The Adoption Process: Step by Step for Birth Mothers

Sometimes, the frightening reality of an unplanned pregnancy can be a miracle for two families. You are able to give life to a child, help hopeful parents become a family, and pursue your own life as well. Life is full of unexpected surprises. If you are considering adoption for your unborn child, you may want to know exactly how the process works. At Accredited Adoption Service, the Law Offices of David J. Radis, our process involves 7 basic steps.

Step 1: Initial Contact

When you call Accredited Adoption Service, you will speak directly with David. He can answer any questions you may have at this time, and he encourages you to ask as many as you want. We will collect your basic information and help you fully understand your options. At the end of this call, we can provide you with information on some of our waiting families – you can begin to speak to these adoptive parents that day. You will also be given David's cell phone number in case you need further assistance – he is available to his clients 24 hours a day.

Step 2: Health History

Once you have given us your basic information, we will mail a packet to you for information about your health history. If you have any questions about the packet, we will help you. Once you complete it, you simply need to mail it back to us.

Step 3: Family Selection

At the time your health history is completed, you may have already decided upon a family. If not, you may continue to interview parents until you discover a family that is perfect for your child. Once you have made your selection, the adoptive parents are informed.

Step 4: Adoption Plan

Your adoption plan will be as unique as you are. Once you have decided that you want to proceed with adoption and have selected a family, creating your adoption plan lays out how the process will function for you, your child and the adoptive family. Here are a few examples of items in an adoption plan:

• You select a family or have a family selected for you.
• You can choose to meet the adoptive family.
• You can select an open, semi-open, or closed adoption
• You can speak with the adoptive family by phone or email
• You can receive counseling
• You can receive financial assistance, where legally allowed
• You can receive housing help, where legally allowed
• You can interview parents

Step 5: Baby is Born

All of our services are free to birth mothers and most of the time financial assistance is available for necessities of life. We want you to be healthy and well taken care of. Once your baby is born, David will review your adoption plan and make sure that everything is happening as planned.

Step 6: Placement

Once your child is born, David will ensure that you are comfortable with your adoption plan. At this point you place the baby with the adoptive family (usually upon being discharged by the hospital). We anticipate that this is a difficult and emotional time, and we are ready to provide guidance and support if you need it. It is at this point that you will sign the legal documents; David will make sure that you understand everything as it happens.

Step 7: Post Adoption Services

Once you have placed the baby with the family, it is natural to feel many different emotions in the coming days and months. It is important to remember why you chose adoption. We are ready with guidance for birth mothers. We can help you contact birth mother support groups and can provide counseling. We will continue to send letters and photographs from the adoptive parents when it has been agreed to.