BIRTH PARENT FAQs :: BIRTH MOTHER INFORMATION :: ADOPTION FAQs

• How can a birth mother make sure adoption is the right choice?
A birth mother needs professional guidance to ensure she has all pertinent birth parent information and knows all of her options so that she can make an informed -- and thoroughly thought-out -- choice. When Steven represents birth mothers, he ensures they get this help. He meets with birth mothers in his office, whenever possible, (providing transportation if needed) explaining all aspects of the adoption process, including each step birth parents will go through. He talks with the birth mother about why she’s chosen adoption, helping her to reexamine the decision and make sure it’s the right one for her.

• Do you offer birth mother assistance for additional professional counseling?
Steven understands this may be the most important decision a birth parent will ever make. He will make available counseling for all the birth mothers he represents. As an adoptive parent, Steven has great admiration for birth mothers who give others the gift of parenthood. He treats all birth mothers with respect, care and compassion.

• Do you offer a birth mother prenatal care or living assistance?
Steven will arrange for prenatal care for birth mothers who are not currently insured. If birth mothers need living assistance, Steven will help find adoptive parents who can provide it. (Some states restrict how much financial assistance adoptive parents can give to birth parents.)

• Can a birth mother choose her baby’s adoptive parents?
Yes, a birth mother can be as involved as she wants to be.

• What information does a birth mother get about the adoptive parents?
Again, that’s up to her. A birth mother can see written information and photos of the adoptive parents before making a decision. She can also talk to them on the telephone or meet them in person, unless, in unusual circumstances, the adoptive parents live so far away that an initial meeting isn’t practical.

• How much contact will a birth mother have with the adoptive parents?
Once again, that’s up to her. If a birth mother is not comfortable meeting or talking initially, she can decide to meet or talk to the adoptive parents at any time throughout the pregnancy. Adoptive parents are usually eager for the contact. Once the ice is broken, birth mothers and adoptive parents often enjoy regular contact.

• How do birth parents know adoptive parents are legitimate?
Adoptive parents want to be a family. Some already have children but many are childless. They are looking to provide your child with a loving home. That said, they are probably one of the most investigated segments of our society. They must pass FBI clearances and criminal and child abuse history checks. Licensed social workers visit their homes, and every prospective adoptive parent must be approved by a licensed social worker.