When you’re a woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, you may be at a loss of what to do. One of your unplanned pregnancy options is adoption, but what if you don’t know much about the process?
You likely have several big questions that you want answered before you decide what’s right for you and your baby. At A Child’s Hope, we’ll answer whatever questions you have through our birth mother hotline call (919) 971-4396, or Text: Pregnant to (919) 971-4396, where we’ll connect you to an experienced adoption counselor who can give you the information you need. It’s important that you know the realities of all of your unplanned pregnancy options so you can make an informed decision for your and your baby’s future, and we can help.
In addition to offering free, no obligation counseling, we’ve answered some of the more common questions about the adoption process with our agency in North Carolina below.
1. How does the adoption process work?
If you choose adoption as a prospective birth mother, you will be in charge of the process the whole way through. This means you get to create an adoption plan you’re comfortable with; choose the parents you want to adopt your baby; decide how much communication you want with them before, during and after the adoption; determine what you want your hospital stay to look like; and more.
To get started with your adoption process, please contact A Child’s Hope today. We can help you determine if adoption is right for you and, if so, help you move forward with an adoption plan that’s perfect for you.
2. Why should I choose an adoption agency like A Child’s Hope?
Adoption can certainly be a complicated process, so it will benefit you to work with a full-service agency like A Child’s Hope. Our adoption counselors will work closely with you through the whole process, and you’ll have the ability to choose the adoptive family you want for your child and have whatever kind of contact with them you prefer. We’ll also make sure you’re provided appropriate emotional and legal counseling absolutely for free, and you may receive financial assistance for your pregnancy-related and living expenses during the adoption process.
Unlike other adoption professionals, A Child’s Hope will be there for you even after you give birth and complete the adoption process. We’ll make sure you have the resources you need to adjust to life after placement and we’ll always be available to counsel you through your feelings post-placement — again, completely for free. Adoption is a lifelong process, which is why we strive to be there for you whenever you need us to be.
3. How do I know if adoption is right for me?
While you’re ultimately the only one who can decide what unplanned pregnancy option is right for you, the adoption counselors at A Child’s Hope can help you with this decision. When you first contact us with questions about the adoption process, we’ll provide you objective information to help you be more educated about your options, with no obligation to choose adoption unless you know it’s right for you. We’ll help you understand the realities of abortion, parenting and adoption to help you determine what may be best for you and your baby and, whatever you choose, we can provide you resources to move forward with your decision.
4. Why should I choose adoption for my baby?
If you’re considering adoption, you might wonder why it could be a good choice for your baby. Again, your adoption counselor can discuss with you the details of an adoption in your situation, but here are some of the general benefits of adoption for you and your baby:
- You are in control every step of the way, so you never have to commit to something you’re not comfortable with.
- You’ll be giving a priceless gift to people who, in many cases, have been waiting to become parents for years.
- You’ll give your child opportunities that you may not be able to provide yourself, including a stable household where they can grow up happy and healthy.
- No matter what your situation and the health conditions of your baby, A Child’s Hope will be able to find the perfect family for you.
- You can decide on adoption at any point during your pregnancy or even after you’ve given birth.
- You’ll receive financial and emotional support throughout the adoption process to give you the best environment for your pregnancy.
- You can watch your child grow up through letters, photos and even in-person visits with an open adoption.
5. How much does adoption cost?
When you choose adoption, it will be completely free to you. Your adoption and pregnancy costs, as well as your living expenses, may be covered by the adoptive family that you choose. This can include everything from rent to groceries to maternity clothes and more.
All of your medical and legal services will come at no cost to you, as well. A Child’s Hope will also provide free counseling to you before, during and after your adoption process is complete.
6. Does my baby’s father have to be involved?
In an ideal world, every father would support a pregnant woman’s decision to choose adoption for their baby. However, we know that may not always be the case. Whether your baby’s father is unsupportive, unknown or uninterested in your adoption, A Child’s Hope can help you make the appropriate adoption plan for your situation.
Whether or not your baby’s father has to consent to your child’s adoption will vary based on your individual circumstances. We’ll work closely with you and an adoption attorney to make sure that all the necessary legalities in North Carolina are followed as you go through your adoption process.
7. Will I ever get to see my baby again?
One of your rights as a prospective birth mother is deciding how much contact you want with your baby’s adoptive family and your baby after the adoption is complete. Many birth mothers today choose a semi-open or open adoption, which allows them to be in contact with their baby’s adoptive parents before, during and after the adoption process is complete.
You can certainly see your baby again after your adoption. Your adoption counselor will work with you to help you decide what kind of communication you want with the adoptive family after your adoption is complete, whether it’s through emails, letters, pictures or even in-person meetings. Many birth mothers find that this communication helps them to heal after their adoption and watching their baby grow up happy and healthy reaffirms that they made the right choice.
8. How do I find a family for my baby?
Finding the perfect family for your baby is a huge part of your adoption process and, with A Child’s Hope, you can decide exactly what kind of family you want for your baby.
