If I make an appointment, will that commit me to an adoption plan?
No. We will answer your questions and discuss your options. We won’t move forward with anything until you decide what you want to do and are ready.
Is it really all that helpful to meet with a counselor during my pregnancy?
This is a stressful time for you. If you have decided to go forward with adoption, you are going to have a lot of questions throughout the process, you may also need some emotional support. Your counselor/caseworker can be a great help and resource for you. They will help you through all of the required documents needed to place a child for adoption, and if you need temporary financial assistance, housing or any other need related to your pregnancy, your counselor can help you find resources.
How often will I meet with a counselor and what can I expect as I meet with a counselor?
How often you meet with a counselor is dependent on you and your needs. Your counselor/caseworker is there for you, to help you with whatever you need. They can be a great resource to you in answering your questions, providing emotional support and helping you through the process.
How long does a birth parent have to change their mind after relinquishing parental rights?
Once relinquishment documents are signed they are irrevocable, but no documents will be signed until you are ready. Each state has different requirements for when the relinquishment documents can be signed. In Utah, they cannot be signed until 24 hours after the birth of the child. In Idaho, they are signed before a judge after the birth of the child.
Will I be able to communicate with my adoptive family after placement?
First of all, you can meet with the prospective adoptive family that you have chosen and if you choose to have an open adoption then you will be able to establish with the adoptive couple terms for visiting the child. In many of the open adoptions today, the birth parents become a part of the family, attending special events for the child, sharing pictures, and frequent visits.
Does the birth father need to be involved in the counseling process or the adoption planning?
Birth fathers are not required to be involved, but may be with your permission. He can be as involved in your adoption plan as you want him to be.
How Do I Choose A Family?
While there will be many potential good matches for you, the challenge will be deciding on the best match. Take time to read through the profiles carefully. After you have narrowed down your choices, you might want to contact us for additional information. Forever Bound Adoption encourages you to ask questions and get the answers you need until you feel right about your choice.
When can I choose an adoptive couple?
You can start the selection process at any time. Your counselor/caseworker will show you profiles of couples that are approved and ready to adopt.
How are adoptive couples screened?
The adoptive couples at Forever Bound Adoption are families that we have met with, developed a personal relationship with, and done a thorough home study on, including a home inspection. We require our families to have FBI and child abuse background screenings. We check their medical and financial records. We require our families to take adoption education classes to prepare them to be loving and caring parents, and we require and check personal references to make sure these families are caring and qualified.
What if I already have an adoptive couple? Can they also work with Forever Bound?
If you already have chosen an adoptive couple, Forever Bound would be happy to work with them and make sure they are completely prepared for the adoption. They can contact us and we will review with them to see what is still needed to get them ready for a legal adoption.
Can medical and other bills be covered?
Medical bills will be taken care of, and reasonable living expenses can be paid by the adoptive parents to help you during your pregnancy.
Are there any costs to me as a birth mother?
No, there are no costs to you as a birth mother.
Why should I work with Forever Bound Adoption?
We’re committed to working, not only for the benefit of your child and the adoptive parents, but also for you – the loving mother who makes this choice. We want you to have the resources, emotionally and financially, to help you succeed in your life. We want to give you all the preparation you need so you can look back on your adoption choice with gratitude and joy.
How do I know that adoptive parents will take good care of my baby?
You can feel comfortable knowing that Forever Bound Adoption families have been thoroughly screened, examined, and educated about adoption, but more importantly, know that adopted children are loved and treasured. Significant sacrifices are made by potential adoptive parents before they have an adopted child placed in their arms. An expectant mother like you carries her baby for nine months and makes the loving, courageous choice of adoption. At the same time, adoptive parents submit themselves to a rigorous process for the privilege to adopt. These children are deeply loved and joyfully welcomed into their forever homes.
Will my baby grow up hating me?
Adopted children grow up knowing they are doubly loved – by their biological and adoptive parents. This love is demonstrated by the sacrifices made by each parent in their lives. Adoptive parents are eager to share with their children your legacy of love, courage, and selflessness in choosing adoption.
What help is there for me if I adopt out my baby?
Once you decide to move forward with adoption, we will assign you one of our caring, experienced caseworkers that will help you through the entire process. If you need temporary financial assistance, such as help with rent, utilities, transportation, food, or maternity clothing, we can arrange to provide assistance. We can also help you identify resources to improve your long-term financial stability. We have established the Fred M. Riley Foundation through which we can offer a scholarship for school or a grant for post-adoption placement counselling services.
How do I give my baby up for adoption?
It all starts with a phone call. We can help you understand the adoption process and answer any questions that you have. Our caseworker will show you families that are ready to adopt. These are families that we have met with and developed a personal relationship with, and completed the in-depth home study process with them to make sure they are prepared. If you desire, you will be able to choose and met with the adoptive couple that you want to place your baby with, and you will be able to decide if you want an open adoption or not.
What does open adoption mean?
Prior to placement, you can meet with the prospective adoptive family that you have chosen. This gives you the opportunity to get to know and develop a relationship with them. If you choose to have an open adoption, you will be able to establish, with the adoptive couple, terms for visiting the child. In many open adoptions, the birth parents attend special events for the child, share pictures, and have occasional visits.
I’m pregnant and considering adoption, where do I start?
Give us a call, any time. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options. Gaining understanding and knowledge will often ease your stress and fear.
I’m pregnant with an unplanned pregnancy, what are my options?
We are happy to talk with you and help you understand the realities of each of your options, whether they be single parenting, or adoption.
Is it best to work with an adoption agency in Utah or a private attorney?
Full service adoption agencies like Forever Bound Adoption can better meet your needs as a birth mother. One of our caring and experienced caseworkers will help you through the entire process including the hospital experience. We also have scholarships and grants available to our birth mothers through our Fred M. Riley Foundation. With private adoptions, without an agency, you lose out on these services.
If I give up my baby for adoption do I need to tell the father of the baby?
You do not have to tell the father of the baby, but a birth father has legal rights. If he chooses to be involved his rights will need to be addressed.
Is adoption free?
There are no costs to you as a birth mother.
I’m thinking of giving my baby up for adoption, do I need an adoption agency in Idaho, or an attorney?
Full service adoption agencies like Forever Bound Adoption can better meet your needs as a birth mother. One of our caring and experienced caseworkers will help you through the entire process including the hospital experience. We also have scholarships and grants available to our birth mothers through our Fred M. Riley Foundation. With private adoption, without an agency, you lose out on these services.
If I adopt out my baby how often will I be able to see her?
In an open adoption you will be able to establish, with the adoptive couple, terms for contact with the child. In many open adoptions, the birth parents may attend special events for the child, share pictures, and have occasional visits. A communication plan that is agreeable to both you and the adoptive parents will be discussed and decided upon before the child is placed.