Adoptive parents have unique opportunities to celebrate special milestones with their adopted child. Here are three ways to honor and remember your child’s adoption, biological family, and the wonderful memories adoption creates. Celebrate “Gotcha Day” The excitement, relief, and anticipation that adoptive parents feel when the courts finalize their child’s adoption is a reason to
Sibling rivalry is as old as time. Remember the Bible story in Genesis of Cain and Abel? Jealousy between biological and adopted siblings can be devastating for a family. The best way to deal with potential jealousy is to discuss the upcoming changes before the sibling arrives. Paving the way openly and honestly can help
Adoption can be stressful for everyone in the family. No one knows what to expect because it’s new and unfamiliar territory. Preparing your children for the arrival of their adopted sibling is critical. Here are a few tips to get you started. Talk with Them About Adoption While You Wait “Hurry up and wait” is
As an expectant mother or birth mother, you have very clear rights. One of those rights is the ability to change your mind about making an adoption plan for your child. Choosing adoption is a challenging decision, and you need to be completely confident that it is the best choice. Before you sign the Consent
Choosing to place your child for adoption as an expectant mother or a mother who has already given birth is an emotionally difficult decision. It isn’t an easy choice. You love your child and want what is best for them, but because of that love, choosing adoption is one of the most challenging decisions you
The adoption process varies from state to state. Sadly, there are some untrustworthy adoption coordinators out there. Whether you are an expectant mother considering adoption or a potential adoptive couple, keep an eye out for some definite red flags. Are They Licensed? A reputable adoption agency is fully licensed within the state where it operates.
When considering adoption for your unplanned pregnancy, there are many important questions to ask. A common concern for many women is about getting the biological father’s permission to place their baby for adoption. Unfortunately, the answer is complicated and changes with each situation and state. As a result, working with a licensed adoption agency like
Funding adoption has always been a hot-button topic. Questions like, “Why is it so expensive?” “Do mothers get paid to place their babies for adoption?” and “Where does the money go?” are just the tip of the iceberg. Adoption expenses can vary greatly depending on the type of adoption, who you choose to work with,
One of the biggest questions when making an adoption plan for your child is who will raise them. As the expectant mother or birth mother, you have the option to select the potential adoptive parents. Many couples and families are waiting to adopt. At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we have access to potential adoptive
Adoption laws are different in every state, and a birth father’s rights vary depending on each state’s laws. In Missouri, the courts require consent from both the birth mother and father to release a child for adoption. However, there are exceptions. Keep reading to learn more. Is He the Legal Father? In Missouri, an unmarried
One of the biggest questions women ask when considering adoption for their child is, “Will I have contact with them after the adoption?” Birth mothers and adoptive parents wonder if it will confuse their child to have relationships with both families. The bottom line is maintaining a connection between the biological and adoptive families is
Adoption can be a confusing topic filled with misunderstanding. You may have heard both good and bad adoption stories, but no one usually talks about the feeling of loss, the judgment others make, or the satisfaction you can feel knowing you did what was best for your child. Adoption Involves Loss There is no other
By now, you’ve shared with your adoption coordinator what you are looking for in a potential adoptive couple. You’ve poured through a few bios and selected a couple you feel connected to. Have you decided to meet before the baby is born? Here are five tips to guide you through what hopefully will be an
Phrases like “giving my baby away” and “giving up my baby” are part of the hurtful misunderstandings of adoption. A woman who chooses adoption for her child never “gives away” or “gives up.” Her adoption plan means she is taking charge of her future and her child’s future. Why Do People Say “Giving Away”? Before,
Every state has different adoption laws. A birth father’s rights vary from state to state. In Missouri, usually both birth parents must consent to the adoption. However, there are exceptions to the rule. A Birth Father’s Rights Are Complicated Relationships can be messy, and any number of scenarios could result in an unplanned pregnancy. For
An unplanned pregnancy is complex, no matter what your situation. If you’re already raising children and don’t feel you have the resources for another, you may want to consider making an adoption plan. It is not uncommon for single or married mothers to consider placing a second, third, or fourth child for adoption. But remember,
Deciding what to do about your unplanned pregnancy is one of the most significant decisions for your future. Consider making an adoption plan. You pay nothing for our services, and in many cases, we can assist you with pregnancy-related expenses such as rent, food, utilities, and medical fees. Although placing your child for adoption isn’t
Misunderstandings and myths surround adoption. Well-meaning friends and family might say, “You’re giving up your baby to strangers,” “Your child will hate you,” and “You will regret it for the rest of your life.” These myths have been around for decades, and it’s time to straighten out the facts. Myth 1 “You’re giving up your
An unexpected pregnancy is upsetting, even frightening, depending on your situation. In deciding how to handle it, you need to consider finances, future plans, current responsibilities, and your emotional and physical support. As you consider your next step, placing your child for adoption can be the answer to your situation. 1. Finances No reputable adoption
As the idea of being unexpectedly pregnant begins to sink in, you start thinking about your options. Perhaps you’ve wondered about making an adoption plan, but you don’t know much about it. To learn more, check out your local pregnancy resource center, the Department of Social Services, the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys,