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frequently asked questions about adoption
1
What is Open or Semi Open Adoption?
In open adoption, you may choose the adoptive
family yourself, rather than having an agency make
this choice. Lifetime provides a nationwide selection
of loving families who are waiting to adopt. You may
also decide on the amount of contact you wish to have. Some
women want letters and photos, others want visits or phone
calls after the adoption, and some want no contact at all. You
may choose the family that best meets your needs and those
of your child, or if you prefer, we can select a family for you.
2
Why choose Lifetime Adoption Center?
Regardless of your decision to parent or choose adop-
tion, you'll receive personal, compassionate attention.
We care about you and your child and provide free, on-
going guidance. We have licensed counselors available to help
with your adoption decision and sort out feelings you may
have. Lifetime Adoption can also refer you to qualified and
sensitive physicians, childbirth educators, maternity clothing,
housing, and public assistance.
3
Are there any costs to me?
There is no cost to you as a birth parent. Adoptive
parents pay for legal fees, reasonable pregnancy-
related expenses, medical bills not covered by in-
surance, consulting, and counseling fees. If you
have state or private medical insurance, the adoptive
parents may be able to pay any portions unpaid by insurance,
such as co-payments. Payment of living expenses can only be-
gin after you have filled out the required forms, selected the
adoptive parents, and have both agreed to go forward with an
adoption plan.
4
What if I go into labor and have not made
an adoption plan?
You can call Lifetime Adoption directly from the hos-
pital. We can have a family available for you within
hours. In most states, the adoptive family will be
able to take the baby home from the hospital, avoiding fos-
ter care. This way, your baby can start bonding with their
adoptive family right away. We are open for emergencies
on all weekends, holidays, and throughout the night, call
1-800-923-6784.
Do you have questions about the adoption process? Below you'll find answers to many common questions about adoption that other
pregnant women have had. Perhaps you will find answers to your questions here as well. Speak to a caring professional now by calling
Lifetime Adoption at 1-800-923-6784.
5
How do I know this is a safe family for
my child?
Lifetime screens and pre-qualifies all the adop-
tive families that are working with us. A licensed
social worker will do a detailed home study
evaluation and visit the adoptive family's home.
This home study evaluation includes a back-
ground check, medical evaluations, financial and FBI screen-
ing. You can be assured that your baby will be raised in a lov-
ing and safe family environment. If you wish, you can speak
personally to families and decide whom you feel you want to
adopt and raise your child.
6
What if my child is older, can I make an
adoption plan?
We have loving families seeking children of all ages and
races. It is our policy not to separate siblings, so we
work hard to find just the right family for you to interview
for the adoption. You will be able to decide on the type of
contact you wish after the placement.
7
What if my child has a disability or
medical problem, are there adoptive
families available? I don't want to put
my child into foster care.
Yes, there are adoptive families that are pre-
pared and trained to parent a special needs
baby or child. Just call Lifetime Adoption at
1-800-923-6784 and receive details on how to get started.
There is a home for every child.
8
My baby will be African American. Do you
have black families available?
With infertility on the rise, more childless African
American and bi-racial couples are turning to the
Internet for adoption to build their families. Visit
www.AfricanAmericanAdoptionsOnline.com to view waiting
adoptive families that are African American and bi-racial. You
can read about the lifestyle of these prospective families and
view their photos before speaking to them on the phone.
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