Your adoption counselor will discuss your preferences for an adoptive family with you, including their race, where they live, what their family looks like, their values and more. Then, she’ll show you prospective adoptive family profiles, which let you learn more about these families through photos and written descriptions. Once you decide you like a family, you’ll have the chance to speak with them in-person with your counselor mediating the conversation. This will give you an opportunity to ask them any questions you have and make sure they’re the perfect choice for you and your baby. You’ll also be able to choose how much contact you want to have with the adoptive family during and after your adoption process is complete.
9. Will I get to see my baby in the hospital?
As part of your adoption, you will create a hospital plan, which will detail exactly how you want your hospital stay to look. This includes deciding whether you want the adoptive family with you in the delivery room, who you want to hold your baby first, how much time you’ll spend with your baby and more.
Typically, prospective birth mothers sign their adoption consent paperwork at the hospital, but how long you wait before signing will be up to you. For example, if you decide you want more time with your baby than you had originally planned, you will have the right to make that decision. When you decide that you do want to sign your adoption consent, your adoption counselor and your adoption lawyer will make sure you understand exactly what your consent papers mean before you finalize your decision.
10. Will I regret my decision?
Placing a child for adoption can be emotionally difficult for prospective birth mothers. However, when your adoption is completed with A Child’s Hope, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable with every decision you make along the way and that you receive all of the support you may need.
It’s important to remember that you can always change your mind about your adoption until you have signed your adoption consent papers so, if you give birth and decide that adoption isn’t right for you and your baby, you can always choose to parent, instead. Throughout your adoption process, you can always speak to your counselor about what you’re feeling to make sure that your adoption decision is still the right one for you.
You will experience some difficult emotions after your baby is placed with their adoptive family, so free counseling will always be available to you if you need it. Most birth mothers find that, with time and open adoption communication, adoption remains the right choice and they don’t regret their decision.
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Obviously, you probably have many other questions if you’re a pregnant woman considering adoption in North Carolina. At A Child’s Hope, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an educated decision that’s best for you and your baby. We are always available to answer any questions you have and further explain the adoption process with our agency if you contact us today.
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Kelly Dunbar
Adoption Counselor/Homestudy Supervisor - Triangle
As an adoptive parent I truly have a passion for adoption. There is no greater joy than helping to create a family! I love this job and I love working with adoptive parents as well as the birth parents. When it all comes together it is an awesome experience! Kelly is a graduate of NC State University where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work. She also received her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Kelly has been working with children, families, in the home and in communities for 18 years. Kelly has been working with birth mothers and adoptive parents for the last 5 years. Besides working, she has a great husband and three fabulous children, Landon, Parker and Ansley. Kelly and her husband adopted their daughter with the help of ACH and feels as though her personal experience helps her relate to other adoptive families.
Sloane Mosley
Greensboro
Sloane completed her undergraduate degree in Human Services Counseling at Old Dominion University and holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Sloane has been working with children, birth mothers and adopting families for more than 10 years. She loves advocating for children and helping women during pregnancy.
Lakisha Brown
Winston-Salem
Lakisha completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Welfare at Winston-Salem State University. She received her Master of Social Work from Syracuse University. Lakisha has worked with children, individuals and families for more than 12 years. Her experience includes working with at-risk youth, homeless children and families, child mental health, as well as school social work and case management. She is also a long-time basketball fan, a former player and coach. She played at Winston-Salem State University and coached women’s basketball at Elon University and Syracuse University. Lakisha and her husband reside in Alamance County, with their young son.
Jessica Otolinsky
Asheville
Jess completed her undergraduate degree in Communication at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah College. Her professional experience includes case management, education, women’s behavioral health including a focus on pregnant mothers, and working with kinship and domestic adoptive families who have experienced trauma. Jess is a native of central Pennsylvania though loves living in Asheville with her significant other. When she is not working, she is likely caring for her puppy and dog, painting, practicing yoga, camping or planning her next road trip to see family and friends or have an adventure in some new place!
Sylvia Senbel
Charlotte
Sylvia is a graduate of Western Carolina University, where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work. She also received her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina. Sylvia has been working with children and families for more than 19 years. She enjoys gardening, reading, hiking, and spending time with her husband and three boys. She also loves animals, especially her dog Jazzy.
Nicole Barnes
Jacksonville
Nicole completed her undergraduate studies at Chowan University in Psychology with a concentration in Alcohol & Drug Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice. Nicole has provided services to adolescents, teens, college students, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Parole and Probation, the NC Division of Motor Vehicles, the Division of Transportation, and the Department of Defense. She is a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor and has been working in the mental health field for 15 years.
Suzanne Mangum
Triangle
Suzanne was the primary pregnancy care manager stationed at Duke high-risk perinatal clinic for 20 years. She has a BS in Social Work at UNC Pembroke and is a licensed School Social Worker. She recently worked as a case manager in a substance abuse disorder residential program for women with young children. Suzanne is a “Durhamite” but has resided in Wake County since graduating. Her biggest accomplishment has been happily raising her 14 yo daughter and 3 poodle mixed pups.
Hope Brown
Triangle
Hope completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work at North Carolina Central University. She has worked with children and families for more than 20 years. Hope experience includes working in foster care, CPS as well as a school social worker. Hope loves exercising, football and spending time with her family. Hope resides in Durham County with her son, daughter and her dog Penny.
