What is an Adoption Plan and Why is it Important?
By Sarah Henderson
When researching if adoption is the right choice for you and your child, one component of adoption will pop out at you numerous times: an adoption plan. What is this, you ask?
While it may seem obvious what an adoption plan is, there are many parts of this procedure that are not talked about enough. Discussing what an adoption plan is and why this is important will help you understand adoption procedures better. Additionally, you will be able to get through the adoption process with as little stress as possible!
If you need help with or have any questions about putting your child up for adoption, you can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here.
What is an adoption plan?
An adoption plan is a carefully thought out, specific plan that is tailored to your individual needs. This plan is created once you have decided that adoption is the right choice for you and is created to assist you. Your adoption plan is formed around your wants and wishes for the future of your child.
This plan is developed and executed through your adoption agency. If you choose Adoption Choices of Texas, you will be connected with an adoption specialist. This specialist, in turn, will work directly with you to create an adoption plan.
The important thing to remember while creating your adoption plan is that you are in control of the process. Every birth mother’s experiences, life situations, pregnancies and wishes are different. We at Adoption Choices of Texas understand that your situation, wants and needs are unique and we will work with you to customize an adoption plan that works for you and your child.
Scheduling routine doctor visits
An important first step of any birth mother’s adoption plan is having routine OBGYN appointments. The first few months of your pregnancy are the most important. These are the critical stages of development and growth for your baby. It also is a vulnerable and stressful time for you as well. It is important for not only your baby’s health, but also your own to see your doctor on a regular basis. They will be your best resource in ensuring a healthy pregnancy, and can give you tips, advice and guidance when your pregnancy becomes overwhelming.
If you don’t have a doctor, your adoption specialist can provide you with the resources to find one, and recommend hospitals in the area as well. We can also assist you with transportation if travel arrangements are a struggle for you. Going to the doctor should not be a stressful event, which is why we are here to make it as easy as possible for you!
Choosing the type of adoption
Another vital step in your adoption plan is choosing what type of adoption is best for you. This means that you will be deciding the level of contact you have with your child, and can discuss what that looks like once you are matched with your child’s adoptive parents The three most common types of adoption are open, semi-open and closed.
Remember that this decision is extremely fluid! No one type of adoption is best. This is completely your call and based on your specific needs and situations. We will not judge you, whatever you decide. Every birth mother is in a unique environment and situation. So, whatever you chose is the best choice!
Choosing your child’s adoptive family
While it is not required for you to choose the adoptive parents for your child, many birth mothers want to be a part of this step.
During this part of your plan, you will learn about multiple potential adoptive parents. You will be given information about them that will help you to decide if they are the right choice for you and your child. Through profile photos your adoption caseworker provides, you will learn about potential adoptive parents’ careers, family history, interests, dislikes, parenting styles, and background. It can be a complicated and overwhelming process, but your adoption team will be there with you to help you decide which adoptive parent(s) are the best option for you.
Once you have picked the adoptive parents you wish to learn more about, your adoption specialist will arrange either an in-person or phone interview. You are free to ask and discuss anything with the adoptive parents. You are in control of this process and your adoption team will be there to assist you along the way.
Figuring out labor & delivery
Arguably the most important step in an adoption plan is your labor and delivery. The day has finally arrived, and you have been waiting so long for this moment! While at the hospital, you will have a social worker and adoption attorney with you to ensure that your rights and interests are respected. Your adoption team and OBGYN will work with you many weeks in advance to your expected due date to create a labor and delivery plan.
This plan will include questions such as:
- Do you want the adoptive parents in the delivery room with you?
- Who will be with you in the delivery room?
- Do you want any alone time with your baby?
- Do you want to hold your baby after giving birth?
All of these questions are important to have been decided before the day of your delivery. This will make the labor and delivery process less stressful for you on an already extremely stressful day!
Relinquishing your parental rights
Reaching the moment that your baby is born may seem like an unattainable end. For many birth mothers, this is a nine month plan that has many ups and downs. It is a challenging road, but we can assure you that you will not be alone during it.
Your adoption lawyer and social worker will be with you during and after delivery to assist you with the adoption finalizations. Once you have delivered your baby, you will then sign away your parental rights. Your adoption team will help you sign the papers needed to complete your adoption plan.
An important thing to mention is that Adoption Choices of Texas will not leave you after you give birth. We understand that after delivery, birth mothers often struggle with moving on. We will assist you through this strange and emotional time. Our adoption specialists and social workers will be there to help you through the journey after giving birth.
Why is an adoption plan important?
The thought of planning and going through an adoption plan may seem like a daunting ordeal. There are so many steps and things to think about. It may seem too overwhelming to go through. You may find yourself thinking: Is it really worth it?
Having an adoption plan is an important aspect of adoption that will not only help you get through this trying time, but will benefit your child as well. Adoption plans can have many steps and procedures that sound stressful but, they are put into place to help you get through your pregnancy, delivery and post-delivery. They are based on your specific needs and can adapt based on changes in your personal life. Having a detailed plan tailored to you will reduce your stress and, ultimately, help provide the best life possible for your child.
You will have lots of support, guidance and help during your adoption plan. Adoption Choices of Texas will ensure that you are not alone in this. We are here for you!
So, how does an adoption plan help you?
Understanding what an adoption plan is may help you when deciding if adoption is the right choice for you. It can also help you be more prepared for the journey ahead and learn what the expectations are. You will work with an adoption specialist who will ensure your needs are met.
Remember that you are in control of your adoption journey, but you won’t be alone. You will have the positive encouragement and comfort from our adoption professionals who will be with you every step of the way. Having an adoption plan in place is an important part of this, and will help your overall journey go smoothly.
As an expectant woman or birth parent, to learn more about adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. You can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here. If you are hoping to adopt, please visit us here. We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!
