Yes! You can choose the family for your baby by selecting from parents screened by Adoption Associates, Inc.
This will depend on your choice, the legal aspects of the adoption, and the cooperation of the birth father. Many birth mothers want their baby placed with the family by the time they leave the hospital. The agency can also provide temporary care, if needed, with a host family.
Yes. Your caseworker will work with you to make a well thought-out hospital plan. You will have the opportunity to decide ahead of time about the amount of contact you would like with your baby.
As a parent, you have a right to custody and visitation of your baby. If you release your rights so that the child can be adopted, your parental rights, including custody and visitation as well as all parental rights, are terminated by the court so that the child can be permanently adopted by the family that you have selected. After termination of parental rights, you have 21 days to request a rehearing or file an appeal. This is not a time to change your mind, but has to do with the legal process and parental rights are rarely reinstated during the appeal period.
Some birth fathers are very involved and supportive in an adoption plan, and can be as much a part of the adoption as you would like him to be. If he is not an involved party, he can sign legal paperwork indicating that he is not asking for custody or he has a right to be notified of the hearing. We will work with you to determine his level of involvement and cooperation and the best way to handle the legal situation with the birth father.
Your child will know the story of his adoption because adoptive parents understand how important ti is to educate children about adoption from a very early age. Most adoptive parents have the opportunity to meet birth parents and can learn about you and your choice for adoption so that they can provide accurate information directly to their child. You will be able to provide information about yourself to the agency, to share with the family and can send pictures and letters to them to share as the child grows up.
Your decision for adoption is final after you voluntarily release your parental rights. This usually occurs 2-6 weeks after your baby is born.
You can usually find a Pregnancy Center in your area who can provide you with a FREE pregnancy test and will talk with you about your options.
Adoption is a loving decision based entirely on the best interest of the child. Adoptive parents are prepared in every way to provide for your child and it could actually be the most caring, selfless decision you ever make.
According to Michigan law, at the time a child turns 18, unless you have filled out a form to deny information shared through the Central Registry, the child may have access to identifying information about you. If future contact is acceptable to you, all you need to do is keep your address current with the Central Registry or our agency.
We encourage you to pass on medical information and social history to your child. You may also send photos and letters to the family through the agency or as arranged. You may want to write a letter to your child sharing special information about yourself or send a gift that will tell your child in the future that your decision for adoption was based on love and wanting the best for their future.
An agency can assist you with your needs during pregnancy. We can provide counseling, assist you in choosing a family for your baby, take care of legal work, and assist with medical expenses if needed.