Choosing an Adoption Agency: 5 Questions Every Birth Mother Should Ask

Choosing to place your baby for adoption may be one of the most difficult decisions you’ve ever made. You deserve to work with an adoption agency that understands the weight of this decision and has your best interests at heart. If you’ve made this decision and are searching for an agency you can trust, these five questions can help you learn more about the agency, their process, and whether or not you feel comfortable partnering with them for your adoption.

1. Does Your Adoption Agency Offer Counseling Services? 

Finding out you’re pregnant is not always an exciting and joyful experience. Depending on your situation, this discovery can leave you feeling scared, embarrassed, and alone. Counseling is a great way to work through these emotions and learn what options you have moving forward. Ask the agency if they offer counseling services. If the answer is yes, ask what qualifications their professionals have. It’s also important to ask how long these services are available to you.

St. Elizabeth Foundation understands how overwhelming an unplanned pregnancy can be. We offer free, confidential counseling 24/7 at our local Louisiana adoption agency, available before you choose to adopt with us, throughout your adoption process, and even after the adoption is finalized. Our licensed social workers are here for you as long as you need us.

2. Will I Be in Control of the Adoption Plan? 

In some ways, an unplanned pregnancy can feel like a loss of control — but choosing adoption can put that power back in your hands. The adoption process can empower you to make the best choices for you and your baby, providing them with a safe and loving home while also prioritizing your needs.

Your adoption agency should put you in control of important decisions throughout the adoption process. When you reach out to an agency, find out if they let you create the adoption plan and decide on the level of openness you’re comfortable with. These are a few additional, helpful questions to ask the adoption agency:

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, you have full control of your adoption plan, from building your birth plan to selecting the family you feel will provide the love, care, and opportunities you want for your child. Our team supports you along the way.

3. What Kind of Support Does the Adoption Agency Provide? 

If you’re worried about pregnancy-related costs, your adoption agency may be able to help. Make sure to ask what types of support the agency can offer, such as:

  • Financial help with living, medical, and legal expenses 
  • Transportation to appointments and meetings 
  • Help finding community resources

For example, St. Elizabeth Foundation can help with living expenses for housing, medical care, and legal fees. And, our counseling services are always free. If you already have children or choose to raise your baby, we can connect you with free resources for medical help and child care costs, too.

4. How Are Adoptive Families Screened? 

Your baby deserves a safe, loving home with a family prepared for the responsibility of parenting. Before choosing an adoption agency, ask the agency about their screening process for adoptive families.

Parents who adopt through St. Elizabeth Foundation have been married for five years or more. These couples go through:

  • Background checks
  • An education program
  • A home study
  • Interviews
  • And more

This information helps us know that these families can safely care for your baby. When it’s time for you to choose the family, we will show you profiles they have made so you can get to know them, their interests, and what kind of future they can offer your baby. 

5. Will My Privacy Be Protected? 

Privacy is important to think about when making an adoption plan. It’s okay to want your personal information kept confidential. Ask the agency how they handle your privacy and if you are free to choose the level of communication you’re comfortable with.

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we respect your boundaries. If you want to remain anonymous, we can help you plan a closed adoption. Or if you want some connection with your baby, we can walk you through an open or semi-open adoption.

Have More Questions? St. Elizabeth Foundation Is Here to Help 

Adoption is an extraordinary act of love. Finding an adoption agency you trust and feel comfortable with can make the process easier and more meaningful. If you have more questions, want to learn more about adoption, or need help exploring your options, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation today. We’re here with answers, counseling, and support for every step of the process. Start by calling 225-769-8888 or sending us a message online. Our doors are always open for you and your baby.

What Can I Do to Find the Right Parents to Adopt My Child?

Making the decision to place your baby for adoption is one of the most selfless acts of love. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand the journey you’re on is one filled with a mix of emotions, uncertainties, and love for your child. You may wonder, “How can I find parents to adopt my child?” We are here to offer guidance and reassurance on your path to finding the perfect adoptive family for your little one. Our goal is to walk you through each stage with empathy and support, helping you have peace and confidence in your choices.

