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Choosing adoption is never an easy decision. It can be a positive path for anyone who is not yet ready to become a parent. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, adoption is an option for you in Maine. You will want to find a reputable, experienced Maine adoption agency. This agency can help you custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs and helps you feel confident in your loving decision.
The Maine adoption process can be overwhelming, but with the support and guidance of the right Maine adoption agency, you can get through it. To help, we have created this comprehensive guide on navigating the adoption process in Maine.
How to decide if adoption in Maine is right for you
Adoption can bring many benefits to those who choose it. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be asking yourself: Am I ready to become a parent?
Raising a child is a demanding, round-the-clock role. Before deciding whether parenthood is right for you, consider how you will support a growing family. Who will be “your tribe” for support? If you are pursuing a career or ongoing education, what about childcare? Do you have a safe and stable home that is suitable for a growing child? There are many logistics to figure out before deciding to become a parent.
If you are not yet ready to be a parent, you may be considering termination. Abortion rights have been changing since Roe v. Wade was reversed in June 2022. According to Maine abortion laws, abortion is legal. These rights are also protected by the state constitution.
If you cannot – or do not wish to – have an abortion, there is one more option: Adoption. While it is important to acknowledge that adoption is not an alternative to abortion, it is still an option that you may be considering.
Adoption can offer you the freedom you may need to pursue your personal and professional goals, while giving you the peace of mind that your child is safe and loved. With open adoption, you can choose your child’s adoptive parents and stay connected over the years. With open adoption, you can watch your child grow, while continuing to live your life.
Which type of adoption should you pursue?
Adoption is a deeply personal decision. The types of adoption plans you can choose from include:
Each plan offers pros and cons. With the help of your Maine open adoption agency, you can custom design a plan that best meets your needs. There is no right or wrong way to design an adoption plan. The choices are all yours.
How to choose a Maine adoption professional?
Finding the right Maine adoption agency is a critical step in the adoption journey. This agency will be working with you throughout the adoption process. You should be supported and guided, without pressure, judgment, or critiques.
The best adoption agencies in Maine offer supportive services to expectant/birth mothers, at no cost. At Adoptions With Love, you can receive the following:
- Financial assistance, including rent and other living expenses.
- Choosing the adoptive parents. You can build the exact adoption plan that best meets your needs and select the adoptive family.
- Medical coverage. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable and cover any uninsured medical bills related to your pregnancy and birth.
- Compassionate counseling, from experienced professionals – before and after the adoption is complete.
- Legal support. Our team of adoption attorneys will walk you through the Maine adoption process and answer any questions you may have along the way.
- Ongoing support. We will stay connected throughout the years and offer support with your open (or semi-open) adoption plan, as needed.
The right Maine adoption agency will also treat you with compassion, patience, and understanding. The best professionals will prioritize your health and well-being, while treating you with the respect and dignity you deserve.
How do adoptive parents get matched to a child and birth family?
One of the biggest benefits of choosing adoption is having the power to choose your child’s adoptive family. You can browse the adoptive family profiles of those who are ready to adopt. Some of these profiles are available online but typically there are many more available.
Another benefit of choosing adoption is that you can rest assured that your child will be going to a safe, stable, and healthy home. This is ensured with a Home Study. Every adoptive family must be pre-approved for adoption via the Home Study. This is part of the Maine adoption process that takes several months for a family to complete and requires:
- Criminal background check
- Child abuse and neglect registry check
- At least one home visit
- Statement from a licensed physician based on an exam within the past year
- Review of financial statements
- At least 3 references
- Individual interviews with family members
- An assessment of the prospective adoptive parent’s reasons for adopting, views toward parenting, money management, physical and emotional health, marital stability (if applicable), lifestyle preferences, etc.
This ensures that each family adopting a child is responsible, stable, and healthy – physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Before making any final decisions, you can arrange to speak with – or meet – the couple, family, or individual that is hoping to adopt. Your Maine adoption agency can help arrange this meeting. Even after you have spoken with – or met – an adoptive family, you do not have to stick with your decision. You can change your mind at any time before signing consent forms.
Learn More About Maine Adoption Process
If you would like to learn even more about the adoption process in Maine, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can offer you obligation-free information and help guide you toward the right adoption plan that best meets your needs, without any pressure, bias, or judgment. Contact Adoptions With Love at 1-800-722-7731 or text us confidentially at 1-617-777-0072.
