Choosing an Open Adoption during the Coronavirus
The current conditions of the coronavirus pandemic has greatly limited in-person interactions and usual day-to-day routines. Many birth and adoptive parents alike are stuck in their homes under mandated quarantine, which makeas it difficult to consider or continue an adoption journey. If you are a birth mother in this situation right now, it’s natural to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Especially if you are wanting to choose an open adoption during the coronavirus.
With so many restrictions in place, is it still possible? How can you meet prospective adoptive parents if you’re quarantined at home? Adoption Choices of Kansas is here to help! Despite the stay-at-home orders, there are still options available for you to have a successful open adoption placement during this challenging time.
Choosing Open Adoption during the Coronavirus
Even with the pandemic happening, you are still able to place your baby for adoption and choose an open adoption agreement. The steps and process to go about this haven’t changed. You are still able to fill out an application with us, speak with an adoption caseworker and select the adoptive parents you want to raise your child. You are also still able to receive counseling services, financial assistance and housing help, if need be.
Our doors are very much open and we remain fully functional. The biggest change is that we are unable to meet in-person at the moment. However, we have remote/virtual options available. You can converse with us and the adoptive parents via FaceTime, ZOOM, Skype, phone or email. We understand that communication means everything in an open adoption, and we strive to make that happen the best we can.
Selecting an Adoptive Family
When you are ready to choose an adoptive family, your adoption caseworker will send your prospective adoptive parent profile books via email. This will allow you time to look through all the bios and pictures — much as you would in our normal adoption process. All the profile books sent to you will reflect any and all requirements previously discussed with your caseworker. If there were areas you were flexible in, your caseworker will send your profile books that kept that in mind, too. Remember that if you have any questions or concerns as you are selecting an adoptive family that you can still get in touch with your adoption caseworker.
As you read through the material and look through the pictures, think about what kind of life you want for your child. This will help you narrow down your choice. Do you want the adoptive parents to have pets? Other children? Live in a diverse neighborhood? Do you have a religious preference? There are no right or wrong answers. The most important thing is what feels best to you.
Meeting the Adoptive Parents
Once you have made your selection, let your adoption caseworker know and she can arrange a meeting for you. Again, this first meeting will happen remotely — either by phone or through another virtual program, like the ones mentioned above.
Be sure to have any and all questions written down before the meeting. This will help you navigate the awkward silences. It’s natural to feel nervous. Remember that the adoptive parents will be just as nervous as you.
Open Adoption during the Coronavirus
Thinking about placing your baby for adoption and choosing an open adoption during the coronavirus can feel unpredictable. That is why Adoption Choices of Kansas is here to support you and keep you as updated as we can. If you are wanting to choose an open adoption for your baby during this challenging time, know that it is still an option for you.
Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us now at 877-903-4488 or Text Us316-209-2071!
Author Bio: Hello! My name is Jason and I am an Editorial Intern for Adoption Choices for the Summer of 2020! To read more about Jason, click here!!
