ADOPTION

ADOPTION
T= he Choices Are Yours<= /p>

What is adoption?<= /p>

Adoption&nbs= p;is the loving act of biological parents
(birth parents) who choose a family t= o nurture
and care for their child.
Adoption&nbs= p;is a bond created through the love
that birth parents and adoptive parents&nb= sp;share
for their child.
Adoption&nbs= p;is not selfish or irresponsible.
Rather, it involves birth parents and = ;adoptive
parents working together to make a pl= an that
is in the best interest of their = ;child.
Adoption&nbs= p;is not temporary foster care. Instead,
adoption provides your child with parents&= nbsp;who
are better able to emotionally and fi= nancially
support a child.

What can adoption offer my child?= <= /p>

The lov= e and security of adoptive parents
who are emotionally and financially ready<= br> to parent.
A mothe= r and a father.
The kin= d of home and family life that you
want for your child.
= The opp= ortunity to fulfill the dreams you
have for your child — dreams th= at take
time, money and commitment.

What can adoption offer me?<= /b>

You may&n= bsp;have: =

The cho= ice of an adoptive family.

A flexi= ble plan that you control.

Meeting(s)&n= bsp;with the adoptive family.

An exch= ange of information through the years.

Assistance&n= bsp;with pregnancy-related necessities.

Access = to an experienced legal department.

Housing = ;assistance.

A choic= e of excellent medical providers.

Education&nb= sp;and career planning.

Emotional&nb= sp;support throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Am I strong enough to&= nbsp;place my baby for adoption?<= /p>

It takes great strength and coura= ge to place your baby for adoption, and&= nbsp;that's something that you
&= nbsp;can determine with the help of a co= unselor. But you need to know that = ;adoption is not about giving
&= nbsp;away your baby. Adoption is making = ;a plan for your baby's life. Adoption&= nbsp;is a gift of love.<= /p>

When I think of the&nb= sp;baby I placed for adoption, how might = ;I feel?

You'll feel lots of things —= ; love for your child, sadness of saying= good-bye, peace that comes with knowing
            &= nbsp;you made the right decision for you = ;and your child.  Though the grief felt&= nbsp;when saying good-bye to
            &= nbsp;your child is very real, strength and&nb= sp;comfort come through the knowledge that yo= u have given your
            &= nbsp;child a life of wonderful opportunities.

Will the adoptive parents&n= bsp;take good care of my baby?

Yes, and you'll know that through= pictures and letters from the adoptive = parents. Meeting the adoptive
&= nbsp;parents, either before or after placement,&nb= sp;will also give you greater peace of m= ind.

How do I know that&nbs= p;I won't regret the decision to place m= y baby for adoption?

Placing your baby fo= r adoption is a tough decision, probably = ;the toughest decision you'll ever have to
            &= nbsp;make.  And there are no guarantees = that in this decision, or any major life= decision, there will be no regrets.
            &= nbsp;But what's most important is that you&nb= sp;not lose sight of what's best for you= and your baby, now and in the
            &= nbsp;future.