Adoption is a complicated process that lasts a lifetime. If you are thinking about adopting or placing your child for adoption, here are five factors to consider as you start your journey.

1. Open vs. Closed Adoption

What kind of adoption would you like to have? The difference between an open and closed adoption mainly rests on the level of communication between the adoptive family and the birth family. Communication channels should be kept open throughout the process so all parties understand what “open adoption” means to them. Working with an adoption agency can be extremely helpful at this stage, as they can help you customize your experience.

2. Costs

There is no financial cost involved for birth parents placing their child for adoption. The costs for adoptive parents can vary greatly depending on which agency they choose to hire. Prospective adoptive parents should prepare for the cost of a home study, living expenses for the birth mother during the pregnancy, and legal and placement costs. The purpose behind these expenses is to help the biological mother of the child through her pregnancy without financial struggle and ensure all documents are handled professionally and in accordance with state and federal adoption laws.

3. No Guarantees

In Ohio, birth mothers have a minimum of 72 hours after a baby is born to make their final decision on placing their child for adoption. This can be an extremely emotional time for all parties involved. A birth parent has the right to maintain custody of the child even after spending months getting to know the adoptive family and building a positive relationship with them. It is important to remember that the choice lies with the birth parent until the final paperwork is signed.

4. Promises You Can Keep

In open adoptions, many adoptive couples may be tempted to promise the world to an expecting birth mother. Sometimes, after the child has been living in his or her new home for a while, this can lead to a mess of broken promises. As an adoptive parent, it is important to keep the future in mind and remain consistent in your commitments to a birth family. For example, if you promise photos on a monthly basis, try to stick to that promise and communicate clearly if things change. On the other hand, if you are a birth parent, try to remain realistic about your expectations and consider the challenges facing the parents raising your child. Ultimately, the scenario that most benefits the child should be the one that prevails.

5. Lifelong Process

An adoption hardly ends when a child is placed. For months after a child is welcomed into their new home, social workers will visit the adoptive parents to ensure the transition is going smoothly. This is done prior to finalization of the adoption to make sure the placement is a good fit. Even after finalization, the journey continues for all parties involved. Most children want to know their birth parents eventually, and the biological bond between mother and child will always be there. It is important to keep an open mind and try not to be threatened by the child’s “other family.” As the process begins, birth parents and adoptive parents should address possible scenarios early on (i.e. the child’s questions about their birth parents or attempts at communication by the birth family) to better prepare for what lies ahead and ensure that all decisions are made with the child’s best interests at heart.

Adoption is a life-changing and rewarding experience, and the team at Private Adoption Services is here to guide you through the entire process. Based in Cincinnati, OH, and serving all of Hamilton County, they offer adoption services that focus on the health and well-being of the mother and child, as well as finding the ideal family situation for everyone involved. For more on their services and expertise, call (513) 871-5777 today. You can also visit their website to find out more about the agency, and connect with them on Facebook.