Adoption Answers

Speak to a caring professional now by calling the
National Adoption Answer Line at 1-800-923-6602.

Adoption Answers

What is an Open or semi open adoption?

In open adoption, you may choose the adoptive family yourself, rather than having an agency make this choice. You can view a nationwide selection of loving families who are waiting to adopt. You may also decide on the amount of contact you wish to have. Some women want letters and photos, others want visits or phone calls after the adoption, and some want no contact at all. You may choose the family that best meets your needs and those of your child, or if you prefer, we can select a family for you.

Why Choose Adoption?

Adoption can be one of the most loving decisions you make for your child. It takes a great deal of love and maturity to know that raising a child can be difficult and that love is not enough to provide what a child needs to thrive and grow. Even with the help of family and friends, the task can be overwhelming for many people. Often, family and friends are there at the beginning, then when times get more difficult, you are on your own.

What ever your decision is, you are ultimately going to be the primary caregiver and the person that will need to take care of your child. This can be a sacrifice for many years to come. Some women are ready for this commitment, and many women realize the time is not right for them to parent and that adoption is the most sensible and most important decision they will make for their child and their future.

Are there any costs to me?

There is no cost to you as a birth parent. Adoptive parents pay for legal fees, reasonable pregnancy-related expenses, medical bills not covered by insurance, consulting, and counseling fees. If you have state or private medical insurance, the adoptive parents may be able to pay any portions unpaid by insurance, such as co-payments. Payment of living expenses can only begin after you have filled out the required forms, selected the adoptive parents, and have both agreed to go forward with an adoption plan.

What if I go into labor and have not made an adoption plan?

You can call the National Adoption Answer Line at 1-800-923-6602 directly from the hospital. They can arrange to have a family available for you within hours. In most states, the adoptive family will be able to take the baby home from the hospital, avoiding foster care. This way, your baby can start bonding with their adoptive family right away. We are open for emergencies on all weekends, holidays, and throughout the night.

How do I know this is a safe family for my child?

All adoptive families are screened and pre-qualified. A licensed social worker will do a detailed home study evaluation and visit the adoptive family’s home. This home study evaluation includes a background check, medical evaluations, financial and FBI screening. You can be assured that your baby will be raised in a loving and safe family environment. If you wish, you can speak personally to families and decide whom you feel you want to adopt and raise your child.

What if my child is older, can I make an adoption plan?

There are loving families seeking children of all ages and races. Just call the National Adoption Answer Line at 1-800-923-6602. They will work hard to find just the right family for you to interview for the adoption. You will be able to decide on the contact you wish after the placement.

What if my child has a disability or a medical problem, are there adoptive families available? I don't want to put my child into foster care.

Yes, there are adoptive families that are prepared and trained to parent a special needs baby or child. Just call the National Adoption Answer Line at 1-800-923-6602 and receive details on how to get started. There is a home for every child.

My baby will be African American are there black families seeking to adopt?

With infertility on the rise, more childless African American and bi-racial couples are turning to the Internet for adoption to build their families. Visit African American Adoptions Online to view waiting adoptive families that are African American and bi-racial. You can read about the lifestyle of these prospective families and view their photos before speaking to them on the phone.

There are also adoptive families hoping to adopt an East Indian, Hispanic, or bi-racial baby or child. To learn more, visit EastIndianAdoption.com, HispanicAdoptionServices.com, or BiRacial-Adoptions.com.