Frequently Asked Questions and Adoption Resources

 

 

 

These frequently asked questions and adoption websites can help you further explore the option of adoption.

 

Can I call the adoption hotline to talk to someone about my pregnancy?
Yes, you can call or text the National Adoption Hotline anytime to talk. You will always reach someone kind, caring, and non-judgmental ready to listen and help.
What do I say when I call or text the National Adoption Hotline?
When you call or text the National Adoption Hotline, you can talk about what is troubling you, ask questions about adoption, or just talk about what is happening with you and your feelings. Everything is private and confidential. We can answer your questions and can provide referrals you may need.
How do I get adoption help fast?
If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy or are having difficulty parenting your young child, you can contact the National Adoption Hotline by phone or text. Help is available 24/7, just call or text.
What is 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.

Whatever 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, but some women realize the time is not right for them to become a parent. For these women, adoption is the most sensible decision they can make for their child and their future.

Are there any costs to me?
There is no cost to you as a birth parent. If the state you are in allows it, 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 Hotline 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 whether the couple I place my baby with are good people?
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 still make an adoption plan?

There are loving families seeking children of all ages and races. Just call the National Adoption Hotline 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 medical issue, would there be any adoptive families willing to adopt him? I don’t want him to go into the foster care system.
Yes, there are adoptive families that are prepared and trained to parent a special needs baby or child.
Just call the National Adoption Hotline 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 and I’d prefer to place her with a black couple. Are there any black adoptive families out there?
With infertility on the rise, more childless African American and bi-racial couples are turning to 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.
contact national adoption hotline

Additional Resources

So, I Was Thinking About Adoption…

A short book that describes the adoption process to parents considering placing their baby or child up for adoption.

 

Pregnancy Help Online

Whether you just found out you are pregnant, or are far along in your pregnancy, we have information for you. Maybe it’s your daughter or girlfriend who just learned she is having a baby.

 

Open Adoption Information

Open adoption today is based on trust and an honest relationship between the adoptive parents and the birth parents.

 

African American Adoptions Online

Adoption information and assistance for African American adoptive families and birth parents.

 

College Pregnancy Help

Assistance for college women facing an unplanned pregnancy. College Pregnancy Help is able to provide them with information about making an adoption plan for their baby.

 

Don't Throw Your Baby Away

Are you pregnant, or have you recently given birth and don’t know what to do? Are you afraid of people finding out you are pregnant or had a baby? There is 24 hour help available right now.

 

To get your adoption questions answered right away, please call the National Adoption Hotline at 1-800-923-6602.