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Below are some of the questions most frequently asked by birth parents. If you are interested in talking with one of our counselors about your options as a birth mother, please call us directly at (800) 556-9956 or E-mail us at |
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What
services are available to me?
I'm pregnant, what am I going to do? An unplanned pregnancy leads to many major decisions. You owe it to yourself and your child to explore all options that are available. First you must decide if you are ready to be a parent. There is state assistance in Florida available such as Medicaid, AFDC, WIC, Coordinated Child Care, and Food Stamps. Contact your local Department of Children and Family Services to find out what services are available to you. Now you need to ask yourself these questions: Are you willing to give at least the next 18 years to be responsible for another life and to put the care and well being of your child before yourself? Could you raise a child and still meet your own school, career and social needs? Could you raise your child without having to depend on your family to take over? Are you financially prepared to meet the needs of formula, diapers, child care, and all the other necessities a child requires? Abortion is an option, but it comes with a price. Carrying the emotional weight of terminating a child's life can be a lifelong burden. It is not as simple of an option as it appears. There is also the possible physical complications that can result from an abortion, possibly affecting future pregnancies. Other options to consider are temporary state foster care or placing your child with a family member. No option is easy but you must make some major decisions in considering your life and the life of your child. What is Adoption? Adoption is a permanent, legal process which places a child with adoptive parents who raise the child as a member of their own family. This is done in two stages. First the birth mother gives her consent for the child to be adopted. The birth father would also need to be notified even if he is not involved. Secondly, a couple waiting to adopt a child must go through a very thorough screening process that covers child abuse and criminal clearances, physical health, financial stability and parenting styles. The most important factor is determining that the couple will be able to provide proper car and love for a child. Am I selfish for considering adoption? You may think adoption is selfish, but making an adoption plan requires maturity, responsibility and self sacrifice. Being a good mother means putting your child first, above all else. To be a good mother you must be mature and sensible enough to realize that raising a child can be very difficult, even with the help of family and friends. A good mother knows when to let go in the best interests of her child. Making an adoption plan for your child is the most unselfish of your options. So, is adoption the easy way out ? Absolutely not! It might be much easier to say, "This is my child and love will get us through." When you think about adoption it forces you to look at your child's potential future. Adoption is a mature act of selfless love for your child. How will others feel? Those who truly care about you will understand and respect you for our decision. Others may not understand your choice, however, they have to realize this is your responsibility and your decision. Regardless, this is a decision that you will live with the rest of your life. The best thing they could do for you is to support and accept your decision whatever it may be. Ultimately, you will know that you have made the best decision for you and your child. What can I know about the adoptive parents? You may choose to meet the adoptive parents. Meeting the prospective parents reassures you that they are wonderful, loving people who are ready to open their hearts to your child. Meeting the adoptive parents will give them first-hand information they can share about you to your child. They will share your strengths, talents, dreams and your love, so your child grows up knowing how much their birth mother loves them. Most importantly you will know that the adoptive parents want a child more than anything. Most adoptive parents go through years of infertility treatments and disappointments trying to become parents. It can be a very devastating process. Many couples wait for years to become parents through adoption. Birth Parents Frequently asked Question
1. Can the adoptive parents help me with my expenses? Yes. The Florida Statutes allow the adoptive couple to help you with your reasonable living expenses. the amount you will receive depends on many factors. The judge in your must approve the expenses and amounts that can be paid. 2. Can I contact you without being obligated? Yes. If you call for Information we will meet with you only if you have decided that adoption is right for you. otherwise we will wait until you make your own decision. We can send you additional information in the mail if you like. No. The adoptive parents are responsible for all of the expenses. Yes. we will not contact anyone else about your decision unless you request us to (we must by law attempt to find and notify the birth father if you decide to pursue adoption).
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