Frequently Asked Questions
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A Resource for Birthparents
What is adoption?
Adoption through Family Adoption Center is a loving, thoughtful plan made by birthparents to permanently and legally place a child with adoptive parents who will raise the child as their own.
Will I be able to see my baby after he or she is born?
Yes. You have the right to see and spend as much time as you choose with your baby in the hospital. You may be able to see how the child develops through open adoption.
Can I get help with medical care?
Yes. The Family Adoption Center ensures that you get confidential medical care during your pregnancy, labor and delivery, even if you can't afford it.
Will I be able to get counseling?
Yes. A trained, supportive social worker will listen to your needs and respect your decision, whether or not you choose adoption. If you do choose adoption, the social worker will be available to provide additional support after the adoption occurs.
Are your services confidential?
Yes, at Family Adoption Center, you will be guaranteed complete confidentiality and you will be treated with respect.
Will I have any say in who my child will be raised by?
At Family Adoption Center, you have the right to choose and meet your baby's adoptive parents.
How do I choose a family?
The social worker will help you identify your concerns about the parents you want for your baby. She will find a match for you. You might also read a letter from a couple that tells you about their marriage, their work, and their family. You might choose to see a picture of the couple or to meet them. This gives you a way to get to know about the family that could raise your child. The social worker is available to help.
How will I know that my baby is safe?
Your child's safety is protected through an intensive screening of adoptive parents before a child is placed with them. We visit the home before a baby is placed to make sure it meets our strict standards of cleanliness and safety. We conduct child abuse checks and criminal record checks on all prospective adoptive parents and review their income tax forms to determine their financial security.
Through a series of small group meetings, we prepare adoptive parents to meet the lifelong needs of their child. We continue to support our adoptive families by offering post-adoption lectures, programs, and special events where children can meet other adopted children. Finally, we make three supervisory visits to the home after a baby is placed.
After placement, will I ever know if my baby is all right?
You have the right to request pictures and progress reports on your child.
If there are changes in my family medical history, can I share this information with the adoptive parents?
Yes. Please notify Family Adoption Center of any changes in your family's medical history or any new information about yourself so that we may pass that information on to the adoptive parents if you wish.
Will my child ever know I am his/her birthparent?
It is your decision whether or not to be anonymous. If you like, you may pass along pictures, letters and gifts to your child ... even then, you may choose to remain anonymous.
How much money do I need for adoption?
There are no costs to you. Counseling and legal services are provided at no charge to you.
What is the difference between using an adoption agency and using an attorney only?
An attorney can provide only the legal work. an agency has a counselor to help you made decisions and to help prepare you if adoption is what you choose. An agency also screens the adoptive parents by looking at many aspects of their lives and provides classes for adoptive parents to prepare them for adoption. An agency can provide support for both you and the adoptive family for life.
Do I have to have a counselor?
No. Counseling is voluntary. It may be helpful to you to have someone to talk to about the decisions that you make.
What does a counselor do?
She will give you information to help you decide what to do. She will support you whatever decision you make. She is available 24 hours a day. She can provide support during labor and delivery, as well as after the placement is made.
What if my child wants to meet me as an adult?
Your child will contact the adoption agency and make a request,
then you will be contacted. If all parties are agreeable, the agency
will help you start to connect to each other.
Additional information:
FAC does not discriminate
on the basis of religion, ethnic background, income, or race.
Family Adoption Center staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about adoption, please phone 1-800-422-2971 or 412-288-2138 or contact FAC.
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