FAQ

1. Why Adoption Choices of Kansas & Missouri?

Because working with us means services available to you are tailored to your specific needs. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and do not feel you are ready to parent, you may wish to consider adoption. We will be happy to discuss all options related to the pregnancy with you and our local agency.

If you do choose adoption, our agency provides each birth mother with your own personal birth parent counselor who guides you through the process in person. She can help you get to and from doctor appointments, set up housing, and insurance appointments, such as Medicaid, WIC, and food stamps if you qualify.

Most importantly, she can talk to you and listen to your feelings while going through the process of adoption. The birth parent counselor helps you find the plan that is right for you!

2. Why Should I Choose Adoption?

The choice of adoption is a positive alternative to an unplanned pregnancy. Many women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy situation do not search out all of their options. You may be financially unable to support a child or if you are already raising children, unable to support another child. You may be at a place in your life where you are not emotionally ready to care for a new baby.

A mother who creates an adoption plan for her child is placing her child’s best interest above her own. It is the ultimate unselfish act of love for a mother to choose life for her child and do what is best for her child. Adoption is a caring and responsible process that is as natural and loving as parenting. It does not mean that you do not love your child, it means you love your child so much that you will sacrifice your own emotions for your baby.

There are many couples, families, and individuals that would love the opportunity to parent your child. The reasons vary from an inability to conceive or other infertility issues to a desire to expand their family. Our adoptive families are certified through the courts or licensed by certified agencies and have undertaken a thorough process to ensure your child’s safety with a stable and loving home.

An adoption plan can be whatever you want it to be.

3. Who will help me understand this decision and deal with the loss of my child?

The decision to choose adoption is not an easy one to make on your own. Although it may be a difficult and painful choice, we will be there to provide support, including counseling if you would like.

4. Can I choose the adoptive family of my child?

Yes, you have the option of approving the parents who will be adopting your baby. Each family makes a picture profile, which is a mini-scrap book that tells you about their lives. The profiles we will present to you are filled with photos of the family, their vacations, their home and lots more. It will also include a “Dear Birth Mother” letter that addresses other frequently asked questions such as their likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc…

5. How do I know the adoptive family will provide a safe environment in which to raise my child?

All of our prospective adoptive parents go through extensive background checks. Social workers meet them in their homes to interview them. The couples are required to provide a State Bureau of Investigation report and a child abuse clearance report as well as birth certificates, a copy of their marriage license, physician’s reports that include HIV test results, etc… Adoptive families are carefully screened.

6. Will I be able to meet the adoptive family in person?

Yes, if you wish they can come meet you before the baby is born and you can have as much or as little of a relationship with the adoptive family as you want. You also have the opportunity to talk with them over the phone throughout the pregnancy. You can call to let them know how your doctor’s visits are going. If the family is able, and you are willing, they can even attend a doctor’s appointment with you.

You will know as much information about the adoptive family as we can give to you without revealing their last names and addresses. However, if you prefer to have a closed adoption with the adoptive family, that is also available.

7. Can I make an Adoption Plan without the Birth Father’s Consent?

Yes, if the birth father will not give his consent, or if you are unable to locate him, the attorney for the agency will attempt to terminate his parental rights.

8. Will I be able to receive help with transportation if I need it?

Your case worker will help you with transportation to and from your doctor’s visits and take you to pick up prescriptions. If further assistance is needed ,e.g., trips to the grocery store or a ride to work your case worker will be glad to help arrange that for you. We understand how important it is that you stay healthy and well taken care of.

9. How do I pay for the medical costs incurred by the pregnancy?

The choice of adoption is always at no cost to the birth mother. We will help you find assistance in paying the medical bills. The portion of the medical expenses not covered by private insurance or by state funds will be provided by the adoptive family.

10. Can I have contact with my baby while I am in the hospital?

You can see your baby as often as you want while you are in the hospital. Your case workers will help you make that decision.

11. When will the adoptive family take the baby home?

In most situations the adoptive family are at the hospital while the birth mother is in labor. If you would like, the family can even be in the delivery room with you. The agency suggests they come to Kansas a day or two before your estimated due date. If you deliver early they will be on the next flight out of their home town.

12. Is transitional care ever involved?

In extreme cases, when the adoptive family is unable to arrive before the baby is released from the hospital, we will place the baby in state licensed transitional care. The families who watch the children for this short period of time are screened as intensively as the adoptive family.

13. Do I have to go in front of a Judge to give my consent?

No. The consents to the adoption are not taken in front of a judge unless (1) a child falls under the Indian child or (2) the birth mother’s mental capacity is questioned.

14. Will I have to find my own attorney for the consent?

No. We will provide an attorney for you as well as pay his or her fee. The agency will cover all of your legal fees for the adoption.

15. Can the agency help me with living expenses if I am unable to work?

The agency will cover appropriate living expenses to birth mothers who need the help. We understand how difficult it is to get back on your feet and return to work after delivering a baby.

16. Will I be able to know about my child’s health and well-being after his or her birth?

Ongoing correspondence is definitely an option for you as a birth mother. We require that the adoptive family be open to sending pictures and letters at least once a year until the child reaches the age of 18. You are also able to send the adoptive family letters and pictures for the baby through the agency. An open adoption gives you the most amount of contact and we will help you make those decisions.