20 Jul Birth Mother Questions for Adoption Agencies

You have made the courageous decision to place your child for adoption with the help of an adoption agency. This is a huge step. Finding the right adoption agency is similar to finding the right family—you want to find one that will support your choices throughout your journey. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s essential to think through what you expect from this process. Developing a list of questions is a good place to begin.

Here are some ideas to help you get starte:

• What kind of support do you offer?  The adoption journey is full of emotional ups and downs, and you must surround yourself with support. We offer birth mother support and access to counseling throughout the entire journey.
• How are adoptive families screened?  Of course, you want to make sure your child is placed with the best family possible. Cradle of Hoper allows you to participate in the process by interviewing and/or meeting prospective parents for your baby. In addition, all Cradle of Hope waiting families have clean police and child abuse records, are financially stable, have a nice home, and have been recommended by those who know them as excellent candidates to become adoptive parents.
• Are there any financial resources available?  Finances play a huge part in deciding to place your child for adoption. We work with birth mothers and adoptive families to make sure you have what you need throughout the process. After we receive a note from your doctor indicating you can’t work due to the pregnancy or delivery, we can assist with some of your living expenses.
• Will I be able to reach someone at the agency outside of regular business hours?  Pregnancy is an unpredictable journey, and sometimes support is needed outside of a 9-5 workday. We have a dedicated birth mother hotline for precisely that reason. Before beginning the process, make sure you know what support is available to you in the evenings and weekends.

Many questions will come up throughout your adoption process. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek alternate advice if you are not clear on something. This is your child and your adoption journey. There are no wrong questions! We are here to support you in every possible way.