We cannot begin to understand how you are feeling or what you are thinking right now, but we know you must have a lot of questions. Below are some of the questions birth parents often ask us. If you have additional questions we are happy to talk with you further, just call the toll free number listed below.
Is adoption right for me?
Answers to most common adoption questions
I think I want to place my child for adoption. Can you help me with this decision?
Yes. At first, you may feel you have more questions than answers. We can answer your questions. We don’t presume that you will ultimately choose adoption just because you ask questions and consider adoption information. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you find the resources you need. Full Circle is a full service, nonprofit adoption agency able to provide everything from neutral information about parenting, pregnancy and adoption choices, options counseling, profiles of families to choose from (if you’re interested in adoption) and assistance with allowable living expenses. When considering an adoption plan, we focus on helping you figure out what matters most to you and what your most heartfelt concerns are for you and your child. We trust that you will make the best decision for you and your baby and do not presume to know what’s best for you.
Am I eligible for services through Full Circle Adoptions?
Full Circle provides and arranges for adoption related services for birth parents throughout the country. It may be reassuring to know that we work with birthparents who are single or married, of any age, and welcome working with birthparents of all races, heritages, and religions. We work carefully with the adoptive families to make sure that they are genuinely open to your child, and that the community and extended family are warm and welcoming so that the child’s experience is a positive one. Adoptive families adopting transracially, for example, are expected to not only be genuinely enthusiastic about transracial adoption, but are also expected to have looked at whether the child’s experience in their extended family and community will be one that will nurture and develop a positive sense of identity. Full Circle doesn’t discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race/national origin, sexual orientation or family form. If you have any other questions about eligibility, please ask us, we’re happy to help.
Should I work with a licensed adoption agency, a facilitator or an adoption attorney?
One of the first steps is gathering information about each of your choices. A licensed agency can provide for all your needs – opportunities to choose an adoptive family, direct financial assistance, counseling/information, legal assistance as well as 24-hour availability. An attorney can provide legal support and assist with the legal paperwork associated with adoption planning; they can refer you to a counselor with whom they may work closely, but can not provide clinical counseling services directly. A facilitator can only provide the matching with an adoptive family and must refer you to a licensed agency or attorney for assistance with counseling and legal advice.
Is there any financial help available to me?
Yes. If you choose to make an adoption plan, the agency can provide allowable living expenses which can include rent, food, utilities, transportation, uninsured medical costs, maternity clothing, some education costs, and other expenses. Laws vary from state to state. We can inform you about which law would apply to your situation and the process for requesting help with living expenses.
Do I have a say in who might adopt my baby?
Yes, you do. This is your child and you make the decisions. You can choose the family in several different ways: You may review Dear Birthmother Letters (with photos) otherwise known as profiles. If you would like, we can arrange for you to speak with adoptive families who you want to consider. If you’d like to meet them, in person, they can travel to your area or we can arrange transportation for you to meet the adoptive family closer to their area. We follow your comfort level. You can identify what matters to you most about an adoptive family. You can then choose who you feel is the right family for you and your child. If you want help coming up with questions that you might ask the family to see if they’re right for you, we’re happy to help you with this planning.
Pursuing Adoption
What you need to know about adoption process
If you are interested in pursuing adoption, the agency’s licensed social workers will meet with you to learn more about what you’re looking for in an adoptive family and provide information about how to consider an adoption plan with a family you come to know through our program. If you would like to consider staying in touch with your child and the adoptive family over the years, we will help you learn more about open adoption.
Our social workers can share profiles of prospective adoptive families and help you interview them by phone or in person if you’d like. The adoptive family can travel to your state to meet.
All prospective adoptive families have been thoroughly screened and evaluated in a process that is called a “home study”. This is an evaluation of the individuals, their relationship, their larger family and community circumstances, as well as their actual home. Background checks are completed with regard to criminal law, child abuse/neglect, sex offender information, and even a Federal FBI check. The agency reads letters from employers, friends, and family while also reviewing health, counseling, and financial records. A clinical social worker spends about 8-10 hours, spread out over a number of visits, getting to know the prospective adoptive parents well before they are approved to move forward in the adoption process.
You can reach Full Circle Adoptions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-452-3678
Services for Expectant Parents
The benefits of working with Full Circle Adoptions
Full Circle provides the opportunity for you to gather information about ALL your choices with adoption-trained and licensed adoption workers. These options may include terminating the pregnancy, considering a plan for your child with extended family or friends, deciding to single parent or to co-parent with the child’s father or other family/friends.
The agency can provide, directly or through referral, assistance with:
- housing,
- counseling or information advising,
- transportation,
- referral to and payment for medical services (by insurance or otherwise).
- child care for other children, if you have any.
If you are considering parenting, we can review your options for child care, combining work with care for your child, organizing your finances and anticipating your and your child’s needs.