How can I be sure the family adopting my baby is a good family?
You may be experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and are searching to find families for your baby. But, you want to make sure the families are safe and fully able to care for your child. We love that you are asking this question and wanting to know more about adoptive families. A good mother makes a plan for her baby’s life. By desiring to place him/her in a safe and loving home, you are caring well for your baby.
Where do I start looking?
There are many families looking to adopt a baby, and families choose Lifeline as their local adoption agency because of our commitment to you and their desire to know you. Our adoptive families have a desire love and support both you and your child. Not only are they adopting your child, they are welcoming and honoring you as your child’s birthmother.
How can I be sure they will be good for my baby?
By making an adoption plan, you can choose the family that you want to place your baby with. You can share with your pregnancy counselor all of your dreams that you have for your baby, for their adoptive family, and your desired contact with your baby after birth. All of our adoptive families are thoroughly evaluated to ensure their readiness to provide a stable and loving home for a child. Each family completes the home study process in order to be licensed by their state to adopt.
During this home study process, they have four interviews that assess their marriage, parenting abilities, and ability to care for a child emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. They complete multiple background checks and have financial and medical assessments. They are required to have an in home visit to make sure it is safe and suitable for a child. Additionally, they learn about the value of an open adoption.
How will they view me and my decision?
We are passionate about educating our families. Every adoptive family is equipped to know how to talk to the child about adoption and about you, their birthmother, in a way that honors you. Our families learn how to care for a child who may have experienced stress in the womb, prenatal drug or alcohol use, and other life stressors. They are equipped to care for a child that has special needs. Additionally, they receive education on how to care for a child of another race than them. This includes ensuring the child has positive role models of their race and making their community more diverse.
Can I know them?
Our adoptions are not done online or over the phone. Lifeline is relational. You will get to meet your pregnancy counselor and the adoptive family face to face, if you desire. Trust is always built through relationship. You have the opportunity to build a relationship, and trust, with the adoptive family you choose by making an open adoption plan. In an open adoption you can receive pictures and updates, and even visit your baby and the adoptive family, if you want to.
Why choose Lifeline?
At Lifeline, you have a pregnancy counselor advocate that is separate from the adopting family’s advocate. The reason Lifeline has separate advocates is so that you never feel any pressure to place your baby for adoption. Your pregnancy counselor’s whole job is to care for you and your baby. Your pregnancy counselor works with you at a pace you feel comfortable with. We will never discuss matching with a family until you are ready. As you think through each of your options for your pregnancy, your pregnancy counselor will support you regardless of your decision, even if you change your mind at any point during the process.
To begin discussing adoption with a pregnancy counselor today, reach out through our 24/7 FREE, HOTLINE by live chat, text, or phone at 1-800-875-5595. Or you can submit a request for one of our Pregnancy Counselors to reach out to you.