How Do I Make An Adoption Plan?

If you’ve chosen to place your child for adoption, you may feel overwhelmed by the process and unsure of where to begin.

The good news is that many adoption agencies can help you navigate the process.

Continue reading to learn more about what type of adoption is right for you.

Types of Adoption

One benefit of modern-day adoption is the opportunity for the birth mother to be involved in the adoption process decisions.

The birth mother can choose the adoptive family and determine how much contact she would like to have with her child.

For some women, this gives them the peace of mind they need, knowing that their child is being cared for by a loving family and being able to check in over the years. However, other women choose not to be as involved due to their circumstances or the fear that remaining in contact would be too difficult.

Regardless of your decision, support can help you take your next steps.

The most common types of modern adoption include:

Open adoption: You can choose the family you want to adopt your baby and decide if you want to keep in contact with them. You can also choose how involved you want to be in the baby’s life.
Semi-open adoption: You can still have contact with the family and baby, but a professional adoption agency will help manage communication and keep your identifying information confidential.
Closed adoption: You won’t have contact with the baby, and the identities of all parties are kept confidential. The court keeps adoption records sealed.

Choosing An Adoptive Family

Listed below are some tips if you want to select the adoptive family.

1. Creating Criteria

Consider your non-negotiables as you envision the type of family you want your child to be a part of. The questions listed below can help create your criteria.

Do I want my child raised in a two-parent home?
Do I want my child raised in a family of a particular religion or faith?
Do I want the family to have other children?
Do I prefer one parent to stay home with my child instead of using daycare services?

2. Reviewing Families

Adoption agencies often provide you with profiles of potential adoptive families. Sorting through these profiles may feel overwhelming.

Instead of feeling pressured to choose the perfect family the first time, it may be helpful to look at the profiles multiple times and make yes, no, and maybe categories.

3. Meeting the Families

If you’re having trouble narrowing down your selections, meeting with a few different families may help you make the final decision. You can assess the family dynamic and try to envision your child as part of this family.

You might be more comfortable beginning with a phone conversation or video chat, and then, if it goes well, you can meet the family in person.

4. Building a Relationship with the Family

After choosing an adoptive family, you might consider updating them about your pregnancy or meeting them to get to know them better.

You don’t have to figure things out alone; support and resources can help you navigate your unique situation.

Find Support Today

Maybe you’re confident that adoption is the right path for you, or perhaps you’re still unsure.

New Life Clinic wants to support you as you navigate your pregnancy decision.

We offer free services like pregnancy confirmation and options counseling, where you can discuss your pregnancy options and work toward making the best decision for your future.

If you determine adoption is right for you, we can connect you with an adoption agency.