How Does Adoption Work for Expectant Mothers?

The first step in understanding how adoption works is simply gathering information. Talking to an adoption professional, whether an agency like Family Life Services or an adoption attorney, doesn't commit you to anything. It's simply an opportunity to ask questions, learn about the process, and understand what adoption could look like for you.

During this initial conversation, you can:

• Learn about the different types of adoption (open, semi-open, and closed)

• Understand your rights and options as an expectant mother

• Ask questions about medical expenses, living assistance, and other support

• Explore what happens at each stage of the process

This is your chance to gather the information you need to make an informed decision. Our caseworkers are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand all the possibilities ahead.

If you decide that adoption might be right for you, the next step is selecting an adoption agency or attorney to guide you through the process. If you choose to work with an attorney, make sure they have extensive experience in adoption law.

At Family Life Services, we offer:

• Free, no-pressure options counseling (both in-person and virtually)

• Experienced, compassionate caseworkers who understand what you're going through

• Faith-based support rooted in respect and dignity, regardless of what your personal beliefs or faith may be

• Comprehensive services from your first call through post-adoption support

We've been serving expectant mothers and families in Virginia since 1983, and we're committed to walking alongside you with care and understanding throughout your entire journey.

As the expectant mother, you make all the important decisions about your adoption plan. This isn't a one-size-fits-all process—it's your unique story, and you get to write it.

You Choose the Adoptive Family

You have complete control over who will parent your child. We'll provide you with detailed profiles of prospective adoptive families, and you can take all the time you need to find the right match. Many expectant mothers even meet with families before making their decision, either in person and/or virtually.

You Decide How Your Delivery Will Go

Your birth experience matters. You can decide:

• Whether you'd like the adoptive family present at the hospital

• How much time you want to spend with your baby after birth

• What your hospital stay will look like

• Whether you'd like to create special memories, like footprints or photos

You Determine the Level of Contact

One of the most important decisions you'll make is how much contact you want to have with your child and their adoptive family after the adoption is finalized. Options include:

• Open adoption: Direct contact with the adoptive family, including visits, calls, texts, and emails.

• Semi-open (mediated) adoption: Communication through the agency without exchanging direct contact information.

• Closed adoption: Limited or no contact after placement.

Most adoptions today include some level of ongoing communication. Research shows that openness can benefit everyone involved (especially your child) by providing access to important information, medical history, and a fuller understanding of their story.

You Identify the Support You'll Need

Adoption involves feelings of grief and loss, even when it's the right decision. You can work with your caseworker to plan what kind of support will help you process these emotions, whether that's counseling, support groups, and/or ongoing contact with your caseworker.

Your Family Life Services caseworker will provide you with profiles of prospective adoptive families. Each family has been carefully evaluated through a comprehensive home study process that includes:

• Thorough background checks (CPS and FBI)

• Home safety inspections

• Medical evaluations

• Financial verification

• Multiple interviews with adoption professionals

You can review expanded profiles that include photos, detailed descriptions of each parent, information about their home and community, their hobbies and interests, and their feelings about adoption. When you find families you're interested in, we can arrange face-to-face or virtual meetings, so you can ask questions and get to know them better.

Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your instincts. This is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and we want you to feel completely confident in your choice.

The adoption agreement (called a Permanent Entrustment Agreement in Virginia) cannot be signed by a prospective birth mother until after the baby is born. This is typically done in the hospital with a caseworker present.

Important to know: Even after you sign, you have time to change your mind. You can revoke the agreement before your child is 10 days old, before 7 days have passed from signing, or before the child is placed with the adoptive family, whichever comes first.

After your baby is born, your baby will leave the hospital either with the chosen adoptive family or with a Family Life Services approved foster family, depending on what you decide is best, what fits the type of adoption you desire, and the legal process to address birth father rights.

Your relationship with Family Life Services doesn't end when the adoption is finalized. We're committed to providing ongoing support for as long as you need it.

Our post-adoption services include:

• Professional Counseling: We partner with therapists who have completed Training for Adoption Competency (TAC). During the first year following adoption, we may cover some out-of-pocket counseling expenses if your insurance doesn't cover these services.

• Ongoing Caseworker Support: Your Family Life Services caseworker remains available to provide adoption coaching through in-person meetings, virtual meetings, phone calls, or email—whatever works best for you.

• “Seen” Birth Mother Support Group:  Following an adoption, you will have the opportunity to build community with other birth mothers in our in-person support group in Lynchburg, Virginia, which is offered on a quarterly basis.

• Annual Birthmother Gathering: Join us each year in Lynchburg, Virginia, for a therapeutic retreat where you can connect with other women who share similar experiences.

• Access to a Private Online Group: Access our Facebook group exclusively for birth parents, where you can share your story, ask questions, and receive support from others who understand.

• Connection to Local Resources: As you pursue goals for your future, your caseworker will walk alongside you to find resources in your community to help you reach them.