. Adoptive parents can be involved in the hospital experience as much or as little as you would like them to be involved.