The Process
Can I choose a family for my baby?
Yes! You can choose the family for your baby by selecting from the
parents screened by An Open Door, or you may choose someone who has
been recommended to you by someone you trust like a relative, friend,
pastor, doctor, etc. We will represent you, as well as your needs and
wishes, to the family you select. If you live outside of the state of
Georgia, we will arrange with an agency in your state to cooperate with
us in making the placement happen.
Transracial: Same race adoption is ideal. We do believe
however, that transracial adoption can be an excellent
option for minority birth parents. Your racial preference
in choosing a family for your baby is important to us.
Meeting the Family: You can also meet the family. We will help you
arrange with the family a mutually acceptable plan for contact after
the placement.
What will my baby know about me?
We will help you plan for the exchange of letters, pictures, mementos,
updates, etc., with the adoptive family. We will obtain social and
medical background information which will be provided to the adopting
couple. They can then be prepared to give informed medical care and
accurate information about you to the child. We also prepare the
adoptive family on how to share the adoption story with their child.
Adoptive families will respect your need to know that your child is
thriving and happy.
You may want to write a letter to your child sharing
special information about yourself or send a gift that will tell your
child in the future that your decision for adoption was based on love
and wanting the best for their future. Birth fathers are also asked to
offer their medical and social history information, recognizing how
important it is for the child.
Will I be able to see my baby in the hospital?
Yes. You have many choices available to you during your hospital stay. Your consultant will assist you in making a written plan of how you would like things to go at the hospital. It includes letting the hospital know how much contact you would like with the baby, who you want to visit with you and/or the baby, how much involvement you would like the adoptive parents to have, requesting a private room on or off the maternity floor, etc. This will help things go smoothly and alert the staff about how to best serve you during your stay.
How do I know my baby will be well cared for if I choose host family care?
Your baby can live with a loving host family if you are unsure of your decision, or until the legal release procedures are completed if this is your wish. These special families are very experienced and will help to get your baby onto a good schedule and off to a good start! Otherwise, your child will go to the adoptive family you have chosen.
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