The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Adoption Agency for Birthmothers

One of the most important decisions a birth mother will make is which adoption agency she will work with. It would help if you asked an agency about their matching process and how many families they usually work with.

It is also a good idea to find out what their protocol is for dealing with adoption disruptions (when a birth mother changes her mind about the adoption). The best agencies will be transparent and honest about this.

Experience

Adoption is a journey that’s full of choices and emotions, and it’s important for pregnant/birth mothers to feel comfortable with the adoption agency they work with. A good adoption agency for birthmothers Kansas will ensure you’re always taken care of, listen to your wishes and needs, and treat you respectfully.

They’ll also help you understand your options – like open, semi-open or closed adoptions – and what each option means for the adoptive family, you, and your baby. They’ll educate you on the costs of the process and give you accurate wait time estimates based on their experience. They’ll never pressure you or try to influence your decisions, and they should always provide you with all the information you need to move forward.

Transparency

The adoption agency you choose will set the tone for your entire adoption process. You deserve an agency that will be honest and transparent in every way possible, especially about their fees.

Beware of agencies that quote low prices to draw in hopeful adoptive families but don’t include critical services like 24/7 counseling for birth mothers. Some also use “best-case scenario” pricing that doesn’t account for adoption disruptions or legal complications.

A top national adoption agency will provide a clear breakdown of your costs before you start working with them. You can also expect your adoption specialist to be transparent about the type of adoption you envision, including the sex, race, and age of your baby. They will help you create an appropriate adoption plan for your situation and goals.

Involvement

As a birth mother, you’ll want to make sure your adoption agency will provide financial assistance for medical and living expenses. They’ll also help you find families that are a good match for your child and will support you throughout the process.

The best agencies for birth mothers will be transparent about the average wait time for adoptive families and provide accurate, clear answers to any questions you might have. They will also be able to give you the information you need regarding legal requirements and your options.

Most states allow birth mothers to have some contact with their child’s adoptive family after placement. These contacts can be as little or as much as you’d like and may include updates, photos, emails, and even in-person visits.

Support

Adoption agencies offer a variety of services to help birth mothers. They can provide counseling services to ensure they feel supported and that their decisions are being made for the best of the child. They can also provide financial assistance and housing.

If you find an agency that does not offer these services, they may try to coerce you into making a decision that is not in your best interest. Doing your research online and speaking with an adoption professional will give you a good idea of what to expect from the agency regarding transparency, average wait times, and more.

The best agencies will support your choice of open or closed adoption and allow you to meet adopting families and build a relationship with them (if desired). They can help you through any feelings of guilt or temporary regret post-placement.

Fees

It is important to ask questions and make a list of potential professionals before making your decision. When you do, consider their reputation and how they respond to questions and concerns.

It’s also a good idea to look at reviews online. This will give you a first-hand account of what other birth mothers have experienced with the agency.

Be sure to note how many family placements the agency makes per year and any adjustments for families who have already completed their home study or are looking for an infant. Additionally, it would help if you also asked how often the agency works with adoptive families who have a past felon or other issues on their criminal background report. This can affect their ability to match with you.