FAQ'S

1) What are the adoptive parents allowed to know about me or my family? Can identities remain confidential?

Your identity can remain confidential and you can choose the amount of information the adoptive family has about you.

2) When the child is old enough, what information will the child be able to get about me if he/she wants?

Each adoptive family is different; the adoptive family and the birth mother will abide by a mutually agreed upon level of disclosure.

3) When the child is old enough, if he/she wants to search for me, will the agency contact me first?

In this situation, the adoptive family will notify the agency. The agency will then contact the birthparent. The birth parent then can decide whether or not to allow contact with their biological child. When the child becomes an adult he/she can have more information about you if you desire.

4) Will I be able to find my child if I decided I want to search for him/her? What if it were a medical emergency?

In either of these situations, you should contact the agency. The agency will then contact the adoptive family.

5) May I write the adoptive parents a letter explaining to them the reasons for placing my child for adoption?

Yes.

6) May I write my child a letter for the adoptive parents to save until he/she is old enough to read it and understand?

Yes.

7) May I give the baby a gift?

Yes.

8) How much can I be involved in choosing the couple for my child?

You can choose the adoptive couple from various profiles, or you do not have to be involved at all.

9) How much will I really know about the adoptive parents?

Each adoption is different. Your wishes are considered, but the adoptive family can also choose the amount of information they feel comfortable releasing about themselves. However, you can be assured that the adoptive family has met all requirements for adoption.

10) What qualifies an adoptive couple to work with your agency?

There are strict guidelines for potential adoptive parents for both our agency and the State of Alabama. For more information about adoptive parent qualifications, see: General Qualifications for Prospective Adoptive Applicants.

11) What information is needed from the birth father?

The birth father should be notified of the adoption process. It is ideal to receive his signed consent.

12) What if I’m not sure who the father of my baby is?

If the birth father is unknown, an adoption notification will be placed in the paper. We will also use a birth father registry to gain his presumed consent.

13) Will my baby ever have to go into foster care?

Generally adoptive parents take the baby directly from the hospital. However, if needed, our agency can provide care for the child until the adoptive parents can take the child home.

14) Will I be able to see my baby in the hospital? Will I be able to feed and hold my baby in the hospital?

You may have some time with your child; however, the more time you spend, the harder it may be to part with the child.

15) What if the baby is sick or has some deformity? Will the adoptive family still want the baby?

Yes, adoptive parents are fully aware of your baby’s health due to your on-going prenatal care.

16) Will I have to have a lawyer?

No, our agency has an attorney on staff. However, you have the right to have an attorney of your own choosing.

17) Once I sign the adoption papers, can I change my mind?

You have 5 days from the birth of the child to withdraw your consent for adoption. You have an additional 9 days to file papers in court to withdraw your consent. However, after the initial 5 days, receiving custody back is not guaranteed.

18) Who actually pays for my medical costs and pregnancy related financial needs, the agency or the adoptive parents?

The adoptive parents that have been matched with your child pay for your medical costs and other pregnancy related financial needs.

19) After the baby is with the adoptive parents, will I have to have any further contact with the agency? Why?

Yes, you should keep the agency apprised of any medical changes. Also, the agency will continue to help with counseling, letters, gift, etc.

20) What if I have problems adjusting after the adoption? Will the agency refer me to a counselor? Will I have to pay for it or will the agency or adoptive parents pay?

Yes, our agency provides counseling after the adoption at no cost to you.