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Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and living in Arkansas? Right now, you may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and all alone. It is important to understand that you are not alone. Nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. each year are not planned. You can also take comfort in the fact that you have options. One of the options you may be considering: Arkansas open adoption.
Adoption is a positive decision for anyone who is not ready – or able – to parent but wants to ensure their baby has a healthy and happy future. “Open adoption” may be unfamiliar, but you may be familiar with the phrase “give baby up for adoption.” This outdated term is still used by society today, but it is an inaccurate way to describe adoption. Adoption is ANYTHING BUT giving up. It is a brave, selfless, and loving choice. Choosing adoption means placing your child’s needs first.
If you are considering adoption, but you do not know much about open adoption in Arkansas or how it works, you have come to the right place. Read on, as we highlight what to know about Arkansas open adoption.
What is Arkansas Open Adoption?
Open adoption is uniquely tailored to fit the needs of each family, but in the simplest explanation: Open adoption entails ongoing contact between birth and adoptive families. It is a great way to keep in touch with your child’s adoptive family. Choosing open adoption means having the power to see your child grow over the years as you build a relationship with your child and their adoptive parent(s).
Open adoption is the most common type of adoption plan today. Years ago, it was more common for adoptions to be closed adoptions. This is still an option today. With a closed adoption, there is zero information shared between birth and adoptive families. There is no communication between the two parties, either. With an Arkansas open adoption, however, the focus is ongoing, open, and honest communication and mutual respect.
How Does Open Adoption Work in Arkansas?
Keeping in contact with your child’s adoptive family may sound overwhelming at first. This type of arrangement, however, can help build lasting, meaningful relationships. Birth and adoptive families find common ground with the child for which they share a deep love.
As the birth parent, you can choose the form and frequency of contact in your Arkansas open adoption plan. You can, for example, choose to stay connected via an online photo album, text messages, email updates, phone calls, or even in-person reunions.
An Overview of the Arkansas Open Adoption Process
Making an adoption plan in Arkansas can be made easier by understanding the process. Here is a brief breakdown of the open adoption process:
1. Choose an Arkansas open adoption agency
Here is the first step of the adoption process. Choose an adoption professional that supports you throughout the journey. The best adoption agencies in Arkansas offer free services – including legal and emotional support, financial assistance, medical coverage, and more. The right adoption agency will prioritize your health and well-being, while treating you with the dignity, respect, and love you deserve.
2. Choose your child’s adoptive family
Birth parents who choose open adoption can also choose their child’s adoptive family. Your adoption agency can supply you with adoptive family profiles of those who are ready to adopt. The Home Study ensures that every child is placed with a safe, stable, and healthy family. The Home Study takes several months to complete and includes a thorough background check, multiple at-home visits, and the review of medical and financial records.
3. Design your adoption plan
The right Arkansas open adoption plan will depend on your needs, wishes, and comfortability. Think about your ideal open adoption plan. Would you prefer to stay connected with video calls? Are you more of a writer who would prefer to send mail and receive physical photos of your child in the mail? Do you wish to have in-person meetings once or twice a year? Do you wish to have multiple options? There is no right or wrong way to make an open adoption plan. Your adoption agency can help custom design a plan that will work for you and make you feel secure with the arrangement.
4. Get to know the adoptive family
The best way to build a relationship with your child’s future adoptive family is to get to know them first! You can set up phone calls, virtual video chats, or even in-person visits, with the help of your adoption agency. Your adoption counselor can participate in these discussions, too, if that makes you feel more comfortable.
5. Prepare for birth
Even if you choose adoption, this is still your pregnancy and your birth experience. You can determine how you want your birth to go. Do you wish to have the adoptive parent(s) in the delivery room with you, or someone else in your life? Do you want some time alone with the baby after birth or would you rather head straight to a recovery room to rest? There is no right or wrong choice. Your adoption agency can help you create a birth plan ahead of time.
6. Continue counseling services and building relationships
Adoption is a lifelong journey. It is not over once the adoption is complete. The next part of the journey is critical. As you heal – physically and emotionally – you should continue to seek counseling services. This will help you navigate your emotions and work through the grief and postpartum period that can be challenging for any birth mom. As you recover, you can begin to build your relationship with your child’s adoptive family.
Legal Aspects of Open Adoption in Arkansas
The right Arkansas open adoption agency will offer you legal assistance throughout the adoption journey. Adoption laws vary by state and can be quite complex. Your Arkansas adoption attorney can handle every step of the legal process and walk you through your rights as a birth parent. They can also answer questions as you have them and take the time to discuss everything with you in detail, empowering you throughout this experience.
According to Arkansas adoption laws, a birth parent may consent to adoption any time after the child’s birth. This consent may be withdrawn within 10 days of signing. Adoptions With Love encourages every birth mother to meet their baby and take as much time as needed before making it official. It is never too late to place your child for adoption.
Benefits of Open Adoption in Arkansas
There are many benefits to open adoption – for everyone involved in the experience. For children of open adoptions, they grow up knowing they are loved by two families instead of one. They also understand their background and story, giving them a better sense of self.
There are also many benefits of open adoption for birth mothers. Those who choose this path are less likely to live in poverty or need public assistance. They are also more likely to complete their education and get a job within the year following the adoption.
Open adoption can also provide a sense of freedom. You may find it comforting that your child is safe and loved while you can move on to pursue your personal and professional goals. The peace of mind that comes with open adoption, knowing you will see your child again and build a relationship with them in the future, makes it much easier on a loving birth mother.
Learn More About Arkansas Open Adoption
If you connected with this information, an Arkansas open adoption may be the right path for you. Reach out to Adoptions With Love any time – commitment-free – to learn more about open adoption. Call 800-722-7731, text us (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online. As an Arkansas adoption agency, we have been working with expectant/birth mothers in your state since 1986. can help you lovingly make an open adoption plan for your child and guide you every step of the way.