When you’re looking for an adoption agency to help with your baby’s adoption, there are many things to keep in mind. Of course, you will want to look into adoption agencies as soon as you can, but you also want to take your time with a decision. After all, these professionals will be the ones helping you find the parents and life you’re dreaming of for your little one.
Expectant mothers thinking about adoption can find several adoption professionals who would be honored to help them through the process. Yet, with so many options available to help women considering adoption, how do these brave moms choose the adoption agency that’s right for them? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, it’s understandable.
Table of Contents
- An Overview of What to Look for in an Adoption Agency
- Tips for Choosing an Adoption Agency
- We Know This Decision Is Hard
- What Makes Lifetime Different: Our Comparative Advantages
- Comprehensive Practical Support Details
- Trust and Safety: Your Security Matters
- Warning Signs that You Shouldn’t Work With a Particular Agency
- Questions to Ask an Adoption Agencies
- Lifetime Adoption Agency
An Overview of What to Look for in an Adoption Agency
First, it’s important to know that not all adoption agencies, attorneys, or centers offer the same services or provide similar services in the same way. So, mothers choosing adoption should make sure they understand what to expect from the professional who will help them learn about adoption, as well as what happens as they go through the process.
Additionally, it’s just as important to know what questions to ask an agency, to be honest about what you need, and to trust your gut. Choose adoption help that respects what you’re going through, is trustworthy, and is there for you.
As you research adoption, remember that the professional you choose to work with through the process is one of your choices. Furthermore, you make the decisions, including WHO helps you complete your baby’s adoption.
Tips for Choosing an Adoption Agency
There are many adoption agencies in the United States. So to help you select an agency in the time frame you need, here are a few practical tips:
Agency Basics
- Only work with licensed professionals with a strong track record of experience
- All services should be free to birth parents – no cost to you
- Check their credentials on their website – licensed professionals are reviewed by third parties
- Read reviews of the adoption agency
Your Control and Choices
- You know what’s best – work only with agencies that respect this and let you choose every part of your adoption plan
- You choose the adoptive parents – the agency should leave this decision to you (or help if you prefer)
- No pressure allowed – agencies should never force you into decisions you’re not comfortable with
- All choices should be yours
Support and Services
- 24/7 availability – pregnancy doesn’t follow business hours, so your support shouldn’t either
- Free counseling before and after – preferably from someone who doesn’t work for the agency (this ensures they act in your best interests)
- Stability support – good agencies help with food, housing, or other needs so you can make clear-headed decisions
- Listening ear and support – choose an agency that takes their supportive role seriously
We Know This Decision Is Hard
We understand that considering adoption brings up many complex emotions, and it’s completely normal to have fears and concerns about this decision. At Lifetime Adoption, we recognize that emotional support is just as important as practical guidance.
Common Concerns We Help With:
Fear of Judgment: Many birth mothers worry about being judged for their decision. Our compassionate team creates a safe, judgment-free environment where your feelings are validated and respected. We’ve worked with thousands of women from all walks of life, and we understand that choosing adoption takes tremendous courage and love.
Grief and Loss: It’s natural to experience feelings of grief throughout the adoption process. We provide access to specialized counseling and support from other birth mothers who understand what you’re going through. Our emotional support continues long after placement.
Family and Partner Reactions: Worried about how to tell your family or partner about your decision? Our experienced coordinators can help you navigate these difficult conversations and provide resources for your loved ones to better understand your choice.
Future Regret: Many birth mothers worry about regretting their decision later. Our counselors help you explore your feelings thoroughly and ensure you’re making a decision that feels right for you. We also provide ongoing support to help you process your emotions as they evolve.
Connection with Your Child: Concerns about maintaining a relationship with your child are common in open adoption. We help facilitate healthy, ongoing relationships that honor your wishes and benefit everyone involved, including your child.
What Makes Lifetime Different: Our Comparative Advantages
Experience That Matters
- 38+ Years of Excellence: Since 1986, Lifetime has successfully handled over 2,000 adoptions, giving us unmatched experience in understanding birth mothers’ needs
- Nationally Recognized Leadership: Our founder, Mardie Caldwell, is a Certified Open Adoption Practitioner with over 150 media appearances and multiple award-winning books
Superior Support Structure
- Dedicated Coordinators: Unlike agencies that shuffle clients between staff members, you’ll work with one dedicated adoption coordinator who becomes your personal advocate throughout the entire process
- 24/7 Availability: We don’t just say we’re available around the clock – we guarantee response within 2 hours to calls and texts, day or night
- Larger Network: Our extensive nationwide network means more adoptive family options and greater flexibility in finding the perfect match for your baby
Comprehensive Services
- Independent Counseling from counselors don’t work for the agency, ensuring they advocate solely for your best interests, not ours
- Legal Support: Access to experienced adoption attorneys who explain your rights and ensure all legal aspects are handled properly
- Extended Support: Many agencies end their support after placement – we provide ongoing assistance
Personalized Matching Process
- Your Choice, Your Timeline: You choose your baby’s adoptive parents from our large database of pre-screened families, and you control the timeline
- Diverse Options: Our adoptive families represent various backgrounds, races, religions, and family structures to match your preferences
- Travel Accommodation: Adoptive parents travel to you for the birth – you never have to relocate or travel during the process
Comprehensive Practical Support Details
During Pregnancy
- Medical Support: Assistance with finding prenatal care providers, scheduling appointments, and transportation to medical visits through ride-share services or bus vouchers
- Living Assistance: Help with housing referrals, food assistance programs, and other essential needs to ensure you can focus on your health and decision-making
- Financial Guidance: Assistance with applying for public aid, Medicaid, and other support programs available to you
Birth and Hospital Stay
- Hospital Coordination: We work directly with hospital staff to ensure your birth plan is respected and the adoption process goes smoothly
