Open Adoption during COVID-19: What’s changed and how to be prepared
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe, close contact with anyone outside your household should be avoided. This has sparked much fear and concern within the hearts of birth mothers who want to place their baby for adoption. Many have wondered if adoption is still an option, and how they can seek an open adoption during COVID-19.
If this sounds like you, your concern, fear and anxiety is understood and felt. Adoption Choices of Texas is here for you. You can reach us at 945-444-0333. We are still open, fully functioning and ready to walk with you through your adoption journey. Choosing an open adoption is still possible, with a few changes. Any and all interactions, at this time, are being maintained remotely. This includes communication with adoptive parents. To further explain, we will highlight several of the most commonly asked questions regarding open adoption during COVID-19, and how best to support you.
Is Adoption Choices still open during the coronavirus pandemic?
Absolutely! We will not be shutting our doors or limiting our services for the duration of the pandemic. The biggest change is, as aforementioned, that any and all meetings or discussions will be held over the phone or via online applications such as: FaceTime, Skype, ZOOM or email. Support will still be available around the clock. Information sessions and the adoption process are still possible and will continue to be scheduled.
*UPDATE – as of June 1, 2020, we will resume face-to-face, one-on-one meetings. Your safety and health is our biggest concern!
Can birth parents still maintain contact with adoptive parents?
Yes! When placing your baby for adoption during this time, you are still able to select the adoptive parents for your child and communicate with them. Your caseworker will help arrange this for you.
Adoption Choices of Texas will be abiding by CDC guidelines and new hospital standards, which means physical interaction between you and the adoptive parents will need to be reduced as much as possible. A first meeting between potential adoptive parents may be allowed, but further interaction will be unlikely until a later date. While this is a big transition, it is necessary for the safety of everyone involved.
How can birth mothers place their child at this time?
If you are seeking an open adoption during COVID-19, and want to place your baby for adoption, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our compassionate and highly-equipped staff are ready and happy to help you the best way we can. Whether that’s with financial assistance, counseling or answering any questions you have about the adoption process, we will walk with you every step of the way.
Due to the restrictions in place regarding air travel and rental transportation, prospective birth mothers and adoptive parents may need to travel via motor vehicle or a similar substitution in order to safely transport the child. This will, of course, be unique for the individual situation; but keep it mind as a possible solution.
Open Adoption during COVID-19
We understand that this may seem like a very scary time to seek an open adoption or place your baby for adoption. But we want to assure you that we are still here, open and available to assist you. It is perfectly safe for you to work with us during this pandemic. Just remember to remain flexible as changes will likely continue to occur. But, if you follow CDC guidelines and adhere to our safety standards, your adoption process will be amazing — both for you and the adoptive family you choose.
If you have any questions, or you are ready to get started, give us a call or text us at: 945-444-0333 or visit us online at: Adoption Choices of Texas.
Meet the Author: Elijah Weiner is currently studying English and East Asian Studies at Denison University, and spends the majority of his free time reading a good science fiction book. His interest has always been in fiction, so whether he is reading or writing it is always based upon the imaginary world.
Elijah lives in Boulder, Co and spends his free time reading or bicycling outdoors.
