* Do I need an agency? No, but an agency can provide you with counseling, support, and/or legal work. At Angel’s Choice, we are licensed in the state of Arkansas and can help you with each stage of the process: from finding hopeful adoptive parents for your baby to making the adoption legal to provide you with support services after the adoption.

* How much does it cost? Adoption is free for expectant parents, whether you go through with your adoption plan or not.

* Can I get financial assistance? Most states help with your living and medical expenses during your pregnancy and after the birth. Usually, financial assistance begins 90 days prior to delivery.

* How long does the process take? It all depends on what stage you’re at in your pregnancy and how quickly you can complete the paperwork. We recommend you get the guidance you need to make an informed decision. You can make an adoption plan any time before your baby is born, but it can’t be finalized until after your baby’s birth.

* How much information do I need to share with the adoptive parents? The more information you’re comfortable with sharing, the better. As part of the process, you’ll be asked questions about your medical and social history. This is to give the adoptive-parents-to-be the information they need to make an informed decision and it could be beneficial for your child, too, if he or she experiences any serious complications down the road.

* Can I get my baby back after I place him up for adoption? Adoption is a permanent process. Before the birth of your baby, you have the option of changing your mind at any time. However, once you sign the consent papers, your rights to your child will be terminated. Some states have a revocation period where you can change your mind.  After that time period, your baby can’t be returned unless you can prove that your decision was made under duress or coercion.

* How do I know they’ll follow through on all of their promises? Open relationships are based on trust and on the best interests of your child. Some states have open option agreements, but they’re non-binding. The best way to ensure a successful relationship is to keep the lines of communication open and to be as honest and upfront as possible with the waiting adoptive parents.

* Will they judge me? No. Even though the adoptive parents may not know the circumstances that led you to consider adoption, they understand you’re going through a tough time. As a result, they’ll be there to support you, not judge you.

* Do I have to meet the parents? No. It’s totally up to you. Meeting your child’s hopeful adoptive parents will give you a better sense of who they are and could even help put your mind at rest. But if you’d rather have a closed adoption – an arrangement where you don’t exchange identifying information or have ongoing contact – that’s okay, too. The adoptive parents will honor and respect your wishes.

* When do I have to give up my baby? In an open adoption, you are making a plan of adoption, so that is up to you. Most placements occur at the hospital shortly after the birth of the baby. You can decide how much time you want to spend with your baby before saying goodbye. You can also choose to visit with the family and baby after discharge.

* What if my baby’s father disagrees with my adoption plan? As a rule, it’s a good idea to include the birth father in the adoption process or at least to make your plans known to him. Depending on your state, birthfather rights vary. To find out more, contact an adoption agency or attorney.

* How much involvement does the birth father need to have?  None, if you don’t wish to have him involved, but having the father of your child support you during the adoption process is always a plus.

* Can I name my baby? Yes. You can give your baby a name at the hospital and that name will be on the original birth certificate. Usually, the adoptive family and expectant parents will decide on a name together, before the baby is born, as part of their adoption plan. The adoptive parents also have the option of giving the baby a new name, on an amended birth certificate, after the placement.

* What if I used drugs or alcohol during my pregnancy? It may be an issue for some families, but acceptable for others. Drugs and alcohol could affect your baby’s health, so this is something you’ll need to share with your counselor before the placement. Whatever you decide, it’s important is to get good prenatal care and to take care of yourself and your baby.

* What if my baby is born with a medical problem? We have families that know that medical problems could arise, so this usually isn’t a concern, but it does deter some parents. If the family you choose isn’t open to that option, others will be.

* Will my child resent me when he gets older? Adoption is a loving decision that involves putting your child’s interests before your own. In an open adoption, you have the ability to keep in touch with your child as he or she grows up. Through those discussions and the ones he has with his adoptive parents, he or she will grow up to understand the reasons behind your adoption plan. Most adoptees love the fact they have two mommies and an extended family.

* Will I regret my decision? Different people react to it in different ways. To help prepare yourself, be sure you get all the counseling and support you need from your adoption coordinator, counselor, and/or support person before, during and after.