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Your Next Steps

You can take the next step toward creating a better future by speaking to a specialist, receiving financial assistance, and creating an adoption plan.

Getting started with the adoption process is such a big idea that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here, we’re going to break down your next steps so that you know exactly what to expect and how to proceed.

Step 1: Contact Your Adoption Agency

There are two ways you can do this:

  • Click here to fill out a short form that will put you in touch with a specialist. You’ll also receive some really helpful information and a customized list of potential adoptive families.
  • Call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time. This is an especially good option if you need help right away.

We’ve support thousands of women through the adoption process for more than 30 years. Our free services will help you feel safe, secure and confident during this process.

Step 2: Talk With Your Adoption Specialist

Your adoption specialist is your No. 1 support during the adoption process. She’ll help you think through all of the reasons you’re choosing adoption, make sure you’re connected with all of the local resources you need, and setup adoption financial assistance to make sure your needs are met.

There are so many people who don’t understand adoption. Having a dedicated specialist means you will always have someone to call who knows what you’re going through and supports you 100%.

Step 3: Look at Adoption Profiles

You can start looking at adoptive family profiles right away or wait as long as you want. The timing of this part of the process is totally up to you.

Many women getting started with adoption want to take this step quickly. If you’d like, we can send you a customized list of family profiles based on what you’re looking for. Because we work with hundreds of families at once, you’ll be able to find just the right one for your baby.

Step 4: Start Receiving Financial Assistance

You shouldn’t have to worry about money during adoption. That’s why our services are totally free and you can receive assistance with things like housing, transportation, groceries and more.

But, you can only receive this assistance after you’ve taken the other steps above. This is important to understand, because we want you to receive as much assistance as possible, as quickly as possible.

Take Your Next Steps

Your adoption specialist will continue guiding you through the adoption process after you’ve taken these four first steps. As you move through the process, you’ll be able to dream bigger about what your future holds.

While an unplanned pregnancy can make life seem chaotic and out of control, creating your adoption plan can give yourself and your baby a better future — while also helping two hopeful parents start the family they’ve been waiting for.

Are you ready to take step one? Click here or call 1-800-ADOPTION today.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions, Inc. provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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