Answer to your adoption questions

We’re here. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You don’t have to do this alone. Call 800-348-0467

If I make an appointment, will that commit me to an adoption plan?

No. We will answer your questions and discuss your options. We won’t move forward with anything until you decide what you want to do and are ready.

Is it really all that helpful to meet with a counselor during my pregnancy?

This is a stressful time for you. If you have decided to go forward with adoption, you are going to have a lot of questions throughout the process, you may also need some emotional support. Your counselor/caseworker can be a great help and resource for you. They will help you through all of the required documents needed to place a child for adoption, and if you need temporary financial assistance, housing or any other need related to your pregnancy, your counselor can help you find resources.

How often will I meet with a counselor and what can I expect as I meet with a counselor?

How often you meet with a counselor is dependent on you and your needs. Your counselor/caseworker is there for you, to help you with whatever you need. They can be a great resource to you in answering your questions, providing emotional support and helping you through the process.

How long does a birth parent have to change their mind after relinquishing parental rights?

Florida has no revocation period for infants under 6 months of age.  For children 6 months of age of older there is a 3 business day revocation period.  Saturday is considered a business day in Florida.  In Georgia, parents have a 4 day revocation period for any reason.  Day 1 starts the day after the signing and day 4 cannot fall on a weekend or legal holiday.

Will I be able to communicate with my adoptive family after placement?

First of all, you can meet with the prospective adoptive family that you have chosen and if you choose to have an open adoption then you will be able to establish with the adoptive couple terms for visiting the child. In many of the open adoptions today, the birth parents become a part of the family, attending special events for the child, sharing pictures, and frequent visits.

Does the birth father need to be involved in the counseling process or the adoption planning?

Birth fathers are not required to be involved, but he may have rights and can be involved with your permission. Call ACF to discuss your situation and to get the answers you need to make an informed decision.

How Do I Choose A Family?

Choosing an adoptive family for your child will be one of the hardest decisions you make. There are so many things to consider when selecting a family. It will not only have a big impact on you, but especially your child. ACF Adoptions has taken steps to ensure the families you will find on our website are prepared and qualified to adopt. All of our adoptive families have completed at least ten hours of pre-adoption training and are screened according to state and agency requirements.

Selecting a family can be overwhelming. It is important that you find a family as unique as you are. You might want to prepare yourself for the decision by thinking about the following:

  • What kind of lifestyle do I want for my child? (city, country, active, etc.)
  • What things do I like about my parents that I would want for my child’s parents to have?
  • What things do I like to do that I want my child to experience? (hiking, traveling, education, etc.)
  • What kind of adoption do I want: open, semi-open, or closed?

While there will be many potential good matches for you, the challenge will be deciding on the best match. Take time to read through the profiles carefully. After you have narrowed down your choices, you might want to contact the couple for additional information. The agency can also help you gather information about the couple if you are not ready or uncomfortable contacting them. ACF Adoptions encourages you to ask questions and get the answers you need until you feel right about your choice.

When you have made your final decision, ACF Adoptions will support you and the adoptive couple as you begin to develop a relationship and prepare for the future. Our goal is to help you have a successful match and make your adoption plan run smoothly.

When can I choose an adoptive Family?

You can start the selection process at any time. Your counselor/caseworker will show you profiles of couples that are approved and ready to adopt.

How are adoptive families screened?

The adoptive couples at ACF Adoptions are families that we have met with, developed a personal relationship with, and done a thorough home study on, including a home inspection. We require our families to have FBI and child abuse background screenings. We check their medical and financial records. We require our families to take adoption education classes to prepare them to be loving and caring parents, and we require and check personal references to make sure these families are caring and qualified.

What if I already have an adoptive family? Can they also work with ACF Adoptions?

If you already have chosen an adoptive couple, ACF Adoptions would be happy to work with them and make sure they are completely prepared for the adoption. They can contact us and we will review with them to see what is still needed to get them ready for a legal adoption.

Can medical and other bills be covered?

Medical bills will be taken care of, and reasonable living expenses can be paid by the adoptive parents to help you during your pregnancy.

Are there any costs to me as a birth mother?

No, there are no costs to you as a birth mother.

Why should I work with ACF Adoption?

We’re committed to working, not only for the benefit of your child and the adoptive parents, but also for you – the loving mother who makes this choice. We want you to have the resources, emotionally and financially, to help you succeed in your life. We want to give you all the preparation you need so you can look back on your adoption choice with gratitude and joy.

How do I know that adoptive family will take good care of my baby?

You can feel comfortable knowing that ACF Adoptions families have been thoroughly screened, examined, and educated about adoption, but more importantly, know that adopted children are loved and treasured. Significant sacrifices are made for them before they’re even born. An expectant mother like you carries her baby for nine months and makes the loving, courageous choice of adoption. At the same time, adoptive parents submit themselves to a rigorous process for the privilege to adopt. These children are deeply loved and joyfully welcomed into their forever homes.

Will my baby grow up hating me?

Adopted children grow up knowing they are doubly loved – by their biological and adoptive parents. This love is demonstrated by the sacrifices made by each parent in their lives. Adoptive parents are eager to share with their children your legacy of love, courage, and selflessness in choosing adoption.

Are there families that will adopt my child who is medically complex or has special needs?

Yes. ACF works closely with agencies that specifically train, approve and support families looking to adopt children who are medically complex and/or have special needs.

Do you have questions?

Some one is always here to talk to you. Send us a message or call 1-800-348-0467

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