- Legal Documentation: All necessary legal paperwork is prepared in advance and handled by experienced professionals
- Emotional Support: A social worker can be present during labor and delivery if you wish, providing emotional support during this significant time
Post-Placement Support
- Ongoing Counseling: Continued access to counseling services
- Support Groups: Connection with other birth mothers for peer support and understanding
- Relationship Assistance: Help maintaining healthy communication with adoptive families when desired
Educational and Career Support
- Goal Setting: Work with coordinators to identify and pursue your educational and career objectives
- Resource Connections: Links to scholarship opportunities, vocational training, and educational support programs
- Long-term Planning: Assistance developing plans for your future that honor the strength you’ve shown through this process
Trust and Safety: Your Security Matters
Licensing and Accreditation
- Full Licensing: Lifetime is a fully licensed Florida Child-Placing Agency (License #100096562), regulated and regularly inspected by the Florida Department of Children and Families
- National Accreditation: We maintain accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA), meeting the highest national standards for adoption services
- Multi-State Connections: We can provide services across state lines, ensuring legal compliance no matter where you’re located
Rigorous Adoptive Family Screening
- Comprehensive Background Checks: All prospective adoptive parents undergo extensive criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, and fingerprinting through multiple databases
- Home Studies: Independent social workers conduct thorough home studies including interviews, home inspections, and reference checks
- Financial Verification: Adoptive families must demonstrate financial stability and ability to provide for a child’s needs
- Psychological Evaluations: Mental health assessments ensure adoptive parents are emotionally prepared for adoption
Ongoing Oversight
- Regular State Reviews: Our practices are regularly reviewed by state licensing authorities to ensure compliance with all regulations
- Third-Party Accountability: Independent oversight through accrediting bodies provides an additional layer of protection
- Professional Standards: All staff maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training on best practices
Your Legal Protection
- Independent Legal Representation: We ensure you have access to your own attorney, separate from the adoptive parents’ legal counsel
- Rights Education: Comprehensive explanation of your legal rights, including revocation periods and consent procedures
- Document Security: All legal documents are properly filed and stored with appropriate courts and agencies
- Compliance Assurance: We ensure all state and federal adoption laws are followed precisely to protect your interests
Warning Signs that You Shouldn’t Work With a Particular Agency:
- No credentials or license
- Website does not exist
- Bad reviews
- Want to be paid
- Rude on the phone
- Seem bothered to take your phone call
“I really appreciate Lifetime’s care and assistance. In looking for an adoption agency in Texas, I called many places. There were no real people answering the phone, I kept getting their voicemail. Lifetime was the first place I called where I could speak to a real person who could answer my questions right away,” shares a 23-year-old woman who placed her son for adoption two years ago with Lifetime’s help.
Questions to Ask Adoption Agencies
Call an adoption agency to see what kind of first impression you get from the conversation. For example, did a real person answer the phone? Were they friendly and knowledgeable? Do they sound disinterested in talking with you? Here are 10 important questions to ask an adoption agency:
- What hours can I call or text you? What happens if I need help at night or on the weekend?
- When can I get information about the adoptive parents? How many adoptive families will I get to choose from for my baby?
- Parents who share race in common with my baby is important to me. Do you have parents like that?
- Do you provide counseling through a licensed therapist? Are there other women who have placed a baby for adoption that I can talk to?
- Can I call from the hospital and get things started then if needed?
- Will the adoptive parents travel to where I give birth, or will I need to be relocated?
- What kind of services and support do you have for birth parents during and after the adoption?
- Can I talk with an attorney to get answers to my legal questions before I decide if adoption is what I want to do?
- Will the adoptive parents you work with honor my wishes about contact after the adoption?
- If I don’t want to get mail about adoption, can you send it through email or text?
Lifetime Adoption Agency
Lifetime is one of the best adoption agencies in the U.S. and is an accredited and Licensed Florida adoption agency. Since 1986, Lifetime Adoption’s professionals have supported birth parents in finding the right adoptive parents for their children.
We help thousands of women every year who are facing unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, our large, caring staff can help you seven days a week and provide one-on-one support about your pregnancy and available options.
You deserve to work with an adoption agency you feel completely comfortable with. And with Lifetime Adoption, you will work with an adoption coordinator who will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.
If you’ve been looking for an ethical adoption agency with experience, Lifetime Adoption Agency could be your answer.
To learn more about Lifetime’s services and support for women thinking about adoption, call or text anytime: 1-800-923-6784. Our caring team of professionals will listen, answer any questions, and offer information, counseling, and other free adoption resources as you decide what you want to do.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 2, 2019, and has since been updated.
Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P., is nationally recognized as an expert on open adoption. A Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P.), Caldwell is the founder of Lifetime Adoption Center, established in 1986. She has assisted in over 2,000 successful adoptions and was one of the first adoption professionals on the Internet.
Caldwell's life work is dedicated to educating and helping birth parents find the right adoptive parents for their child. She spreads the word about modern adoption through speaking appearances, webinars, online resources, and as a podcast show host.
She has written several award-winning books, including So I Was Thinking About Adoption, the first book of its kind. There are many reasons women choose adoption, and this short book is a comprehensive resource to make the best plan for you and your baby. Caldwell wrote So I Was Thinking About Adoption as a handy guide to the details of the adoption process.
Caldwell has made over 150 media appearances, including ABC News, CBS News, Larry King Live, CNN Headline News, NBC's The Today Show, CNN's The Campbell Brown Show, NBC News, KGO Newstalk Radio, CNN's Black in America II, MSNBC, Fox, PBS, BBC, and Dr. Laura.
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