Adoption during the Pandemic: What it Looks Like
Since March 2020, Americans have had one topic on their minds: the coronavirus — aka. COVID-19. The virus has caused many shut-downs all over the world. From restaurants to schools and even doctors offices. Those essential businesses that have not shut down look rather different, such as grocery stores and laundromats creating new policies for their patrons to have masks when entering into the facilities. As of right now, it is indeed a whole new world. But one service that has been hit just as hard, and isn’t nearly as focused upon as it could be, is adoption.
What Adoption Looks Like during COVID-19
Adoption usually has a lot of face to face contact as both adoptive and biological parents meet with doctors, social workers, adoption agencies and judges. But with facial contact pretty much being obsolete due to the pandemic, communication and relationship building has also had to adapt.
Is Adoption still Possible during the Pandemic?
Absolutely. Our adoption process has NOT been put on hold, and yours shouldn’t either. While our physical offices may be closed, we are still very much available to help you and support you in any way we can. What’s more, babies are still being born everyday, pandemic or not.
Our team is currently working virtually to protect you and our staff, and to prevent the spread of the virus. Your health and safety remains our top priority and we will work diligently to ensure that as much as we can. We are adhering to all CDC guidelines and staying in contact with our hospitals for any updates on health and safety procedures. So, things may look a bit different right now; but, adoption is still very much possible during the pandemic.
Should I Wait to Place My Baby for Adoption?
We understand that the presence of COVID-19 can cause fear and anxiety, and make you wonder if placing your baby for adoption during a pandemic is a smart move. The decision to either wait or move forward with your adoption plan is entirely up to you. However, we want to assure you that placing your baby for adoption during this challenging time is still safe, and that there are still waiting and loving adoptive parents eager to grow their family.
The biggest difference will be how we can conduct your adoption journey. Because in person meetings are not advised at this time, we have virtual options available. Once you make the decision to make an adoption plan, a caseworker will contact you and email you all necessary paperwork. Then, they will email you prospective parent profile books so that you can select who you feel would best fit the life you want for your baby.
How can I Meet My Child’s Adoptive Parents during COVID-19?
After you’ve selected what type of adoption plan you want — open, semi-open or closed — and selected your child’s prospective adoptive parents, your adoption caseworker will help arrange a virtual meeting with you and the adoptive parent(s). This could be through FaceTime, ZOOM, Skype, voice call or other video software.
If you want to meet in person, depending on the area you live in and the current phase of reopening, you should follow CDC guidelines. Wear a mask, make sure to wash your hands frequently and practice safe social distancing measures. Be sure to pay careful attention to the current phase your area is in to ensure your health and safety, and that of your baby’s.
Adoption during the Pandemic
Your health and safety will remain our top priority, whether we are living through a global pandemic or not. However, rest assured, Adoption Choices of Kansas is following closely to all news surrounding COVID-19 and implementing extra safety precautions to ensure that you can place your baby for adoption during this challenging time and still have a successful adoption journey.
Know that if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and want to choose adoption during the pandemic, adoption is always an option. We are always ready and available to help you. While the process of finding homes may be different, our goal is still the same. We want to give your child the life he or she deserves and find them a safe, nurturing and loving home.
Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more!
Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071
Meet the Author: Gabrielle Willis is a lover of writing and knowledge, which shows in her everyday life. She graduated with a Bachelors in English in 2013, and recently graduated with a Masters in Creative Writing. She has also worked in the education sector for over 10 years, recently becoming a Literacy Tutor. At her core, her passion is reading and writing, and she loves sharing that with others.
She enjoys helping those considering adoption or going through the adoption process any way she can. This internship opportunity truly resonated with her and she hopes that her words will connect and inspire everyone who reads them.
