Questions Frequently Asked by Birthparents

Are the services for birthparents at Open Adoption & Family Services (OA&FS) free of charge?: Yes, all services are provided to birthparents at no charge.
Can I call OA&FS even if I haven't decided to plan an adoption?: Yes, at OA&FS we believe you know what's best for you and your child. Our counselors will spend as much time as you need to review your options, so you can make the choice that's right for you. If you decide not to plan an adoption, we will refer you to resources and organizations that can assist you.
How much control do I have in this whole process?: You have as much control as you want. If you plan an adoption, you choose the family to raise your child. You determine the level of openness that's right for you and your child. You determine who will attend the birth, when your child will be placed, and how often you will visit and receive letters and pictures afterward.
How do I choose an adoptive family?: You and your counselor will talk about what is important to you in choosing the family that will raise your child. Here are some of the questions you may consider: Should they live in the city or in the country? Should one parent stay at home? Should my child have siblings? Should the parents have a college education or want one for their child? Is religion important? We will provide you with complete profiles of the families you want to learn more about.
How much will I know about the adoptive family?: After you review family profiles, which include detailed written information and photos describing the prospective adoptive parents’ home, relationship, families, work and values, you will choose a family and meet them. You will learn much more about the adoptive parents as you get to know one another.
Does OA&FS ever work with families who live outside of Oregon and Washington?: Approximately 10% of the families interested in adopting live outside of Oregon and Washington.
What happens after I choose a family and we meet?: After your first meeting (“mediation”) with the adoptive parents, each of you will decide if you want to proceed with the process. As you and the adoptive parents get to know one another, you decide the exact terms of the written "Open Adoption Agreement," which outlines the ongoing contact between you and the adoptive family. With your counselor’s guidance, you will develop a birth plan by discussing the following:
If OA&FS can help with my expenses, what would that include?: Once you decide to plan an adoption, the adoptive family you choose can assist you with pregnancy-related expenses such as medical costs, clothing, room and board, and lost wages. We'll help you assess your financial needs. We'll work with you so you feel comfortable asking for what you need during your pregnancy and immediately following the baby's birth.
Can I name my baby, and will the adoptive parents keep the name I pick?: Yes, you may name the baby. The name you choose will be on the original birth certificate. The adoptive family will also name the baby, and they will receive another birth certificate, which is created at finalization. Choosing a name that all of you like will be part of the discussion during mediation.
Can the birthfather be involved in the process?: Yes, we welcome the cooperation and participation of the birthfather. He can help you choose the family, and he can meet them and develop an ongoing relationship with them. He can provide the same information as you: family background, education, job, medical history, ambitions, etc. We also request that he complete and sign relinquishment papers, if possible, prior to the birth.
Will I be able to see my baby in the hospital? Will my family, friends and the birthfather be able to see my baby?: Yes, you can spend as much or as little time as you would like with the baby. You will determine who else sees the baby. Your counselor will help you make the arrangements.
When do I sign the relinquishment papers?: In Oregon, you cannot sign the Consent to Adoption and Certificate of Irrevocability, the permanent and legally binding documents that relinquish your parental rights, until after the baby is born. After the birth, you will decide the best time to sign these documents. We prefer that you do not sign them until at least 24 hours after the birth. In Washington, you may sign the documents prior to birth, but they are not legally binding until they are filed in court at least 48 hours after your baby's birth.
Will I see my child after the placement?: Yes, you may continue to see your child throughout the child’s life. Together you and the adoptive parents will create a legally binding agreement for ongoing contact.
Is ongoing contact good for my baby?: Research about children in closed adoptions has reported that these children are troubled by two haunting questions: Who do I look like? Why didn't my birthparents keep me? An open adoption allows you, the birthmother, to answer these and other questions, and express your love for your child, in an atmosphere of honesty and openness.
What if I change my mind?: No binding decision can be made until after your baby is born. In Oregon, once you sign the Consent to Adoption and Certificate of Irrevocability (and only you will decide when that will be), you cannot change your decision, unless you can prove in a court of law you signed the documents under conditions of fraud or duress. In Washington, the signed documents are declared legally binding after they are filed in court, which occurs at least 48 hours after the birth.; OA&FS will always support your right to change your mind before the decision is legally binding.
How soon after the baby is born can it be placed in its new home?: The baby may go home with its new family as soon as you have signed the papers relinquishing your parental rights. The hospital must also indicate that the baby is medically ready to leave.
After the adoption is completed, will I need to have any further contact with OA&FS? If so, why and under what circumstances?: We strongly encourage you to stay in touch with us for post-placement counseling. We are always available to provide you with open adoption relationship-building and support. You are also welcome to join in our open adoption community events, including the summer picnic and the holiday party, our annual birthmother retreat, and ongoing educational workshops. We also encourage you to stay in touch with us about the changes that occur in your life: new address, marriage, other children, education, etc.
Why would I choose OA&FS instead of someone in the newspaper or on the internet?: We work with families who have carefully prepared for adoption and are looking for a long-term, committed relationship to a baby and the baby's birth family. You can trust that our families will stick with their promises to you and will treat you with respect and honesty.; At OA&FS you are entitled to unlimited, free adoption counseling before, during and after placement of your baby. You will have an advocate with experience in adoption to act as an intermediary between you and your selected adoptive family. If there is any conflict in the future, we will be there to help you. Adoption agencies, as well as anyone advertising in the newspaper or the internet, are bound by the same laws and can legally cover the same types of expenses.
What if I already know someone I'd like to adopt my baby?: You do not have to choose a family through our program. We will work with you and any family you select. Sometimes it helps to have a mediator to facilitate the discussion of delicate issues, such as finances and post-adoption contact. Our counselors can help with these issues and provide you with guidance as you and the adoptive family develop an ongoing relationship.
What do I do next?: Call us (collect, if necessary) to make an appointment with a counselor. If transportation is a problem, we'll come to you. We'll be discreet when returning your call.

The premier northwest adoption agency completing the most domestic, infant adoptions in Oregon and Washington.

5200 SW Macadam Avenue,
Suite 250
Portland, Oregon 97239

315 West 10th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401

200 West Mercer Street,
Suite E-508
Seattle, WA 98119

Oregon:
Portland, OR:	Phone: (503) 226-4870	Fax: (503) 226-4891
Eugene, OR:	Phone: (541) 343-4825	Fax: (541) 431-1241
Medford, OR:	Phone: (541) 608-6134	Fax: (541) 282-8564
Bend, OR:	Phone: (541) 388-2535
Salem, OR:	Phone: (503) 540-5832
Washington:
Seattle, WA:	Phone: (206) 782-0442	Fax: (206) 782-0578
Vancouver, WA:	Phone: (360) 254-7236
Olympia, WA:	Phone: (360) 352-3063