More About Adoption

Careful Screening of Adoptive Couples.  We carefully screen and evaluate all couples who seek to adopt through Christian Family Services (CFS).  They must go through a detailed examination of their personal backgrounds, marriage relationship, psychological and emotional stability, financial responsibility and their views on children and parenting.

Adoptive parents also are required to attend classes where they learn about various issues related to adoption.  They are educated about birthparents: who they are, why they choose adoption, etc.  They learn how much birth parents really do care about their children.  They learn that a child may want to know their birthparents, and they understand and accept that this is not a threat to them.  They learn the importance of being open with their children about adoption and how to encourage positive feelings about being adopted.

Adoptive parents who are approved through our agency are Christian people who very much wish to share their love and their lives with a child.  They see adoption as a very positive way to have or enlarge their family.  They understand that, although they will love this child as their very own, the child is special in that he or she has a unique heritage provided by his or her birthparents as well.

We have some very special people that are currently waiting to love your baby.

How to Learn More.  The decision you face is a process.  We hope you will make use of the counseling services provided by CFS to help you through. The sooner you start the counseling process the better.  We are able to meet with you outside the CFS office if this is more convenient to you.  We will work with your schedule to find the time and place that works best for you.

You will be asked at some point in time to provide the agency with background and health information.  This is important to be able to pass on to your child.  It also is part of the legal requirements of the court that finalizes the adoption.  Generally, you will select the adoptive family you want for your child about the seventh month of your pregnancy - although you can do so earlier or later if you desire.  You will find us very flexible. You are the one ultimately in control of your adoption plan.

Based on your interest, we will review the adoption process with you in great detail. You will be shown the legal documents you will need to sign after the birth of the baby.  It's very important that you are fully aware of and understand the adoption documents.  You do not sign any legal documents until after the birth of the child. You will receive copies of everything you sign.

What Happens Afterwards?  It is normal to go through a grieving time after being separated from your child and after you have followed through with an adoption plan. This may be the time you most need the support and sympathetic ear of your counselor.

It is important to realize that your feelings are normal and have little to do with your continued belief that adoption is the best plan for you and your baby.  You will have ups and downs. You will have been though a tremendous experience that will have changed you forever.  Although it is a difficult experience, it will provide you with an opportunity for personal growth.

We understand adoption is not just a one-time decision, but a lifetime experience. Should you make an adoption plan through CFS, our commitment to you is ongoing. It is common for us to still be in contact with birthparents who made adoption plans years ago. Caring relationships are most often developed. You can be assured of our commitment to be a resource to you throughout the years.

You probably have other questions in determining if adoption is right for you.  Give us a call toll free at 1-(800) 226-2367, or we'll be happy to answer your email.