Understanding Your Adoption Preferences and Goals

“When I find parents to adopt my child, how much contact is necessary, if any at all?”

Every birth mother’s vision for her child’s future is unique. Determining the level of contact you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family is a deeply personal choice — and as a birth mother, you have the power to decide.

Do you want an open adoption where you can maintain contact and receive updates? Or do you prefer a closed adoption for complete privacy? Or maybe something in between with a semi-open adoption? Whatever type of adoption you choose, our counselors at St. Elizabeth Foundation are here to discuss your preferences and help design an adoption plan that fits with your personal goals.

Researching and Choosing a Trustworthy Adoption Agency

Choosing the right adoption agency is crucial. You want a team that will listen to your questions and concerns and stand by your side from start to finish. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, our dedicated staff provides honest, easygoing support, ensuring you have all the resources you need at your fingertips.

Creating an Adoption Plan Based On Your Needs

Every birth mother has unique needs and circumstances. We’re committed to helping you create both an adoption and birth plan that’s as individual as you are. Our process is flexible, allowing you to take the lead in choices about your and your baby’s future.

Free Counseling and Support Throughout the Adoption Process

We believe in supporting you not just during the adoption process but also beyond it. St. Elizabeth Foundation offers free counseling before and after placement, ensuring you have a safe space to explore your feelings and options — because your well-being is just as important as finding a loving home for your child.

Viewing Adoption Profiles and Choosing the Right Adoptive Parents

When the time comes to “find parents to adopt my child,” you will have access to profiles created by potential adoptive families. These profiles will provide insight into their lives, values, homes, and reasons for adopting. You can choose a family that aligns with your desires for your child’s life.

Keep these points in mind as you view these adoption profiles:

  • Look for compatibility with your values and lifestyle
  • Consider the kind of upbringing you want for your baby and if these families align with your vision
  • Pay attention to how they connect and communicate through their profile

Find more tips on choosing an adoptive family in this helpful blog.

Tips for Feeling Confident in Your Decision

Trust your gut feelings, and remember — you are in control. Giving yourself permission to ask questions, express your needs, and take the time you need to feel sure about your decision is key.

These are just a few ways you can help nurture confidence in your adoption choices:

  • Tip #1: Reflect on the stability and love each adopting family could offer
  • Tip #2: Imagine the future opportunities your child can have with them
  • Tip #3: Seek counseling and advice whenever you need reassurance

Deciding to place your child for adoption is incredibly brave and caring. We respect that this may be one of the most complex decisions you’ve ever faced. Here at St. Elizabeth Foundation, we see the strength in every birth mother who chooses this path, and we are here to encourage and support you.

I’m Ready to Find Parents to Adopt My Child in Louisiana

If you are working to “find parents to adopt my child” in Louisiana, we are here for you. Lean on us during this time. For compassionate care and help taking the first step towards placing your baby for adoption, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation. Call us at 225-769-8888 or send us a message online. Your story, your decision, your baby’s future — we honor it all.

What Makes the Best Adoption Agency for You?

Choosing adoption can be a difficult choice for both the birth mother and adoptive parents. However, once you set your mind on the idea, you need the best adoption agency to help you through the process. But what can you expect to see in an adoption agency? Not every agency is built the same. Discover what we can offer you at St. Elizabeth Foundation, and then you can decide if we’re the best adoption agency for you and your family in Louisiana. 

What to Expect From a Private Adoption Agency

No matter if you’re the mother or the chosen adoptive parents, there are a number of things to expect from your agency. 

Let’s look at the parents first. No matter if you choose to go through the state or through a private agency, adoptive families have to go through a home check to confirm that the family fits certain qualifications. These are all in place to ensure the child is entering a stable home that can care for their needs without a doubt. For example, one of the qualifications you can see at St. Elizabeth is that adoptive parents must be a married couple who have been married for a minimum of five years. 

