10 Mar Placing A Baby For Adoption: 5 Things You Need To Know

Adoption is a big, complicated and emotional decision for any woman. It is important to understand as much about adoption as you can and to rely on the advice and counseling from an experienced adoption agency like Cradle of Hope. We have helped hundreds of women in DC, Maryland and Virginia by providing the necessary and crucial information that women need to know before making that decision for themselves.

Throughout our experience and journey with birthmothers and women who choose to parent their babies, we know that there are key elements to the adoption process that cannot be overlooked. We want you to be thoughtful about your journey and to make the decision that is right for you and for your baby. Here are five things to know about before making an adoption decision:

1. Adoption becomes permanent after the child is born, after you have signed the legal paperwork, and after your revocation period has expired. Before the baby is born – and even after – you can take the time that you need to make a final decision. Cradle of Hope is available to you for support and guidance through every step of the journey. Signing an adoption entrustment means cutting legal ties to your child and waiving your legal rights and responsibilities.
2. Traditional closed adoptions are an option, but aren’t as common as they used to be – Years ago, if a woman placed a child for adoption, she wasn’t given any information about the adoptive family or where the baby was going. The adoptive family was also given very little information about the birth mother and the history of the baby. In today’s world, adoption is very different. We understand more about the implications of a child who has no history or contact with the biological family. Open and semi-open adoptions are a much more
   common practice.
3. Birthmothers can choose the type of family that adopts their baby – The best way adoptions have changed is that birth mothers now have more control of how the adoption happens and the information you receive. You can choose to meet families, learn about different families that are hoping to adopt, you can have a say in the religious background of the family that adopts the child, and much more.
4. Adoption laws vary by state regarding the birth father and his involvement – The involvement of the biological father varies by state. Some states require consent from both the biological mother and father, while other states require only notice to the birth father. It is best to contact our experienced professionals at Cradle of Hope who can help you understand your rights and obligations as a birth mother in DC, MD or VA.
5. Birthmothers can choose how to communicate with the adopting family after the baby is placed. An adoption plan really maps out how communication and contact will happen after the adoption. In open and semi-open adoptions, this can include photos and updates of the baby. However, many open adoptions have included Facetime or Skype communication, and even visitation. You can specify the type and frequency of post-placement communication you’d like with the adopting family and Cradle of Hope will create a plan that works for everyone.

Cradle of Hope Adoption Center has been finding homes for children for 32 years. Our experienced staff will guide and support you throughout the adoption process and make sure that your priorities are met. If you decide to choose adoption, Cradle of Hope will be with you each step of the way.