FAQ

The choice of adoption is a positive alternative to an unplanned pregnancy. Many women who find themselves in this situation do not search out all of their options. An adoption plan can be whatever you want it to be.

The decision to choose adoption is not an easy one to make on your own. Although it may be a difficult choice, we will be there to provide support, including counseling if you would like

Yes, you have the option of approving the parents who will be adopting your baby. Each family makes a picture profile, which is like a scrap book that tells you about their lives. The profiles we will present to you are filled with photos and notes from the family, so that you can get to know who they are and what their life is like.

All of our prospective adoptive parents go through extensive background checks. Case workers meet them in their homes to interview them. The couples are required to provide a criminal and child abuse clearance report as well as birth certificates, a copy of their marriage license, physician’s reports that include HIV test results, etc… Adoptive families are carefully screened.

Yes, if you wish they can come meet you before the baby is born and you can have as much or as little of a relationship with the adoptive family as you want. You also have the opportunity to talk with them over the phone throughout the pregnancy. You can call to let them know how your doctor’s visits are going. If the family is able, and you are willing, they can even attend a doctor’s appointment with you.

You will know as much information about the adoptive family as we can give to you without revealing their last names and addresses. However, if you prefer to have a closed adoption with the adoptive family, that is also available.

Many birth fathers consent to the adoption; however, if the birth father does not wish to consent, you do not know the whereabouts of the birth father, or he would like to speak to an agency representative, our agency attorney is available to speak to you about your specific situation.

Your caseworker can help you get to and from your doctor’s visits as well as take you to pick up prescriptions. If further assistance is needed (i.e. Trips to the grocery store, a ride to work, etc.), our staff will be glad to help arrange that for you. We understand how important it is that you stay healthy and well taken care of.

The choice of adoption is always at no cost to the birth mother. We will help you find assistance in paying the medical bills. The portion of the medical expenses not covered by private insurance or by state funds will be provided by the adoptive family.

Your case workers will help you in making that decision. You can see your baby as often as you want to while you are in the hospital.

In most situations the adoptive couple are at the hospital while you are in labor. If you would like, they can even be in the room with you during the delivery. The agency suggests they come to Texas a day or two before your estimated due date. If you deliver before your estimated due date, they will be on the next flight out of their home town.

In some cases, when the adoptive family is unable to arrive before the baby is released from the hospital, we will place the baby in private temporary care. The families who watch the children for this short period of time are screened as intensively as the adoptive family.

In Texas, the birth mother or birth parents may execute their relinquishment of their parental rights and consent to adoption without a court hearing.

In the instance that the child falls under the Indian Child Welfare Act or the child is over one year old, the birth mother/parents may need to appear in court.

We will provide an attorney for you as well as pay their fee. The agency will cover all of your legal fees for the adoption.

The agency will cover appropriate living expenses to birth mothers who need the help. We understand how difficult it is to get back on your feet and return to work after delivering a baby.

Ongoing correspondence is definitely an option for you as a birth mother. We require that the adoptive family be open to sending pictures and letters at least once a year until the baby reaches the age of 18. You are also able to send the adoptive family letters and pictures. The exchange of letters, pictures and gifts is through our agency.