Is adoption really the right decision for me? If you are unable to provide the care that your child needs at this time in your life, adoption is a loving choice. It is not an easy decision, but it is a responsible and courageous act of love.
What will my child think of me? Our adoptive families come from all walks of life but they have several things in common: our adoptive parents admire your strength and courage. This child will know that an adoption plan is not made because of a lack of love, but instead because you love this child so much you want him or her to have all of life's blessings and opportunities. Our adoptive parents' love and respect for you will be passed on from them to the child.
What about my medical costs and other expenses? The South Carolina Law allows adoptive parents to be responsible for the medical care as well as other reasonable living expenses. There is no cost to you.
How do I know the adoptive couple are good people and what can I know about them? Our families have been thoroughly screened and their backgrounds verified by a certified adoption investigator. Just like we do for you, we protect their confidentiality. However, we can tell you general information such as their religious preference, whether they have any other children, in what state they live, and if you desire, we can arrange a meeting between you and the adoptive couple.
Do I have to go to court? No, not usually. A mother may go to court is if the adoptive parents live out of state.
What if I find a family to adopt my child? Birth mothers sometimes locate adoptive couples through their family and friends. This is called identified adoption. The prospective adoptive parents may contact us. We would be available to assist you and the adoptive parents.
Can the father of the baby be involved in the adoption process? Yes. We encourage the father to be involved, if he desires. He can help you to select the prospective adoptive couple and be supportive of you during this time. He can also provide a medical history which would be helpful in the years to come to the child.
How do I choose a family? We have family profiles for you to review.
If I am under the age of 18, do my parents have to sign papers in order for me to place my child for adoption? No
Do I have to involve the birth father? We would like as much information as possible about the birth father. However, there are times when a birth father is not supportive of a birth mother. If the birth father has not lived with the birth mother for six months continuously prior to the birth of the child, or if he has failed to contribute financially, then the birth father's consent is not required to the adoption. Therefore, if the birth father has not lived with you or been financially supportive of you, you are free to make an adoption plan without his consent. If you are married to the birth father the rules are different.
When can I sign the adoption papers? A consent for adoption cannot be signed by the birth mother or birth father until the baby is born. Usually the papers are signed by you before you leave the hospital.
May I receive counseling? Yes, we have an adoption counselor on call day and night. In addition, we would be happy to arrange private counseling sessions before and after the placement of the child for adoption.
What is a hospital plan? We work with the hospitals to make sure you have the best care available. You have choices in the hospital such as: keeping the baby in the nursery or in your room; being placed in another, more quiet area of the hospital; deciding whether to see the baby; deciding who to have with you in labor and delivery; deciding when to sign the consent for adoption; deciding if you are going to allow visitors or calls; using a different name to protect your confidentiality.
After I sign adoption papers in the hospital, how soon is the baby placed with the adoptive couple? Usually, the baby is placed with the adoptive family as soon as the baby is discharged from the hospital and after adoption papers have been signed.
If I decide on adoption, why should I work with you? We respect you and are willing to do everything possible to help you. You will receive attention and emotional support from us prior to the placement and after the placement of the child for adoption. We care about people and have compassion for birth mothers.
May I write the baby a letter so that he will know why I chose adoption? Yes, we encourage you to put your thoughts and feelings in a letter to the baby. Usually the adoptive couple puts the letter in a safe place to give to the child when he is old enough to understand. You may also send photos of yourself, the birth father and your family. This letter will be a treasured keepsake of the child in the years to come.
What do you expect of me? We ask that you be honest with us, regularly attend prenatal appointments, provide confidential background information, keep in regular contact with us, and take good care of yourself.
What if the child wants to contact me later in life? If you desire to be reunited later in life, you will sign a statement agreeing to be contacted if the child desires to contact you. This statement will be part of your permanent file. You will need to keep a current address with our office so we can locate you.
What do I need to do to get started? Call us right now. We are available day and night to answer your questions. Our toll-free numbers are:
We are looking forward to hearing from you.