While it’s very common for people to say, “give baby up for adoption,” or “put baby up for adoption,” those are not phrases that we like to use here at Colorado Christian Services. We prefer to say, “place baby for adoption,” or “make an adoption plan.” The reason is that “give up” or “put up” seems to imply that this path ends at placement or that someone is admitting defeat.
In all actuality, it’s quite different. Choosing adoption is a selfless, loving act that is made with the child’s best interests in mind. When women decide to make an adoption plan, they are choosing to give the child the best life possible – one that they feel they wouldn’t be able to provide at this moment. Choosing adoption doesn’t make someone a bad parent or a bad person. In fact, putting a child’s needs ahead of your own is something any good mother would do.
If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Colorado and are unsure of what to do, we can help. Here is how the typical adoption process works.
GET IN TOUCH WITH COLORADO CHRISTIAN SERVICES
Even if you’re still unsure of whether or not adoption is right for you, you can always reach out to us. We work with women from all backgrounds and at various stages of pregnancy, from early on to in the delivery room, and even after delivery. You can call or text us at any time. We’re here 24/7, 365 days a year, and anything you say to us is entirely confidential.
SET UP YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH US
If you need help evaluating your options, you can set up an appointment to meet with one of our social workers, wherever is most convenient for you. It could even be over the phone or through video chat.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS WITH A SOCIAL WORKER
When you attend your first meeting with one of our social workers, they will start the session by trying to get to know you a little better. They’ll learn about your story, your values, and what is important to you in life. They’ll also ask you about the future you hope your child will have. From there, they’ll help you explore your pregnancy options – walking you through each one, step-by-step. You will never be pressured in any way to choose adoption, and instead will be presented with accurate and unbiased information.
MAKING ADOPTION PLAN + RESOURCES
If you choose to go forward with adoption, then our social workers will you formulate an adoption plan. The adoption plan will include a detailed outline of your preferences and wishes for you and your child’s future.
It may include things such as:
- The type of adoptive family in which you’d like to place your child (number of siblings, similar common interests, shared beliefs, etc.).
- What sort of relationship you’d like to have with the baby and adoptive family, both pre and post-adoption.
- A hospital plan that details how you’d like the delivery to play out. What things will you need to bring to the hospital? Who do you want in the delivery room? How much time would you like to spend with the baby? What sort of contact with the adoptive family are you comfortable with?
After you’ve created your adoption plan, your social worker will help you obtain any resources that may be useful to you at this time, at no cost to you.
These resources may include:
- Help finding a doctor
- Filling out an application for Medicaid
- Pre and post-birth counseling
- Financial assistance for pregnancy-related living expenses, including medical bills
- An attorney who can provide confidential and unbiased legal advice
LABOR AND DELIVERY
When your delivery day comes around, it’s crucial for you to know that you will not be alone. Your caseworker will be in regular contact with you, and as the day approaches, they’ll be checking in as much as you’d like. They will be available there for you when you give birth and will handle all of the details that you outlined in your hospital plan.
As for the legal aspect, your attorney will take care of everything. Your caseworker will be there to assist you with the forms that you need to complete to release/consent to the adoption. Once these forms are completed, your baby can be placed with the adoptive family you chose for them.
POST-ADOPTION
After placement, you’ll likely feel a vast range of emotions. But remember, you’re not alone during this time. It’s critical that you have someone with whom you can openly share your feelings and confide in. Therefore, the counselor provided to you during your pregnancy will also be there for you during post-pregnancy. They may also recommend or connect you with appropriate services or support groups to further ensure that you’re getting the help you need during this new chapter in your life.