From an adoption agency like ours, birth mothers can expect plenty of support throughout their pregnancy. For example, we help our mothers by helping them choose the right decision for them once they realize they’re pregnant. Additionally, we’re also here to help mothers with other types of support, such as financial and physical support. We want to make sure that our mothers are being well taken care of.

Do You Know What Type of Adoption You Want?

Not every adoption looks alike. At St. Elizabeth, we actually offer three different types of adoption services to choose from. Explore these adoption choices to determine which one may make the most sense in your life.

  • Open adoptions allow birth mothers to have direct contact with the adoptive family. In some cases, this may be the best way to communicate with each other and stay active in the child’s life.
  • Semi-open adoptions are the most common choice for families and mothers at St. Elizabeth. Our team helps facilitate communication between birth parents and adoptive families in semi-open adoptions. This communication can be in the form of letters, phone calls, emails, etc. This allows for safe communication where everyone’s boundaries are respected.
  • Closed adoptions do not include contact between the birth parents and adoptive families after the placement. It’s also important to note that any information about the birth parents remains confidential. However, they may choose to share their medical history.

Are We the Best Adoption Agency for You?

Everyone’s needs are different. Because of this, you need the best adoption agency for you and your new family. Do you think that St. Elizabeth Foundation is the right choice for you? If so, it might be time to get in touch with our professionals. Our Baton Rouge adoption agency is full of professionals who are ready to help you add to your family. Connect with us by either sending us a message at info@stelizabethfoundation.org or by giving us a call at 225-769-8888. We’re more than happy to have a conversation with you, and we strive to be the best adoption agency for your needs. 

What Are the Benefits of Adoption in Louisiana?

Whether you are a birth mother facing an unexpected pregnancy or a couple dreaming of growing your own family, you can find many benefits of adoption in Louisiana. At the St. Elizabeth Foundation, we build bridges between mothers and adopting families to not only positively impact their lives but also create opportunities for the child. But what are the benefits of adoption that lay before you with our agency in Louisiana? Here is what you can discover at St. Elizabeth’s.

Benefits for the Birth Mother

Choosing to place your baby for adoption is a huge decision that, for many, can be one of the hardest they may have yet faced in life. The timing of the pregnancy may not align with the birth mother’s life goals. Or, their home and financial situation may not be suitable for raising a child. By choosing adoption, birth mothers or birth parents can give the child greater opportunities in a loving, supportive environment. And if the biological mother chooses an open or semi-open adoption, she can continue to have a connection with her child even after the adoption process is complete. For the birth mother, adoption allows her to do what’s best for her future while still giving her child what’s best for theirs.

Benefits for the Adopting Family

For some married couples, having biological children may not be an option. Fertility issues and other health concerns may prevent a safe birth or the ability to become pregnant at all. Or for other couples, they may want to expand their family through adoption. With the benefits of the adoption process in Louisiana, adoptive families can connect with young mothers or couples. These parents can introduce a child into their home and also build a compassionate relationship with the birth mother or parents. These hopeful parents can cultivate a safe, stable, and loving home for their new baby and enjoy the amazing experience of parenthood.  

Benefits for the Baby

The benefits of adoption don’t end with the birth parents and adopting families searching for a child in Louisiana. Adopted children can gain access to a stable home through the process. This is not to say that they would not have been loved by their birth parents. But in many adoption cases, the biological parents do not have the means to support their child. Through adoption, the baby has a wider range of opportunities, including growing up in a financially stable household with two loving parents present. This can lead to improved physical and emotional health, greater education opportunities, better performance in school, and enhanced social development.

Discover the Benefits of Adoption at St. Elizabeth’s in Louisiana

No matter if you are a birth mother looking for options for your child or parents searching for an opportunity to grow your family, you can find the amazing benefits of adoption in Louisiana. Give us a call at 225-769-8888 to speak with our caring staff about our adoption process. Or if you would prefer to reach us online, send us a message through our website and we will respond as soon as possible. At St. Elizabeth’s, we know choosing adoption is a brave and selfless act of love. And we are dedicated to providing the care and support you need throughout the process. Start your journey with us today!