Maine Adoption Agency Guide

If you are considering adoption for your baby, it is important to understand how the process works and what your options are. Choosing adoption for your baby is a personal decision, and understanding the process can help you make the best choices. The “Maine Adoption Guide” is designed to give you clear information about adoption in Maine. This guide will help you learn about the different types of adoption, such as open adoption where you can stay in touch with the adoptive family, or closed adoption where you may not have contact. We will also explain the steps you will go through, like working with an adoption agency and what happens during a home study, so you know what to expect every step of the way.

Types of Adoption in Maine

Domestic Adoption

With domestic adoption, infants and young children are placed with adoptive families within the U.S. This is the most common type of adoption for expectant/birth mothers who choose to lovingly place their child for adoption. It is often connected with the term private adoption in Maine.

International Adoption

This is the type of adoption of a child born outside of the adoptive family’s country. This is not the usual path for American expectant/birth parents. This is something that U.S. residents looking to adopt may choose, if they want to adopt a child from another country.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care is a state-run system that places children in homes – temporarily and/or permanently – after they have been removed from their birth family’s home. This typically happens when a judge determines the child is in an unsafe or unsuitable environment. Foster care can be a pathway to parenthood for those looking to adopt in an inexpensive way, but it is not the path that is chosen by expectant/birth parents. If you are lovingly making an adoption plan for your child, foster care is not the route you will take.

Choosing the Right Maine Adoption Agency

Questions to Ask Potential Agencies

• What types of supportive services do you offer?
• How often can I contact someone for support?
• What kinds of adoption plans do you offer?
• Can I choose the adoptive family? How do you help with that process?
• Do you assist with communication between birth and adoptive families?
• What happens after the adoption is complete?

Evaluating Agency Credentials

When researching Maine adoption agencies, consider licensing, testimonials, and the year an organization was founded. The best adoption agencies in Maine are typically fully licensed and have years of experience under their belts. Adoptions With Love, for example, is a fully licensed, nonprofit private adoption agency that has been working with expectant/birth parents since 1986.

Legal Considerations

Adoption Laws and Regulations in Maine

Adoption laws are complex and vary by state. It is important to work with a Maine adoption agency that can provide you with a team of adoption attorneys specifically trained in the state. It can also be helpful to know some of the basic adoption laws in Maine. For example, Maine birth mothers may sign consent forms for adoption any time after giving birth. Some states require a wait period after the child is born. It is important, however, to take all the time you need when making your decision. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

Financial Assistance and Support

It is important to find a Maine adoption agency that will offer you the assistance you need during this difficult time in your life. The priority of your Maine adoption agency should be to keep you as comfortable as possible during this challenging time. The services at Adoptions With Love are always 100% free for expectant/birth mothers. There is never any cost to you. In fact, you can receive financial support during your pregnancy.

Expectant/birth mothers who choose to place their baby for adoption can receive support with the following:

• General living expenses. Whether you need help with utilities or cell phone bills, we can assist you as needed.
• Rent. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Food.
• Transportation.
• Maternity clothing.
• Medical coverage. We can help you find a doctor or midwife with whom you feel comfortable. We can also cover any uninsured costs, such as prenatal and postpartum care and hospital visits.
• Comprehensive counseling services – before and after the adoption is complete.
• Legal assistance. Our team of Maine adoption attorneys will keep you informed of your rights, answer any questions you may have, and make sure your adoption process is safe and legal.
• Adoption planning. Our experienced staff can help you custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs, whether you want an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. The choices are yours.

Post Adoption Support Services in Maine

Adoption is a lifelong journey. It does not end once the paperwork is signed. At Adoptions With Love, we understand the importance of continuing counseling services after the adoption is complete. Adoptions With Love will pay for post adoption counseling for a year after placement of your child in their adoptive home. Our team of devoted, compassionate counselors is available to give you emotional support and to facilitate ongoing communication throughout your life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maine Adoption

What are the adoption laws I need to know in Maine?

Adoption laws vary by state. It is important to work with a Maine adoption agency that can provide you with trained attorneys who are well-versed in adoption laws in Maine.

Can I choose my child’s adoptive family?

Yes. At Adoptions With Love, you can choose your child’s adoptive parents. You can also speak with – or meet them in person – if you wish. Your adoption specialist can provide you with adoptive family profiles to browse. They can also get more information about prospective families, should you have any questions.

Can I have contact with my child after I place my child for adoption?

Yes. At Adoptions With Love, all adoptive families agree to a semi-open or open adoption. This means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families for the child’s upbringing. Every adoption is different, and the same rule applies to adoption plans. You may choose to stay connected with occasional text messages, email, phone calls, or in-person reunions. A Maine adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, can help you determine the best form and frequency of communication that meets your needs.

What will my child think of me?

Most adopted children in open adoptions report having positive feelings about their situation. They grow up with a strong sense of identity, having access to their background and adoption story. They also grow up knowing they are loved by two families, not just one. If you feel that you need a closed adoption, that is okay, too. You can rest assured your child will be raised in a healthy and loving home that is full of opportunities. You can always open up your adoption later; adoption is a life-long journey.

How do I know my baby will be placed in a safe and stable home?

Every adoptive family who works with Adoptions With Love must complete a Home Study. This several month-long process includes several home visits, interviews, background checks, and the review of medical and financial documents. This ensures that every adopted family home is a healthy one – mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially.

What if I change my mind after I have chosen the adoptive family?

At Adoptions With Love, you will never be pressured to complete the adoption process. Until you sign the consent forms, you can change your mind. We encourage expectant/birth mothers to take all the time they need before making their final decision.