|
For Birthparents |
|
First, we thank you for considering adoption. We understand that this is a very difficult time and we recognize how very brave and selfless you are for considering this option for your child. By creating your own adoption plan, you ensure that your child will know you love him/her and that adoption was a sacrifice you made because of that love.
Why Open Adoption? Historically, adoptions have been “closed,” meaning the adoptive parents and the birth parents were kept secret from one another. There was no contact or exchange of information, other than non-identifying information. Adoption records were permanently sealed. The face of adoption has changed drastically in the past several decades as adoptions have become more “open”. Birth parents and adoptive parents are now able to negotiate the degree of openness appropriate for them. Birthparents now are able to choose the adoptive couple that will raise their child and they are able to have ongoing contact with their child after placement. This includes meetings and visits prior to and following the birth of the child.
What to Expect… While all adoption plans are unique, there are five basic steps to planning an adoption as outlined below… Step 1 – Educating yourself about adoption It is very important for birth parents to educate themselves about adoption and to research options: agency versus attorney adoptions, open versus closed adoptions, services and resources available, etc. This website is designed to give you an overview of adoption options and to answer frequently asked questions about adoption. Step 2 – Meeting with an options counselor After you have educated yourself about adoption and the various options, your next step is to talk with a pregnancy counselor who can answer additional questions you may have and help you decide if adoption is right for you and your baby. Working with an adoption professional that you trust and feel comfortable with can make all the difference in your experience. Step 3 – Creating an adoption plan that is right for you By working with your pregnancy counselor you will be able to create the terms of your adoption, such as selecting an adoptive family, choosing the level of contact you would like with the adoptive parents before and after the birth of your baby, planning your hospital and delivery experience, etc. Step 4 – Placement This occurs after the baby is born and you have made your final decision concerning adoption. Your pregnancy counselor will work with you to make sure that you understand your rights and the legal process as it occurs. You will have the option of being present at the placement of your child with his or her adoptive parents. Step 5 – Post adoption services Most birth parents feel great sadness and many other emotions after placing a child for adoption. We encourage birth parents to stay in touch with their pregnancy counselor for counseling and support services after an adoption plan has been made. Your counselor is your agency advocate and will make sure your needs are being met during this difficult time.
If you have questions that are not answered and addressed on our site or would like additional information and support, please feel free to contact our Maternity Case Manager, Cindy Falgoust, by phone at (504) 885-1141 or 1.866.566.1399, or via e-mail at cfalgoust@archdiocese-no.org.
|
|
Adoption Services 3019 N. Arnoult Road Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: 504.885.1141 Toll-Free: 1.866.566.1399 Fax: 504.885.1519
|
|
To contact us: |
