How do I know if adoption is the right decision for me?
Adoption counseling will help you consider all your options. Whether choosing an adoption plan or choosing to parent your child, the decisions you make may not be easy. However, the counselors at Adoption Resources are here to listen and support you so that you can make the best choices for you and your baby.

Does talking to the Agency mean I am obligated to make an adoption plan?
NO. You cannot sign anything that commits you to adoption until after your child is born. In Massachusetts, where Adoption Resources is located, the soonest you can sign legal documents regarding an adoption plan is four days after the birth of the child. The time period varies from state to state, and we will inform you of the legal process in your state.

Who considers making an adoption plan?
We work with birth parents in all areas of the country. Some of our birth parents are teens, and many are in their 20's, 30's, and even 40's. For many of our clients, economic stress is a frequent problem. Some birth parents are students, some are working and some are unemployed. Some of our birth parents are married and some birth parents are no longer with the father of their child. Many birth parents are already parents. Some of our birth mothers have been raped. All of our birth parents want what is best for their child.

What if I'm not sure of my decision after my baby is born?
We can arrange for transitional care to give you enough time to be certain of your decision.

How can I be certain the adoptive parents will take good care of my child?
Our professional staff carefully and thoroughly screen each adoptive parent. Screening includes a thorough review of: State child abuse registry and criminal records Health histories Financial stability Emotional stability Personal references The adoptive family's home Readiness to parent Understanding adoption as perceived by a child

All adoptive parents are thoroughly and sensitively educated to the needs of birth parents and adopted children.

What about my bills if I can't work?
We will work out a budget with you and if necessary help with medical, legal and living expenses.

Will I receive updated information about my child after the adoption?
YES - it is important that you know how your child is doing as he or she grows up. Through our agency, adoptive families will send you letters and pictures on an on-going basis for 18 years. If you prefer, we will hold these letters until such time as you request them.

How do I know the adoptive parents will follow through with their agreement?
Adoptive parents, upon the adoption of the baby, sign an agreement with our agency to send letters and pictures to the Agency that are then sent to the birth mother based on an agreed upon schedule. Specific update agreements may also be legally enforceable by the court if you so choose.

Can I stay in touch with my child?
Some birth parents choose to stay in touch with the adoptive parents and their child through sending letters, cards, pictures and small gifts. Adoptive parents like to have updated information about you that they may share with your child.

Does the father of my baby have any rights?
You and your counselor will talk about the situation between you and the birth father. Generally, the birth father does have the right to know about the adoption plan. While some birth fathers are reluctant about adoption, frequently it is because they do not know how an adoption plan is made. The birth father can be involved with you or may need to receive counseling individually. Whatever the situation, your counselor can talk with you about the birth father's role in the planning for this child.

What if I do not know the identity or whereabouts of the baby's father?
We can still work with you. However, it is important that we work to make sure that the adoption is legally permanent. Therefore, we need to honestly understand the situation regarding the birth father, and assess the legal risks to the adoption if he later appears.

Will my child understand my decision or will my child hate me?
Adopted children certainly ask many questions. As your child grows up, he or she will have many questions about your reasons for making an adoption plan. Most important will be the knowledge that you worked hard to make the best decision for your child and that you put his or her needs before your own. The adoptive parents will have the opportunity to meet you, and know that your planning for your child's needs involved tremendous care and courage. They will be able to share this with your child. In addition, you will be able to answer you child's questions in your own words through letters that you may choose to exchange in years to come.

What Is The Process?

Getting Started
Sometimes knowing where to begin can be difficult. Many birth parents start by just calling and talking to one of our counselors. The call is free. When you call, a counselor will answer all of your questions truthfully and candidly. She will begin to help you explore all your options. If you wish, following your call, the counselor will send you initial information to read, and forms to complete so that we can get to know you better.

Financial Issues
All our services are free to birth parents. Sometimes birth mothers may find that they need financial assistance with basic living expenses and/or expenses associated with their pregnancy. We will work with you to assess your circumstances, and assist you as allowed by law.

Counseling
You will have your own personal counselor who will be with you throughout the entire adoption process. When you want guidance, support, or information, your counselor will always be there for you. Of course, we will also help you to explore ways to parent your child yourself. Counseling is also offered after the birth of your baby or for as long as you need us. If you live outside of Massachusetts, we will provide you with a local counselor as well as your counselor from Adoption Resources.

Education
Adoption Resources' program is able to assist you in furthering your education or receiving training for future employment. We are frequently able to provide some tuition assistance for either an academic or vocational program of your choice.