November 16, 2007, Newsletter Issue #124: Choosing the Right Agency for You

Tip of the Week

A birthmother should choose an adoption agency that she feels comfortable working with. In addition to comfort levels, you should find an agency that fits your individual needs. You may want to speak with the birthmother counselor first to see who you will be working with, find out about her credentials, and find out whether or not she is also the counselor for the adoptive parents. You should be sure to have several counseling sessions before beginning to look at adoptive parent profiles.

A birthmother should also understand legal adoption procedures. You should talk to the agency's attorney to understand your rights, correctly understand the information that you are given, have a review of the paperwork you will fill out, and can anticipate when and where documents will be signed. You may want a pre- or post-placement support group. In this case, you will want to work with an agency that either has support groups for birthmothers, or has the resources to refer you to one.

Medical costs can affect the selection of an adoption agency. If you do not have healthcare, the agency can help you apply for state assistance if you want it. If you would rather go through privately funded medical care, you have the right to, but be sure you work with an agency that has adopting parents who are willing to pay for your medical expenses and are allowed by law to do so. You want to be sure that you will be covered for prenatal, labor and delivery, and post-delivery recovery costs.

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