Are you facing an unexpected pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy or are you not ready to parent at this time?We receive questions from women across Florida every day.It doesn’t matter if you’re in Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, Perry, Ocala or elsewhere in Florida. Wherever you are in the process, these questions and answers may be helpful.If you have other questions we haven’t answered or would like to explore adoption, please text or call 850-308-1836.We’re available 24/7.
1) At what point in my pregnancy may I contact you for information?
You can call or text at any point in your pregnancy, even after you’ve given birth or taken your baby home.We’re happy to speak with you, answer your questions and give you the information you need to make the best decision you can for your child.If you decide adoption is right for you, we’ll work with you to make an individualized adoption plan to meet your needs.There is no obligation, call or text 850-308-1836.
2) When may I make the plans for adoption?
In Florida, the actual document consenting to the adoption of your child may only be signed after the child’s birth.However, you may make plans for adoption at any point in your pregnancy, including selecting an adoptive family.The right time to make an adoption plan is when you’re ready.We can work with you at any time – when you find out you’re pregnant, any time during your pregnancy, at the hospital after delivery or even when you’ve taken your child home.
3) Will it costs me money to give up my baby for adoption?
No.Our services to birth mothers are free of charge.Birth families do not pay for adoption services relating to placing their child for adoption.
4) What if I need help with living and medical expenses expenses?
If you’re in need of help with living expenses related to your well being or that of your child, Florida law allows you to receive assistance.We can also ensure you receive medical care and counseling, as well as needed help with housing, transportation, food and clothing.
5) May I choose the adoptive family for my child?
Yes.That decision is up to you.You can have as little or as much involvement as you’dlike in the selection of the family.In private adoption you may discuss your individual desires for an adoptive family and pick from the many waiting, prescreened families.These desires may include religious preference, race, age, the existence of children already in the family or other factors you believe important in your selection of the right family for you and your child.We can provide you profiles, including photographs and information to help you select a family.You may also have your individual questions answered and speak with or meet the family as you desire, so that you may feel assured this is the right family for you and your child.Several of our waiting families are available on our web site www.madonnafinney.com.
6) May I get to know the adoptive family?
Yes.If you are comfortable getting to know them, we believe this may help you feel more comfortable knowing you’ve picked the perfect family for you and your child.You may speak with them, text with them and meet them in person.The level of contact and how much you would like to get to know them is up to you.
7) How do you screen adoptive families?
We screen all families to ensure they have completed the extensive home study process which includes ensuring:
the family is counseled and well educated in adoption,
they are fully committed to the adoption process,
they a safe and secure home environment,
criminal and abuse registries are checked,
references are checked,
the family is financially stable and able to care for the child, and
that they are accepting of post adoption contact.
They are assessed before being approved to adopt and after placement, a social worker will make visits with the family and child to ensure your child’s well-being.And all adoptive parents must be approved by the court in which they adopt and by our firm.
8) How will I know my child is loved and well cared for?
Because you may choose the family, meet them and get to know them, you may feel assured of a family’s love for your child.
9) Will my child understand why I chose adoption?
Choosing adoption may be one of the most selfless acts, the least selfish and one in which you know your child grows up in the home you are not able to provide right now.You may not be able to care for your child at this time in your life, but you can make a plan and find the family able to do so, a family you select.We have many available families, not just the families listed on the web site.When you speak with our Adoption Coordinator, she will help you, she will find out what type of family you believe is best for your child.
You will also have to opportunity to prepare a letter or journal you can share with the adoptive family to keep until your child is old enough to understand what you’ve written.Many adoption families keep a special letter from their birth mother in the child’s baby book.You may also choose to have an adoption plan which includes ongoing contact with your adoptive family, and child as he or she grows up.
10) How can adoption be a good choice?
If you’re not able to parent and care for your baby at this time, you can still make a plan to give you child the gift of life.
11) When will my baby be able to go to the adoptive family I choose?
After you sign the documents placing your baby for adoption, your baby may be placed with the adoptive family.For some birth mothers, it’s important that the family be present at or soon after birth and have time to immediately bond with them.If this is your desire, even if the documents haven’t been signed yet, you may allow this access