If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you undoubtedly have many questions about the adoption process. LifeLong Adoptions has a team of experienced professionals who can answer all of your questions. To get you started, we have compiled a list of frequently questions about adoption.
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Why choose adoption?
Birthmothers come to us for many reasons. You may be unable to financially support a child. You may be at a place in your life where you are not emotionally ready. No matter what the reason, you are making this decision because you want what is best for your child. We understand this is a difficult choice, and we are here to support you 24/7. Adoption is a loving decision. It takes a great deal of love and sacrifice to even consider it. We can help you explore parenting and adoption and let you determine what is right for both you and your baby at this time in your life.
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Are there any costs to me?
As a birthmother, there is no cost to you. Adoptive parents pay for legal fees, reasonable pregnancy-related expenses, and medical bills that are not covered by insurance or public aid. Every adoption is different. Ask your adoption caseworker if you have questions about your unique situation.
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What is the difference between open adoption and semi-open adoption?
In an open adoption, the birthmother may choose the adoptive family rather than having an agency choose one for her. We provide a large selection of loving families that are eager to adopt. Birthmothers may decide on the amount of contact they wish to have. Some birthmothers want letters and photos; others want visits and/or phone calls. The choice is up to you, and depends entirely on your needs and wants.
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How are adoptive families screened?
Every adoptive parent is thoroughly evaluated through a home study conducted by a licensed agency. The home study process includes assessments of their character, marital stability, financial situation, lifestyle, and medical history. The agency will run background checks to verify there is no record of criminal activity or child abuse. A social worker will also inspect the family’s home to ensure it is a safe environment for a child. We also require education for adoptive on adopting and parenting. Following the placement of a child into an adoptive home, a social worker will continue to monitor and supervise the family. We go to great lengths to make sure the families we offer you are going to be excellent parents for your baby.
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Can I be involved in choosing the family for my baby?
Yes! We encourage you to choose your baby’s adoptive family from the pool of families that we have approved. We will assist you in the initial contact with them. If you want to, you can spend time with them on your own to get to know them better. Many birthparents and adoptive families meet for dinner, go to doctor’s appointments together, talk on the telephone, and/or write to each other. You decide how open or private you want your relationship to be.
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What if I deliver and I haven’t created a plan? Can you work with me from the hospital?
Yes. It is not uncommon for us to get calls from birthparents that are already in labor or have had their baby and are in the hospital. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so feel free to contact us anytime. Once we receive your call, we can have an adoptive family available within hours. The family can take the baby directly home from the hospital, avoiding the need for foster care. Depending on what state you deliver in, we will work with you on creating a plan for discharge that will best meet your needs and those of your baby.
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Does the father have rights? Does he need to be involved in the adoption process?
It is important to know and understand that both the biological mother and father have rights concerning their baby. However, the situation varies case by case. The rights of the biological father depend on a number of factors. Are you and the father in a committed relationship? If you are not in a relationship, has he stepped up to claim paternity? Does he have any interest in fathering or taking part in the adoption process? An unwed father has no absolute right to veto an adoption unless the necessary actions are taken to preserve his right to do so. Normally, the father will need to receive notice of the adoption via petition, and object or approve. If you are unsure how to proceed with the father’s involvement, contact us anytime or discuss the situation with your adoption caseworker.
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What are the advantages of working with an agency as opposed to a private adoption?
An adoption agency gives birthparents more protection and more options than a private child adoption. A private child adoption is risky and they have even been declared illegal in some states.
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What’s the next step?
If you believe adoption may be the best answer for you, your next step is to contact us. You can do so in whatever way you are most comfortable. You can call us at our toll free number 1-888-733-7754, e-mail us at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , chat with us online through the live chat option on our site, or fill out our Birthparent Information Request Form. We are always available!You can also begin reviewing adoptive family profiles and select a few that you feel would be a good connection for you and your baby. We can contact them for you and arrange for you to speak with them and/or meet with them if you’d like. The choice is entirely up to you. Click here to review your rights as a potential birthmother working with us.
Remember, we will always be here whenever you need us.