Are You Pregnant and Thinking About Adoption?, Page 3

How Do I Arrange an Adoption Through an Agency?

In all States, you can work with a licensed child placing (adoption) agency. In many States, you can also work directly with an adopting couple or their attorney without using an agency (see next page). Private adoption agencies arrange most infant adoptions. To find private adoption agencies in your area, either contact NAIC or look in the yellow pages of your local phone book under "Adoption Agencies."

There are several types of private adoption agencies. Some are for profit and some are nonprofit. Some work with prospective adoptive parents of a particular religious group, though they work with birth parents of all religions.

When you contact adoption agencies, ask the social workers as many questions as you need to ask so that you understand the agencies' rules. Some questions you will want to ask are in the box below.

Will I get counseling all through my pregnancy, after I sign the papers allowing my child to be adopted, and after my baby is gone?

Can my baby's father and other people who are important to me join me in counseling if they want to?

What kind of financial help can I get? What kind of medical and legal help will I have? Can I get help with medical and legal expenses?

What will I get to know about the people who adopt my baby? May I tell you what I think are important traits for parents to have? How do you know the adoptive parents are good people? May I meet them if I want, or know their names? Will I ever be able to have contact with them or my child? Will I ever know how my child turns out?

What information will you provide to the adoptive parents about me and my family?

The agency social worker will ask you questions to find out some information about you and the baby's father, such as your medical histories, age, race, physical characteristics, whether you have been to see a doctor since you became pregnant, whether you have been pregnant or given birth before, and whether you smoked cigarettes, took any drugs, or drank any alcohol since you became pregnant. The social worker asks these questions so that the baby can be placed with parents who will be fully able to care for and love the baby, not so that she can turn you down.

How Do I Arrange a Private Adoption?

An adoption arranged without an adoption agency is called an independent or private adoption. It is legal in many but not all States. With a private adoption, you need to find an attorney to represent you. Look for an attorney who will not charge you a fee if you decide not to place your baby for adoption. You also need to find adoptive parents. Here's how you find both of these.

To Find an Attorney

Legal Aid--This is a service available in most communities for people who cannot afford a private attorney. Sometimes it is located at a university law school. Note: Some States allow the adopting parents to pay your legal fees, so going to Legal Aid may not be necessary.

State Attorney Association or the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys--These groups can refer you to an attorney who handles adoptions in your area. Contact NAIC for the address and telephone number of your State attorney association. You can contact the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys at P.O. Box 33053, Washington, DC 20033-0053.

To Find Adoptive Parents

Personal Ads--Some newspapers carry personal ads from people seeking to adopt. You call the number in the ad and get to know each other over the telephone. If you think you want to work with the couple, have your attorney call their attorney. The attorneys will work out all the arrangements according to what you and the adoptive parents want and the laws of your State.

Your Doctor--He or she may know about couples who are seeking a child, and be able to help arrange the adoption.

Adoptive Parent Support Groups--Parents who have already adopted may know other people seeking to adopt. You can find out more about these groups from NAIC.

National Matching Services--These services help birth parents and adoptive parents find one another. Contact NAIC for more information.

Of course, personal referrals are always good. Ask friends and family if they know any attorneys or possible adoptive parents.

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Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)