Private Adoption FAQ's
Can a birthmother change her mind about her decision to place her baby for adoption?
Yes, the birthmother has 21 days in which to revoke her consent. This
is a risk that adoptive parents must accept when entering into a private
adoption arrangement. Following the 21-day revocation period, the
birthparents may no longer revoke their consent.
Do I have to maintain contact with the birthparents?
Open adoption offers many benefits, including more complete medical and ethnic information. Ongoing contact with the birthparents also helps the child understand why he or she was placed for adoption. Adoption Options will help you and the birthmother create an Openness Agreement that outlines the form of contact you will have in the future. Agreements usually include contact in the form of letters and pictures once a year and may allow for visits once or twice per year.
Can we specify the characteristics of the child we want?
In developing your adoption file, you must outline specific criteria for what you will and will not accept in a child and in birthparents, from ethnicity to health status and more. We believe that you should be able to set your own criteria, and many factors must go into your decision as to what’s best for your family.
Can we specify the sex of the child we want?
You can specify the sex of the child you desire but most Adoption Option birthmothers are pregnant when making a placement plan and very few know the sex of their unborn baby. If you specify the sex of the child, your file will only be shown to birthmothers who have given birth or those wanting to place an older child, which may mean very few potential matches.
What will the birthparents know about us?
Birthparents will have access to your family photos, your “Dear Birthmother” letters, and your pre-homestdy questionnaire and other information upon request. Once a birthmother has selected you, an introductory meeting will be scheduled so you can directly share information and ask questions. The adoption doesn’t proceed until after this introductory meeting takes place and both parties agree to move forward.
Can What will we know about the birthparents?
As much as possible! Prior to meeting the birthparents, you can review their medical and social history and some other details about their desire to pursue adoption. In some cases, the only birthfather information you may receive is what the birthmother can supply. However because we offer a comfortable, non-judgmental environment for our birthparents, they are very honest in their reporting and truly have their child’s best interests in mind. They also know that we have families who will accept them no matter what their background.
How much are legal fees?
Legal fees vary, but are typically $2500 - $3000. Much of the legal documentation is done by an adoption counsellor, but legal counsel is required at certain steps of the adoption process.
