When considering placing your child for adoption, this is often one of the first questions asked. Which adoption agency is best? What do I need to know about adoption? Should I use an agency or try to find a couple to adopt my child on my own?
Before you make any decisions, research the benefits of a smaller, local agency vs. a larger national one. To find the right adoption agency for you, ask an agency representative the following questions.
Are They Fully Licensed?
A reputable adoption agency in Missouri must register and apply to be a child-placing agency with the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) Children’s Division. All agencies must meet specific regulatory and administrative standards.
Agency staff members must complete and pass thorough background checks, including a fingerprint-based criminal record check. The state periodically reviews an agency to determine whether it’s adhering to ethical and legal standards.
What Support Services Do They Offer?
The agency you choose should be fully educated in its state’s adoption laws and what services are available to you. A competent agency will help you access services such as hospital and medical care, legal representation, counseling, living expenses, and other resources deemed necessary.
No reputable agency should ever charge an expectant mother or birth mother for their services. Every woman should be able to access all resources at no cost.
Do They Align With My Values?
As you consider working with a specific adoption agency, you’ll want to know whether they share your values. For instance, do they offer the adoption plan you wish to pursue (open, semi-open, or closed)?
Will they discuss my options, or do they only talk about adoption? Do they align with my racial or religious preferences? These are just a few questions to consider.
What Type of Communication Can I Expect?
As an anxious expectant mother or birth mother, you need to know the agency you select will be
responsive to your requests and questions. Do they offer 24/7 communications? Is it possible to
speak with other women who’ve placed children through the agency? How will the agency contact the expectant father?
You also need to receive a clear explanation of your rights, the adoption process, and when and if you are allowed to change your mind. You should never feel pressured, manipulated, or coerced.
Will the Agency Assist Me in Selecting the Adoptive Family?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the process is selecting the adoptive couple that will raise your child. You need to know you’ll have access to the bios of couples who meet your requirements.
Can the agency facilitate a meeting between you and the couple you choose even before giving birth? Will agency representatives assist you in creating a hospital plan and introducing your child to their adoptive parents?
Working With A Gift of Hope Adoptions
Our main office is in Columbia, and we proudly support and serve women and families throughout Missouri. Our licensed adoption professionals offer personalized service to everyone we work with.
A Gift of Hope Adoptions specializes in private domestic infant adoptions. You will receive adoption-planning guidance, 24/7 assistance, and access to support groups and counseling. We’ll assist you with every detail of the adoption process.
If you’re considering placing your child for adoption, contact A Gift of Hope Adoptions. We welcome your questions to help determine if we’re the right agency for you. Call us at (888) 564-HOPE (4673), or fill out our confidential online contact form. How can we assist you today?
This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note that the laws can change over time.