How Can My Adoption Agency in Arizona Help With the DCS?
By Rayna Padgett
If the Department of Child Safety (DCS) is unpleasantly involved in your life because of drugs, incarceration, or an inability to parent, you have options. We can help you maintain some control over your and your baby’s life at Adoption Choices of Arizona. Our aim is to help you make the best decision for yourself and your child. An adoption is always an option if you are faced with unforeseen or difficult circumstances. But how can our adoption agency in Arizona help you with the DCS? The adoption process may differ for you depending on whether or not DCS already has custody of your child. If they do not, you can go through the adoption process just like our other birth mothers.
Fortunately, if you choose adoption before you have your baby, you have the legal right to decide what happens to your child. You also have the benefit of support and access to various resources if you choose to place your baby for adoption. Unfortunately, if DCS already has custody of your child, you no longer have any rights concerning the child. This is why it is important to be proactive and start your adoption process as soon as possible.
How Can Adoption Choices of Arizona Help Me?
We specialize in adoption at Adoption Choices of Arizona. The first step of the adoption process is to contact us via phone, email, or text. We are available 24/7 to assist you. After you contact us and decide adoption is what you want to do, we assign you an adoption facilitator. Your adoption facilitator will be your guide throughout your adoption journey and will ensure that all of your wishes are executed. This is your adoption and your process; we never impose our own desires or recommendations on you. We are here to guide, not force.
The next step of the adoption process is developing your personalized adoption plan. An adoption plan is a plan for adoption that details which you would like to adopt your baby, the type of adoption you would like, and any additional assistance you may need.
If you are currently pregnant, we will help you find a prenatal doctor. It is important that you have sufficient medical care during this time in your life and that you regularly attend your doctor’s appointments. These appointments ensure that both you and your baby are healthy.
Finding the Right Adoptive Family
Your adoption facilitator will provide you with a range of prospective adoptive family profiles to choose from. When choosing your baby’s adoptive family, think of the kind of life you want your child to have and the kind of people you want to raise them. The adoptive family you pick for your baby is entirely up to you; you have complete control over every aspect of this process. If you do not like the initial family profiles we provide you with, we will supply you with more. We want to make sure that you pick the right family for your baby.
Once you have chosen your baby’s adoptive family, the next step of the adoption process is to decide on the type of adoption you would like. There are three main types of adoption— open, semi-open, or closed.
Open Adoption
Open adoption allows you to maintain contact with your child and their adoptive family. This type of adoption involves open communication between you and the adoptive parents. Both parties can exchange emails, phone numbers, and social media accounts. You can also decide whether or not you want annual meetings with your child. You can be as involved in your child’s life as you want to be in an open adoption.
Semi-Open Adoption
Semi-open adoptions consist of mediated communication between you and the adoptive parents. This communication is mediated by your adoption facilitator. The adoption facilitator will disseminate all photos and updates about the child to you.
Closed Adoption
Closed adoptions are a great option if you do not wish to have any involvement in the child’s life. In a closed adoption, there is no communication between you and the adoptive parents. The only information the adoptive parents and your child will receive about you is your medical history.
The last step of the adoption process is to create your birth plan. Your birth plan includes information like who you want present during labor and delivery and what kind of medications you would or would not like during labor. Your birth plan empowers you; it can be as detailed or as simple as you want it to be.
After you give birth, we arrange a farewell dinner with the adoptive family. This isn’t compulsory, but it is a good opportunity to say your goodbyes. Your supplemental expenses will continue to be paid up to one month after delivery. These expenses usually include money for rent, groceries, transportation, and other maternity-related expenses. This process is difficult enough without your having to worry about basic necessities.
Regardless of your particular situation, adoption is always a great option for you and your baby. You have complete control over the entire process and are never rushed to make any decisions. We help birth mothers at all stages of pregnancy. An adoption is a great option for you and your baby if DCS is involved in your lives due to drugs or an inability to parent. You should consult with an attorney regarding your legal rights regarding your specific circumstances. Adoption gives you the power to maintain control over your and your baby’s life despite the government’s involvement.
Contact Us Today!
With offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson, we are ready and waiting to help you with all of your adoption needs. We make sure you know your rights as a birth mother and empower you to make the best decision for you and your baby regardless of DCS’s involvement in your life. Don’t hesitate to contact Adoption Choices of Arizona today to start your adoption journey. You’ll be glad you did!
