Pregnant and Considering Adoption?
Personalized Adoption Services
We offer adoption services tailored to you and your unique journey. We serve as your advocate through the adoption process, prioritizing your well-being and what is best for your child.
Are you considering adoption for your baby? Our experienced counselors can help you explore whether parenting or adoption is the best option for you and your child. If you ultimately choose adoption, we walk alongside you to create an adoption plan that works for you. If you choose to parent your child, we will assist you in meeting your goals as a parent.
Our Services
- Professional counseling services at no cost to you
- Exploration of parenting and adoption options
- Comprehensive explanations of the legal and emotional aspects of adoption
- Assistance choosing an adoptive family, either selected from among those prepared and educated by our agency or selected by you and evaluated by our agency
- Guidance in determining the desired level of openness in the adoptive relationship
- Support from a counselor who will accompany you throughout and after the adoption placement
- Ongoing grief and loss support, including connection to a community support group
- Pregnancy support services to assist you if you choose to parent your child
What is Open Adoption?
Open adoption refers to an adoption where the birth family and the adoptive family have ongoing contact throughout the child’s life. Open adoptions are a way to join two families and to serve the long term identity development of the child.
Our counselors help you explore open adoption and the ongoing impact on you and your child. Our adoptive families are educated regarding the benefits of openness and are committed to this type of adoption.
Each open adoption relationship is unique and based on the needs of all parties involved. Choices concerning the openness of the adoption range from exchanging letters and pictures, to visits with your child and adoptive parents. With our services, you have the chance to choose the adoptive family, meet them, and build a lasting relationship.
Connect with Us
Since 1946, we have been pioneering in open adoption services in West Michigan. We are here to work with you to help you decide what is best for you and your baby. Connect with us today!
Why Choose Us?
With the number of agencies and attorneys located throughout West Michigan it can be difficult to know who to trust to walk you through this difficult decision. We are here for you and your baby.
- It is not our goal to force you to make an adoption plan. We will support you whether you choose to create an adoption plan or choose to parent your child.
- Our adoption program was created to find families for children, not children for families- we are committed, above all else, to the needs of children.
- Our program serves South West Michigan, so all of our adoptive families are local.
- We provide lifelong counseling services to assist you as you process your adoption decision. We also provide you with connection to a community wide support group.
- Our adoptive families look to open adoption because they believe it’s what is in the best interest of an adopted child.
FAQ
No, we serve all people, regardless of faith.
No, our adoptive pool is also open to all families, regardless of faith.
No, our services come at no cost to you.
Yes, you can choose an adoptive family from among the families prepared by the agency or we can study a family that you choose. You will also have the opportunity to meet and develop a relationship with the adoptive family prior to the birth of the baby.
You are in full control of how much time you would like to spend with your baby at the hospital.
You are also in full control of whether the adoptive family is part of the birth and hospital experience.
In the state of Michigan there are no laws that make openness in adoption legally enforceable. This relationship is based on a trust agreement between the birth and adoptive parents. For this reason, it is important to choose an adoptive family that is fully committed to the level of open adoption you are hoping for.
All adoptive families need to have a pre-placement assessment as required by the State of Michigan. This includes FBI background checks, medical clearances, references, Child Protective Services background checks and an extensive study of the family’s home, community and social history.
The father is a very important part of the process and we work to engage him as much as possible during the process to get his input, and his genetic and social history. If that is not possible, we will work with you to understand his legal rights as a parent and how he plays a role in the adoption process.
Your baby gets to go home with the adoptive family you choose directly from the hospital in what is called a temporary placement. After a period of time passes (often around 3 to 6 weeks) you will go to court and consent to the adoption before a judge or referee. This is when you consent to the adoption and make your decision final. Up until the day you go to court you can request the return of the baby to your care.
Michigan law allows in some cases for birthparents to consent to their adoption in a way that does not require the consent to be before a judge/referee in a court room. In these cases, the birthparents sign their adoption consent papers before an attorney and an adoption case worker. Michigan law allows this to be done as early as 72 hours after the baby’s birth.
Meet Our Families
Our wonderful adoptive families are screened, licensed, and ready to provide a loving home. To learn more about one of our waiting families, click here.
Contact
Questions? To speak with one of our counselors, please fill out the form below or contact:
Open Adoption Interest Form
To receive more information from our counselors, fill out the form below.