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We understand that making decisions regarding an unplanned pregnancy is an extremely difficult and emotional process. We know that every birth parent who contacts us has struggled and searched their heart for the right answers for their child and themselves. Adoption is a permanent, life-long decision that requires courage and unselfish love.

If you are considering making an adoption plan for your child, we can meet with you to explore your feelings and concerns. We can assist you in making a good decision for your child and for yourself. It is important for us that you are informed and have the answers you need.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment to meet with a social worker to talk more about your personal situation or ask further questions, please call 586-726-2988.

GENERAL QUESTION AND ANSWERS

The term open adoption refers to an adoption where the adoptive parents and birth parents agree to share certain information. In some cases they may also agree to some type of ongoing contact. The range of openness can include:

  • Birth parents providing special mementos (baby blanket, frame, book, letter, etc.) to the adoptive parents to share with the baby
  • The child and birth parents exchanging first names and photographs
  • Ongoing communication between the birth parents and adoptive parents by letters or photographs sent through the adoption agency
  • Birth parents and adoptive parents meeting each other, sharing full identifying information and having direct contact through years

Remember, everyone may have different preferences on the degree of openness. We believe and respect each person’s right and responsibility to make the decision that is right for them and their family. Our social workers will assist in creating a plan that is right for each person.

An agreement for any level of openness is based on trust and commitment. These agreements are not binding and may change over time due to a variety of circumstances.

Yes! There are many families waiting to adopt a baby. Even if your baby is born with a medical condition or if you or your family has a history of medical or other problems, there will be a family willing to love and raise your baby.

The families who are approved for adoption have met or exceeded all of the rigid requirements of the state for adoptive applicants. These include interviews in their home to assess their ability and readiness to become adoptive parents; a criminal record check to ensure that there is no record of child abuse; and completion of an education program that includes how to talk with your child about adoption and recognition of the importance of birth parents in this process.

All approved parents will complete a family profile with information about them that includes their ages, occupations, physical description, hobbies, interests, etc. It also explains what religion they plan to raise the baby in and what type of relationship they hope to have with you as the child’s birth parent.

If this process becomes overwhelming and you truly do not want to make this decision, we can make a choice on your behalf. Your social worker will talk with you about the things that are most important to you in a family for your child and we will respect and honor those wishes to the best of our ability.

Yes, you can choose to name your baby. The name you choose will be on the original birth certificate. However, the adoptive family can choose to change that name. Often times, the family has already chosen a name they wish to use, but many choose to use the name you selected as the middle name.

If you want, make sure that you get a copy of the original birth certificate. After adoption, the birth certificate will change and you will not be able to get a copy.

No, the adoptive family will over expenses related to the adoption. You should utilize whatever health insurance or Medicaid you have for prenatal and birth expenses.

It is illegal to receive payment for placing your child for adoption. Only expenses directly relation to the care of your child or the adoption will be covered.

An adoption can occur without the birth father’s consent if you are not legally married to him, he has not been involved with you or your pregnancy and he has not expressed a desire to raise or support the baby. However, it is generally in everyone’s best interest if the birth father is involved in the process. Our staff can assist in speaking to the birth father and collecting the necessary information from him. Your baby deserves complete and accurate medical information and a legally sound adoption.

Absolutely! You can hold, hug, love and take as many pictures of your baby as you want. This is an important time for your and your baby, and you are free to spend as much or as little time with your baby as you want while you’re in the hospital. You are in charge of the decisions for your baby and we will respect your wishes.

Yes, in most cases a parent or guardian would need to consent to the adoption. There are some case-by-case exceptions that some courts in Michigan will make. Please discuss this with your adoption counselor.

If you have selected adoptive parents for your child, you can sign Temporary Placement documents after your baby is born. This allows the child go directly from the hospital to the adoptive parents you have selected. At this point, you still have all parental rights to the child.

Yes, in Michigan a woman must go to court to consent to the adoption. The male is only required to go to court if he is a “legal” father.

Once you go to court and sign the release or consent to adoption, the decision is final. In the State of Michigan, this usually happens 2 to 4 weeks after the baby’s birth.

If you should decide to parent your child and/or need further assistance, your social worker will provide you with a list of local community resources as requested.