FAQs for Birth Parents

Adoptive Parents

1. How do I know that the adoptive families you have available are safe and stable people?
Adoptive parents that come to our agency are required to do many things before they can be approved as adoptive families. They must have criminal background checks, child abuse/neglect background checks, confirmation of financial stability, good health, character references, infant CPR classes, infant child care classes, and health insurance for child. We also go to their home and tour it and make sure it is a safe place for a child to live.

2. How do I select an adoptive family?
Our agency asks you questions about what kind of family you are interested in by finding out several different things, like any religious preference you might have or what state they live in, etc. After finding out what you want, we provide you with several family profiles to look at that fit your criteria. (Profiles are books the families put together that tell you about them and provide you with pictures of themselves.)

3. How much do I get to know about the adoptive family I choose?
You may not know their last names and their address or telephone numbers, but you will know what profession they are in, what their hobbies are, if they have pets or other children, what their home looks like and what they look like. You can also know many other things about them that they may choose to share with you.

Cost

1. How much does it cost me to place my child for adoption?
All adoption services are free to Birthparents. All counseling and legal services are provided to you by the agency.

2. What if I don't have the money to pay for the medical expense of giving birth?
If you have insurance but need help in paying your co-pays, etc., our agency can arrange for this help. If you do not have insurance, we will help you apply for a medical card that will cover all you medical expenses. If you do not have insurance or are not eligible for Medicaid, we will talk with you about your individual situation and decide how we can best help you.

3. Can I get help with buying maternity clothes?
Our agency has a maternity clothes closet that is available to our birth mothers. You are welcome to come to our office and select clothes that suit your needs.If this is not an option for you, we will take you shopping at a local consignment store.

Birthparent Rights

1. What are my rights as a Birthparent?
No matter what state you reside in, which greatly affects the laws for your adoption, you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. This is a very difficult decision and we respect your right to make it when you are ready. Our agency works with Birthparents in Kansas and Missouri. Each state has different laws for placing a child or "relinquishment" of your parental rights.

2. What are my legal rights in Kansas?
In Kansas, you can not sign any legal paperwork placing your child for adoption until at least 12 hours after your child is born. After you sign this legal paperwork, your decision is final and you can not legally change your mind and decide to parent. You have the right to consult an attorney at no cost to you, in fact we strongly encourage this. You are not required to go to court by Kansas law.

3. What are my legal rights in Missouri?
In Missouri, you can not sign any legal paperwork placing your child for adoption until at least 48 hours after your child is born. An attorney that is provided to you at no cost, must be present when you sign this paperwork. After you sign the legal paperwork, your attorney will file it with the court and set a a court hearing to approve your paperwork. In some counties in Missouri, you will need to attend that court hearing, in others, you will not. It is your right to change your mind about placing your child for adoption until this court hearing occurs. After the court hearing, your decision is final.