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Are you pregnant and considering adoption? As an expectant mother, you likely want the best possible life for your baby, but know that you are not ready to raise a child at this time. You may feel that adoption is the most positive choice for your baby, but do not know where to start. You have come to the right place.
Adoptions With Love is a licensed, non-profit adoption agency serving expectant/birth mothers in Ohio. Whether you are considering your options or are ready to make an adoption plan, we are here to help you along the way.
As an expectant/birth parent, you likely have many thoughts and questions about the adoption process in Ohio: How do I make an adoption plan? Who can help me with this pregnancy? Can I choose the family for my baby? At Adoptions With Love, we believe that a well-informed decision is the best decision. That is why we are here to answer all of your questions free from fear or pressure. We can educate you as you explore all of your options and help you make the most positive plan for your child.
There are specific steps you will need to take to place your baby for adoption in Ohio. As an adoption agency serving Ohio, we can help you understand the adoption process and make sure you are comfortable with each decision made along the way. We have created this short guide to show you some of the steps you can take if you decide to make an adoption plan in Ohio.
1. Choose an adoption agency.
Before you begin your adoption plan, you will need to choose a reputable, licensed adoption agency. The right adoption agency will support you throughout this entire journey – before, during, and after the birth of your baby. If you need financial assistance, your adoption agency should offer you help. Under Ohio law, adoption agencies can assist with certain living expenses (such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation) for expectant mothers.
It is important to choose an adoption agency that will discuss your options with you, listen to your wishes, and use those to help you make the perfect adoption plan. It should be an agency that you trust, one that will respect any choice that you make in the end.
2. Meet with an adoption counselor.
Once you choose an adoption agency, you can begin your adoption plan. As an expectant/birth parent, you should meet with a licensed, compassionate adoption social worker at your agency of choice. This social worker will walk you through your options, educate you on your birth mother rights, and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the adoption takes place. Your adoption counselor will also give you the option to design the type of adoption plan you want: an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption plan. You can also select the family of your child if you wish.
3. Choose an adoptive family.
In Ohio, you always have the option to choose an adoptive family for your baby. Your agency will show you the waiting families who best meet your wishes and expectations. If and when you choose an adoptive family, you can speak to them through email, phone, or meet them in-person. This is completely up to you and your comfort level.
No matter the family you choose, you can rest assured your baby will be placed in a loving, secure home environment. In Ohio, it is required that all potential adoptive families complete a thorough home study. At Adoptions With Love, we carefully screen and interview all prospective families to ensure the safety and stability of their home.
4. Understand the laws of your area.
Adoption laws and regulations vary state to state. It is important to find an adoption agency that is specifically trained in and knowledgeable about the laws of your area.
In Ohio, no parent can sign legal adoption documents until at least 72 hours after the baby is born. This helps to ensure that birth parents are confident in their decision. Once consent for the adoption is given, birth parents cannot change their minds. That is why, at Adoptions With Love, we want you to be completely certain that you are making the best possible decision for your child.
5. Make a post-adoption plan.
If you choose to make an adoption plan with Adoptions With Love, you will have the option of meeting your child’s adoptive family and establishing a plan for communication following your baby’s adoption. During counseling, our trained social workers will help you design a post-adoption plan for contact with your child and his or her adoptive family. We also encourage and offer post-placement counseling.
Adoption can be the start of an emotional journey and the beginning of several lifelong relationships. Adoptions With Love can help you navigate these new emotions and relationships after your baby’s adoption takes place. As part of your post-adoption plan, we offer ongoing, confidential counseling services at no cost to you. You can view our other free services here.
At Adoptions With Love, we want you to know how proud we are, and how proud you should be, of your choice. We are always here for you. Whether you are pregnant or have already given birth to your baby, it is never too late to start your adoption plan. Call us at 800-722-7731 or text us confidentially at 617-777-0072.
This is our State by State Adoption blog series. To learn about the different areas we service, or to find the specific steps of adoption in your state, please visit adoptionswithlove.org/areas-we-service.