Are You Considering Adoption?
Adoption is one of your three options when navigating an unexpected pregnancy. Adoption is the process by which all parental rights and responsibilities are legally transferred from one individual or family to another.
Adoption has improved over the years, allowing birth mothers to choose the type of adoption plan they want to make and what kind of a relationship they want with their birth child and the adoptive family.
Some questions to ask
It’s normal to have many questions right now. Many women choose adoption due to their financial or emotional situation or because they are not in the right place to parent.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering adoption:
- How is adoption a loving decision for my child?
- How much time do I have to make an adoption decision?
- Can I choose the family for my child?
- Can I have contact with my child and/or the adoptive parents after the adoption?
- What if I make an adoption plan and then change my mind?
- Will my child be able to search for me someday?
- Does my baby’s father have any rights?
- What if I don’t know who the father of my baby is?
- What if I’ve already had my baby, but I’m having a difficult time parenting?
Types of Adoption Plans
Adoption has dramatically changed in recent years to help and support women facing unexpected pregnancies. Understanding your choices can help you make the best decision for you and your future.
The main types of modern adoption include:
- Open adoption: You can choose the family you want to adopt your baby and stay connected with them. This provides you with the opportunity to develop and maintain a positive relationship with the adoptive family and your birth child.
- Semi-open adoption: You can still have contact with the baby, but a professional adoption agency will help manage communication between you, the baby, and the adoptive family, keeping your identifying information confidential.
- Closed adoption: You won’t have contact with the baby, and all parties’ identities are kept confidential. The court keeps adoption records sealed.
Safe Surrender
If for any reason you feel you cannot parent your child, there are safe places where you can leave your baby. These safe places will take your baby with open arms, no questions asked, and will also make sure your baby receives the care and protection he or she deserves. State law in South Dakota allows you to voluntarily leave your baby with a hospital or child placement agency if your child is less than 60 days old.
Leaving your baby with one of these places is NOT a crime as long as your child has not been harmed. You can leave your baby with an emergency medical services provider or a child placement agency worker at locations such as:
- A hospital or clinic
- A law enforcement office (police station)
- A licensed child placement agency
- A Department of Social Services office
- An emergency medical technician office
- A fire station (than is manned 24/7)
You may be asked for medical information related to your baby’s medical history. However, you will NOT be required to provide any information, including your name or the other parent’s name.
We’re Here to Help
Although we do not facilitate adoptions at Bella, we can discuss many aspects of this option, including the different types of adoption and the steps you can take to make a personal adoption plan.
Our trained client advocates can answer your questions about the details above and more. If you decide to make an adoption plan, we can also provide you with information on adoption agencies and other resources available in our area.
Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment today to talk more.