How We Can Help...
At Open Adoption & Family Services (OA&FS), we are committed to serving birthparents in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Our goal is to support and empower you to make decisions about parenting. We help you assess your situation and determine which option -- parenting, abortion or adoption -- best suits your individual needs. If you choose abortion or parenting, we will provide helpful information and referral sources. All of our services are free of charge to birthparents.
Birthparents choosing adoption may receive the following services from us:
Ongoing Counseling
Birthparents receive ongoing counseling and support before, during and after placement. Clients continue to meet with a counselor for as long as necessary.
Financial Assistance
Birthparents receive financial assistance for medical and pregnancy-related living expenses.
Choice of Adoptive Parents
Birthparents choose adoptive parents from a carefully screened pool of 40 to 60 prospective adoptive parents. If birthparents prefer, they can bring another adoptive family they have selected into OA&FS' process. Birthparents receive a copy of the adoptive families' home studies and autobiographies.
Legally Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements
Together, adoptive and birth families create an open adoption contract that entitles birthparents to ongoing contact, including visits and exchange of letters and photos. The degree of openness is individualized, ranging from two to several visits per year. This agreement is legally enforceable, as long as contact remains in the best interest of the child.
Ongoing Mediation Services
Our counselors focus on relationship building. Ideally the adoptive families and birth families create a bond based on mutual respect and compassion that serves as a foundation for a lasting relationship. If difficulties arise in the future, OA&FS will provide mediation assistance free of charge.