Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can adoption be a good choice for my child and me?
If you are not ready to be a parent or to parent an additional child at this point in your life, you can give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption.
2. Can I choose the adoptive parents?
Yes
3. What is open adoption and does Catholic Charities offer it?
Open adoption is where the biological parents of the child continue to have contact with the adoptive parents and the child after they terminate their parental rights. Openness looks different for each person and can be, but is not limited to, letters & pictures once a year to having visits with the child and adoptive parents a couple times per year. Frequency of ongoing contact is agreed upon by the biological and adoptive parents.
Catholic Charities supports open adoption. Open adoption is available. Should you not want ongoing contact of some kind, closed adoption is also an option.
4. When does baby go to the adoptive parents’ home?
The baby will begin residing with the adoptive parents following the termination of parental rights when baby is approximately one month old. Until then the baby resides at a transition home where adoptive parents and biological parents can visit. When adoptive parents and biological parents are all in agreement, the baby can begin residing in the adoptive parents’ home immiediately following discharge from the hospital.
5. What are the rights of the biological father?
Both you and the father have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with him and/or the courts to determine his rights.
6. What do adoptive parents do to become approved for adoption?
All potential adoptive parents must complete a home study assessment. The home study includes information about their pasts, their coping skills, finances, health, marriage, parenting/experience with children, knowledge about adoption, their home, and background check & personal reference results. In addition, they must complete at least 18 hours of adoptive parent education and become CPR and first aid certified.
7. Can I change my mind?
Yes, you can change your mind at anytime during your pregnancy. Adoption becomes permanent once a judge orders the termination of your parental rights, which occurs when the child is approximately one month old.
We recognize that these are only a few of the questions that you may have. Please contact us today, we are happy to answer all of your questions!
920-272-8234
email: [email protected] or [email protected]