The Alpha Center of Sioux City: Adoption

About Adoption: Your Questions Answered

1. How can adoption be a good choice for my baby and me?
If you are not ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life and choose adoption. You can plan your baby's future by selecting a stable, loving family to care for your baby and be proud of your decision. At birth you can see your baby, name your baby, love your baby. If you so choose, you can get updates on your child's progress while you continue your education and career goals. Finally, you avoid the trauma and heartache of abortion.

2. Can I place my baby with a family of my choice?
Yes! With most agencies you can choose a family friend, acquaintance, or someone who has bee recommended to you even in another state. Or you can choose from parents screened by your adoption agency who have been waiting to become parents.

3. How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and after adoption?
You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as is comfortable for you. You can choose an open adoption that allows ongoing visits, or you can choose a less open adoption where your updates come through your letter and pictures arranged through your agency. Adoptive families respect your need to know your child is well cared for.

4. How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?
This depends on:

your choice of when this should happen
the legal aspects of the adoption
The cooperation of the birth father

Many birth mothers want their baby placed by the time they leave the hospital. Some prefer to place their baby in interim care while they think through their adoption decision.

5. How much will my child know about me?
We encourage you to pass on medical and social history to your child. You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive family. Or, if you have an open adoption, your child and adoptive family can have ongoing access to you and what's happening in your life.

6. Does the father have any rights?
The birth father's rights are equal to yours. If you disagree on adoption, or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with the court to determine if his rights can be terminated.

7. Will my child have information about her/his birth father?
This depends on his cooperation with you and the adoption agency. Some birth fathers give full social and medical history, realizing how important it is for your child to have this. At other times, only the information you give will be passed on.

8. Can my child find me if he/she wants to search someday?
At the time of the adoption, you can choose to have an open file to your child. If you do, he/she will have access to your identity and your agency will assist in the search. If you choose a closed adoption, your identity will remain anonymous.

9. How can I be sure my child will not be abused or neglected?
Adoptive families approved by an agency must meet standards that will be shared with you. In an open adoption you will see for yourself how well your child is valued and cared for.

10. Do I need an attorney or do I pay my agency to assist me with the adoption?
You do not need an attorney and there are no costs to you. Your adoption agency handles all legal details on your behalf. Most important, your agency knows your decision was not an easy one to make and will continue to be available to you if you so choose.

[adoption links]