What is A Loving Alternative Adoption Service’s role in the adoption process?

A Loving Alternative Adoption Service is an adoption facilitator. Our role in the adoption is to help you create an adoption plan that focuses on your needs. We assist you in your search for the right adoptive parents for your child. Once you have selected the parents you want to adopt your baby, we will arrange for you to have the resources needed to assist you in a legal and caring adoption plan. A local adoption attorney or agency will be retained for you, as well as a councilor to council you and prepare you for the legal and emotional aspects of the adoption. These services are provided at no cost to you.

Will I be able to choose my babies parents?

Yes — A Loving Alternative Adoption Service listens carefully to what is important to you and we present you with profiles of couples that fit what you are looking for. We believe that helping you find the right adoptive couple is the key to a healthy adoption. We believe no one knows better than you who will be the right parents for your child. Your heart will guide you and we are here to assist you in the selection of adoptive parents.

How can A Loving Alternative Adoption Service help me if I live in another State?

A Loving Alternative Adoption Service works with women located throughout the United States who are considering adoption. We also work with adoptive couples from throughout the United States. Once you have selected a couple that you are interested in we will arrange for you to talk to them by phone. Soon after the initial call the adoptive couple will arrange to meet you in person. We have a network of adoption professionals located throughout the United States; we rely on these professionals to assist you with all of your legal and emotional needs throughout the adoption process. These professional services will be provided at no cost to you.

What happens after I select the adoptive parents?

Once you have selected the adoptive parents we will arrange a phone call so that you can be sure you are comfortable with your choice.

What will I need to do after I select the adoptive parents?

You will be asked to:

• Provide proof of pregnancy
• If possible, provide a picture of yourself and the birth father
• Meet, in person, with an adoption counselor
• Sign a medical release so that we can obtain your prenatal records
• Complete health and medical background information forms

Does A Loving Alternative Adoption Service offer open adoptions?

The choice about openness is yours. Our couples are open to meeting and getting to know you prior to the birth. They will also gladly provide you with pictures of your child and updates through the years. We will communicate your desires regarding openness to the adopting couple and to any of the professionals involved.

Can I receive help with living expenses?

Laws regarding living expenses will vary depending on the State you reside in. Most States allow for some pregnancy related expenses. Allowable expenses typically include rent, utilities, food and maternity cloths, if you lose your income due to the pregnancy. Also, all counseling, medical and legal services will be provided at no cost to you.

How are adopting couples screened?

Couples who are planning on adopting a baby must complete a process called a home study. This means they are thoroughly screened. The home study typically includes criminal and health background checks as well as home visits and a review of finances to ensure a couple is capable of parenting a child. Every State requires that adopting couples complete a home study.

Will I be responsible for my medical bills for this pregnancy?

No - The couple that is adopting your baby will be responsible for any out of pocket medical expenses related to the pregnancy. If you have private insurance, the adopting couple will cover any co-pays or deductibles. If you do not have private insurance, and if you qualify, we will assist you in getting on your state’s medical plan.

When will I sign over my parental rights?

The laws regarding termination of birth parent rights vary from state to state. The attorney or agency hired to represent you will thoroughly explain your rights to you. Their job is to make sure you are fully aware of your rights and that you have a total understanding before you sign anything.

What happens if I change my mind?

We provide you with many resources that will work with you and help you determine prior to the birth if adoption is the right choice for you. Social workers will help you look at your options and your commitment to an adoption plan; they will also help you prepare for the emotions you may be flooded with during the birth. If for any reason you decide prior to the birth that adoption is not the right choice you are free to do so. However, we hope that you enter into an adoption plan with a firm commitment to place your child for adoption. The choices you make will have a tremendous impact on many people’s lives. This decision should not be taken lightly. Technically, you can change your mind up to the time your rights are terminated.

How do I know my legal rights and that all aspects of the adoption are being propertly handled?

Once you have selected an adoptive couple, a licensed agency or adoption attorney, in you area, will be retained to ensure that you understand all of the legal issues involved in the adoption process. They will be your resource regarding your states laws and how they apply to you.