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Frequently Asked Questions About AdoptionIs adoption the right choice for my child? The decision to make an adoption plan is a personal decision and one only you, the parent, can make. You are the only one who knows what is important to you and your child in planning your future and the child's future. The adoption decision is unselfish and requires deep love for your child and respect for yourself What is Open Adoption?Open adoption is an adoption which involves some level of initial and/or ongoing contact between birth and adoptive families, ranging from sending letters to exchanging names and/or scheduling visits after the adoption occurs. Most birthparents prefer this type of adoption.How much does adoption cost?Whether you are looking for information on the adoption process or considering placing for adoption, our services are completely free and confidential. We provide options counseling to help you explore the decisions you have to make.Will my medical costs be covered by the agency or the adoptive parents?Usually medical costs are covered by your insurance. If that is not the case, adoptive parents may pay for your birthing expenses depending on the amount of the medical bills and the amount of expenses they are willing to pay for.What about other expenses?Expenses can be paid on behalf of the birthmother and child by the adoptive parents, according to Wisconsin laws. This can include birthparent counseling, legal services, medical and hospital care, services provided by the agency in connection with the adoption, transportation costs, living expenses not to exceed $5000, birthing classes, maternity clothes not to exceed $300 or gifts to the birthmother not to exceed $100.How much can I be involved in choosing the adoptive parents for my child? May I meet them?Yes! You can choose to be very active or not at all active when picking the adoptive parents for your child. Community Adoption Center encourages all of their expectant mothers to carefully review our parent profiles to select a family that matches exactly what you are looking for. You will be able to learn about each adoptive family and can spend time with them to get to know them. Or you can make your choice without meeting them. Open adoption allows you to decide how open or how private you want your relationship to be with the family you choose.What is TPR?Termination of Paternal Rights. In Wisconsin, the procedure for permanently ending the legal relationship between parents and their child is called a Termination of Parental Rights. This takes place in court, in front of a judge. The birthparent signs a petition that is filed with the court after the child is born. This hearing usually takes place within 4 weeks after the birth of the child. Your social worker will prepare you for the court hearing and will be present at the hearing.What rights does a Birthfather have?The birthfather has the same rights as a birthmother. If the birthfather chooses, he can also receive birthparent counseling through our agency. The birthmother is required by the court to provide as much information as possible about the identity of the birthfather so that legal notice can be given to him prior to the Termination of Parental Rights hearing. The birthfather does not have to be present at any point. However, he will need to be legally notified. If he does not appear at the court hearing, and he has not declared paternal interest before the hearing, his rights may be terminated by default.Can I Change My Mind?You can decide to parent your child any time before the TPR hearing.Will My Child Have Access To Information About Me?During the adoption process, the family you choose to parent your child will be given non-identifying information about you which includes: family and medical history, social history and background information. They will be given additional information according to your level of openness. In addition, as the child grows, the adoptive family will learn when and how to share this information with your child in a loving and sensitive way. They will explain the very difficult and unselfish decision you made when you decided adoption would be best for your child.After your TPR hearing, you have the option of signing an affidavit giving the state your permission to release information to your child when they are old enough to receive it. Adoption Choice, Inc. will be assist you with this process and file the papers for you. |
