For Birthmothers & Fathers Only~Birthmother Counselor: 800 760-7116
First thing to know: all services are FREE to birthmothers. We can assist with living expenses, as the court allows. Pregnancy counseling (required by the state) is provided at no charge. If you need a pregnancy test kit, we will send you one.
Our birthparent counselors are compassionate and experienced. Nothing you tell them will be a surprise. Feedback from our birthmothers and adoptive families report ”Tracy was wonderful” and “She always answered my calls and texts” and “She was so supportive, at my side, throughout it all” and “She helped me find an apartment” and “I really appreciated her coming to my appointments with me” and “She explained all my options” and “I never felt judged, she just took good care of me.” We are truly here to help.
We provide birthmother assistance in Phoenix and Tucson, Kingman and Yuma, and throughout rural Arizona. If you are a birthmother in another state, we can coordinate pregancy counseling with an experienced pregnancy and adoption social worker in your state.
ABC Infant Adoption in Arizona is not a faith-based organization. We are a non-profit licensed agency. We accept birthmothers without any religious requirements or agenda. Adoptive families may be Christian or of any faith, or agnostic; married or single. We respect the preferences of birthparents as to open, semi-open or closed adoption and the future they would like to see for their baby.
Birthmothers have many questions about pregnancy and adoption…
- Could I be a good mother right now in my life?
- What are my options?
- Is there time to consider having an abortion?
- How does adoption work?
- Could I get help with my living expenses before the baby is born?
- Will I be able to see my baby after the birth?
- Will I be able to choose the family who adopts?
- What is open and closed adoption? How does it work?
These are important questions. It is our job to bring you information, tell you about resources, discuss potential outcomes, and give you time and support to arrive at the best decision for you and your child. It is not our job to judge you or tell you what to do. The choices are is yours and we respect your decision.
Birthmothers may be concerned about the type of adoption; adoption can be closed, open or semi-open. Or they may have strong preferences about the kind of family they wish to adopt their baby.
No matter what your circumstances, call us. If we can’t help you, we will help you find someone who can. Don’t delay calling us. We care about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get to choose the family for my baby?
Yes. We will ask you about your preferences, about the sort of family you would like your baby to have. Your preferences and your baby’s needs are the basis for matching you with a family. If you would rather not participate in making a decision, that is okay, too. Some birthmothers share their preferences but ask the counselor to choose the family.
How will I know that family I choose will be good parents?
All adoptive parents go through a screening and preparation process. They must be interviewed and evaluated by a social worker who meets with them in person. Some families are already parents with experience and others are first-time parents. Some are married and some are single. In every case, families must pass criminal background and child abuse clearance checks before they can be recommended as an adoptive family.
Will I get to meet the family?
If you wish to meet the family, usually a meeting can be arranged and, if the adoptive family lives close-by, it may be possible to have more than one meeting.
What information will the adoptive parents be given about me?
You will participate in an interview with the birthmother counselor and provide information you want to share about your health, family history and pregnancy. Adoptive parents will also receive copies of your pre-natal care and medical records from the hospital. We encourage you to share information about your personality, likes and dislikes, talents and skills, as these may be a window into your child’s talents, as well.
What information will I receive about the adoptive parents?
We will share (non-identifying) information about the adoptive family including their education, work, marriage, location, household, family, pets, religious preference, lifestyle, etc, and photos.
What information do you need about the biological father? What if I don’t know who he is or where he is?
This is not uncommon. It is required by law to search for and attempt to obtain the consent of any known possible biological father. If you do not know the identity or whereabouts of the biological father then we will publish a notice. If he does not come forward to assert his rights then his rights will be terminated by the court. The ideal situation is where both the birthmother and birthfather are in agreement with the adoption plan, but that is not always the case. The law provides for you to make a plan for your child if the birthfather is unknown, if it is not possible to locate him, or if he is unwilling to participate.
Will someone at the agency be able to provide me with emotional support during my pregnancy and after the birth of my baby?
Yes. The birthmother counselor provides emotional support for you. Our counselors are non-judgmental, kind, honest and open-minded. You will have your birthmother counselor’s direct number as well as the agency number. She will help you with pregnancy planning, discuss your options and provide post-adoption resources, as well.
When will I sign consent papers and how long do I have to change my mind?
In the state of Arizona you have three days to consider your placement decision after the birth of your baby, before signing the adoption consents. If you choose to change your mind about placing your child for adoption during these three days, you can. After you sign consents your decision becomes final and irrevocable. In other states the laws may differ, and there may be more or less time to change your mind.
Will I need to pay anything in order to make an adoption plan for my baby?
No. Expenses are paid by insurance or AHCCCS or the adoptive family, as allowable by law. However, you may need to follow-through on applying for AHCCCS, for coverage of medical and hospital expenses.
Will the family be able to help me with living and medical expenses?
Yes. Arizona allows up to $1,000 of living and pregnancy-related expenses to be paid by the adoptive family. Coverage of expenses in excess of $1,000 must be approved by court. The Judge will generally allow the adoptive family to assist with covering reasonable living and pregnancy-related expenses.
Will my baby have to go into foster care?
In ordinary circumstances the baby will go to his or her adoptive family’s home directly from the hospital. However, it is possible that agency may arrange for the baby may stay with a qualified foster parent for a few days, in the event that there was little time to prepare for the placement.
Will I be able to give the baby a name?
Yes, if you would like to name your baby, you may. The adoptive family may choose their own name for the baby, as well, but this will not occur the adoption is finalized in court.
What information will I be able to receive about the baby as he or she grows?
In most cases, the adoptive family agrees to provide pictures and letter updates on a regular agreed-upon basis, such as at holiday time or on birthdays. In-person contact with the family and child depends upon whether you have agreed upon an open or semi-open or closed adoption.
What is the difference between open and closed adoption?
Birthparents can request to remain in contact with their child after the child has been placed with the adoptive family. This is an “open” adoption. Some birthparents simply want letters and photos on an annual basis, or an opportunity to see the child periodically. This can be a “semi-open” adoption. Some birthparents prefer to close the door after the adoption is completed, and do not expect ongoing contact with the adoptive family. This is a “closed” adoption. Most adoptive families are comfortable with providing letters and photos; some prefer open adoptions, and some prefer closed adoptions.
Do I need to have a lawyer?
You have the right to consult with a lawyer at any point that you feel it would be helpful for you. It is not necessary for you to have a lawyer in order to complete your adoption plan.
