Our pregnancy counselor can help you sort out your choices so that you can make the best decision for you and your baby. Pregnancy counseling is free of charge. All options that you are interested in will be explored. You will not be pressured, only supported in whatever you decide. Only you know what is best for you and your baby.

If you choose adoption, you will have full control over which family you place your child with. You will be able to choose how much contact you have with your baby after he/she is born. You and the adoptive parents will decide how much contact there will be before and after the child is adopted. The level of openness can range from no contact after adoption, to sharing photos and letters, to face to face contact. It will be up to you and the adoptive family to determine what level you feel comfortable with.

If you choose to parent your child, we can help you locate area resources for services such as housing assistance, medical care, employment assistance, child care, and parenting support. We will support you in your decision and offer whatever help we can.

Our pregnancy counselor will be happy to meet with you at your convenience either at our office, your home, or another location of your choice. Please contact us for an information packet or to set up a meeting.

Our toll free number is 1-866-789-4289

What services will be offered to me?

• Referrals for housing, medical, employment, and other services
• Development of an adoption plan
• Counseling for you and your extended family before and after birth
• Coordination of services with hospital staff and other agencies
• Temporary care for the child, if desired
• Assistance with legal process and termination of parental rights
• Post-adoption counseling

What if I need financial help?

There is no cost to you for any of our services. Assistance with medical and living expenses is available.

Can I choose a family?

Yes, you will be able to choose the family from our Waiting Families Album or you can choose to place your child with someone you know. The families in our program are all approved adoptive families.

How much contact will I have with my child after birth and after adoption?

It is your choice how much contact you have with your child after birth. You and the adoptive parents can choose the level of openness you desire after your child is adopted.

How soon after birth can my child go to parents I choose?

The baby can leave the hospital with the adoptive parents if you choose or the baby can be cared for in a temporary home while you consider adoption.

What will child know about me?

That will depend on the level of openness you choose. It is possible to have visits with your child, exchange photos and letters, or have no contact. Your medical and social history will be given to the birth parents in a non-identifying manner.

What rights does the birthfather have?

The birthfather has to be notified of your intent to place your child for adoption and release his parental rights in order for the adoption to take place. We can contact him for you if you choose. If he does not agree to the adoption, it is possible that his rights will still be terminated.

Will I need an attorney?

You are entitled to have an attorney if you choose or Hands Across the Water can handle the necessary legal work.

Will I be offered any help after my child is placed with the adoptive parents?

Yes. You will be provided with counseling for up to six months after the baby is born. After that point, your counselor will help you find other services.

What if I don't choose adoption?

You will not be pressured to make a decision one way or another. This is a very important decision and our goal is to help you decide what is best for you and your child. If you choose to parent, we will support you in your decision and help you locate resources for housing, medical care, employment, parenting assistance, child care, and any other resource that will help you parent your child.

Can I change my mind?

You can change your mind until you go to court to release your parental rights which generally happens about 3-6 weeks after the child is born.

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