In This Together: 10 of the Most Common Questions Birth Mothers have about Adoption in Arizona
How do I place my child for adoption? Will I see my baby again? Do I choose the adoptive parents for my child? If you’ve come across this post, you are most likely confused, scared or looking for answers about the adoption process in Arizona. Maybe you just found out you’re pregnant or just browsing to see if adoption is an option for your child. However, no matter the reason, it is our hope that we can provide you the answers you are looking for.
It is imperative to understand that as a birth mother, you have the right to make the best choices for your baby. Though you may feel confused at the moment, realize that you are ultimately in control and that Adoption Choices of Arizona is here to support you every step of the way. Typically, birth mothers have questions of a legal nature, as well as those that are more emotionally charged. We have compiled a list of the most common questions birth mothers have about adoption in Arizona that we hope puts your mind at ease.
- Where do I begin? What steps are involved to place my baby for adoption in Arizona?
Knowledge is power! Having simple, clearly laid plans are essential to a smooth adoption process. At Adoption Choices of Arizona, we have a simple, step-by-step plan about what to expect from start to finish. Knowing what is coming next can ease your anxiety and help you make the best decision for your child.
If you are considering adoption, we already know that you are putting your baby first and commend you for making the step to secure good information. You’re on the right path! The steps outlining our adoption process can be found in this article.
- I want to consider adoption, but how do I choose a family?
As a birth mother, you are in control of choosing the right family for your child. Many adoptive parents are eagerly waiting for a child to make their family complete, and you may hold the missing piece to their puzzle. Your adoption caseworker will provide profiles of adoptive parents for you to view and choose from, then arrange a meeting before you make your final decision.
As the birth mother, you should be confident in securing a future for your baby. We are here to help you through the search! Even if you view all of the families and cannot find the right match, we will provide you with more profiles. We are committed to your baby’s future and your peace of mind.
- This family looks nice, but are they safe?
Because we consider our journey together a lifelong one, it is our priority to ensure the safety of your child. All prospective adoptive parents must have FBI level clearance and undergo a rigorous state background check. Our social workers are on the ground, checking and re-checking the suitability of each family by checking their homes, conducting interviews and even their medical records. All debts and financials are meticulously examined as well as tax information. As an added layer of protection, we also conduct thorough reference interviews to verify suitability.
If you want to meet the adoptive parents yourself, we encourage you to do so. If you are more comfortable keeping your distance, that’s fine too! If you are comfortable with them and would like them to attend prenatal appointments with you, then that is an option as well. Overall, you will know as much information as legally possible about the adoptive parents you choose. If you do not wish to have contact, a closed adoption is also an option.
- Do I have to pay anything?
No. Placing your child for adoption will not cost you anything. While you are not paid to place your child for adoption, we are dedicated to help you with housing, medical costs, food and even post placement support. If you are homeless, we can provide a safe, clean place for you to stay.
- What if the birth father is uninvolved or abusive?
If you are experiencing abuse, seek help immediately. Adoption professionals are available to guide you through the process and give you resources. An adoption attorney can help you better understand your options in these situations.
- When can consent to adoption be granted? Can I change my mind?
Consent can be given 72 hours after birth in Arizona. Consent is irrevocable upon signing unless obtained by fraud, duress or undue influence. Post adoption contracts are legally enforceable as long as the agreement is in writing and approved by the court.
- What are my post adoption support options?
After the birth of your child, you may assume that the help we provide will stop. However, this is not the case. Our goal is to provide support for you as you go through this difficult time. There are many support options our agency provides from food and transportation to medical assistance and housing. There are also numerous resources in the community and online. For a list of these resources including mental health information, you can check out this article.
- Will I be able to communicate with my child?
You are the birth mother, so you get to decide how much communication you will have with your child. In Arizona, you are able to choose between a closed, open or semi-open adoption. If you’re unsure which option to choose, we can help explain the reasons behind each type of adoption in further detail. Communication is one of the most important factors when birth mothers choose a family and we want you to feel comfortable with whatever decision you make.
- How will my child find out they were adopted?
When looking to place your child for adoption, questions like this occur but are commonly not thought of to ask. Birth mothers tend to have worry in the back of their mind about the day the child asks about them or the birth father. For you, this subject may be touchy and demand the most delicate touch when answering this question. You may not want to tell the child about possible trauma, assault or drug use that caused this chain of events.. What happens when your child starts asking questions that are difficult to talk about?
When the child’s adoptive parents stepped into the child’s life, they signed papers accepting the good, bad and ugly parts of this adoption, including hard conversations. They will hear the questions before you do. This is why trust is one of the most important aspects of choosing a family to adopt your baby. Adoption means that the birth mother must have blind faith that the family will talk openly and truthfully about the story you all share together. Entrusting them with your child requires that you have faith that they will have these tough conversations when the child asks.
- What will they tell the child?
Like most situations in life, communication is key. It is encouraged that adoptive parents speak with their child about adoption from an early age, so that they understand the concept. Waiting until later to tell him or her has shown to increase the risk of self-esteem issues for the adoptee.
Your child’s adoptive parents will decide, as your child grows up, when and how to share additional information based on your child’s maturity, personality and development. By the time your child is old enough to hear about the more difficult parts of your adoption journey, their family will know them well enough to know how to handle the subject. This won’t be the first difficult topic they’ve ever discussed with the child. They’ll already understand how your child processes information and will be able to choose the right time, place and environment for sharing the tougher aspects of their adoption story.
Questions about Choosing Adoption
Remember that time is on your side. You have the time to gather as much information as you can without rushing through to make a decision. Allow yourself to relax and realize that adoption is a choice and not one that you have to make right this minute. There are numerous resources available from support groups to blogs like ours, which give helpful insight to those common questions birth mothers have when choosing adoption in Arizona.
Where you are right now is not an easy place to be, so kudos to you for taking the initiative to look at our blog! Adoption Choices of Arizona is here to support you and provide you the information you need so that you can make the right decision for yourself and your baby!
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the author: Megan Nichols is a writer, artist and collector of multiple plants- most of which she has successfully killed. She lives in North Carolina with her goldendoodle, Rosie, and super-hero daughter. Megan is pursuing her MFA at Liberty University and plans to teach Art History and Creative Writing at her local community college after graduation.
When she isn’t sipping pumpkin spice coffee and madly typing away in her office, you can find her biking with her daughter or painting her next masterpiece while watching the squirrels.
