Starting the adoption process begins with making choices. We believe that the more informed you are the better you will be able to make the right choices for you and your baby. This section of the website, in addition to the previous sections on Ways we can help you and Adoption choices, is designed to help you and the many other women who are pregnant, or have already given birth, and are thinking about placing your child for adoption.

Getting Started

First you need to decide if you want to consider adoption as an option for you and your child. While you are deciding, make sure to continue to take good care of yourself and your baby. Contact a physician and start prenatal care as soon as possible. If you need help finding a physician or getting an appointment for prenatal care, contact us at Adoption Services and we will be glad to try to help you. You may also want to visit the sections Pregnancy Help and Government Help. Make sure to eat nutritionally health food (visit the pages Nutrition and diet and Nutrition help). Try to avoid drugs and alcohol as well as cigarette smoke. Check with your health care provider about continuing any prescription medications you are currently taking.

First Steps

Adoption: First Steps provides more information on how to get started with an adoption, child adoption alternatives, the benefits of counseling, and it reviews different types of child adoption arrangements.

Selecting the Agency

Selecting the Agency will help you look at the things to consider in selecting the child adoption agency to help you.

Finding a Loving Family

Finding a Loving Family and making sure the family is the type you want for your baby requires careful screening on your part and/or the part of the adoption agency.

Adoption Support Groups

Adoption Support Groups can help you so you do not feel alone in the adoption process. Here you will find a list of support groups for birth mothers and birth fathers for each state so you can find helpful emotional support.

Adoption and Emotional Issues

Adoption and Emotional Issues points out that doubts, concerns, and even depression are common feelings accompanying pregnancy, the birth of a child and the adoption process. Help with these emotional issues is available.

Placing with Relatives

Placing with Relatives is an option each birth parent has. Each state defines "relative" differently, including relatives through blood, marriage, or adoption. The main requirements for placement are that the relative be "fit and willing", able to ensure the child's safety, and able to meet the child's needs.

Step-Parent Adoptions

Step-Parent Adoptions are the most common form of adoption. In these situations the adopting step-parent assumes financial and legal responsibility for your child and releases the non-custodial parent of parental responsibilities, including child support.