By Angela, our Social Work Director

If you have begun the adoption process or your adoption plan, you have probably started to think about the types of families you want to adopt your child. This often comes with many considerations, such as your personal value system and the type of adoption you are looking for in terms of openness.

When working with us, you’ll start by sorting through what is important to you in an adoptive family. If it is your preference, you may receive profiles of waiting families to look through. These are wonderful little books that families put together to give you an idea about them and their family life. This process is yours and you’re the one who will choose the right family for your baby. And there’s no need to worry, all of our families are pre-screened and home study-approved.

If you would like, you can meet with a family during your pregnancy either on the phone, through text, video chats or in person. You can do this consistently or maybe just once, whatever feels right for you. You can also wait until you have delivered the child or choose not to meet them at all.

If it is your desire to meet with an adoptive family in some capacity, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions with tips that we believe may help as you navigate meeting the hopeful adoptive family for the first time.

Common Questions About Meeting the Adoptive Family

I feel nervous about meeting the adoptive family, is this normal?

Yes! And they are probably nervous as well. Most new things can lead to a feeling of nervousness. This is an opportunity to get to know them outside of their profile and hopefully put your mind a little more at ease. If this is an open adoption, it is the beginning of an ongoing relationship!

Can I ask them questions?

Yes! We encourage you to ask as many questions as you may have. Developing a sense of security is so important during this time and feeling comfortable with your choice in them as parents is a priority. If you feel uncomfortable asking a question and still want to know, we can help facilitate that for you.

What should we talk about?

You can talk about yourself, your hopes and dreams for your child, and how much contact you want with the family, throughout the pregnancy and beyond. Setting those expectations together can provide a sense of comfort for some. You can ask them about their hopes and dreams as parents, hobbies and what they like to do for fun. Make a list of things you would like to talk about and bring it with you!

Can we talk about names for the baby?

Absolutely! Some birth and adoptive parents work together to come up with a first or middle name. If it is something you would like to discuss and know more about, bring it up.

Tips we have put together for you to consider:

• Be you! They want to get to know you just as much as you want to get to know them. They will be parenting your child and will want to tell that child all about you! If you have an open adoption, this is also the beginning of an ongoing relationship.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and bring up what is important to you.
• Think about what is important to you to bring up and write it down. Talk with your adoption counselor about it, they can help you identify things to consider.
• Bring a support person with you if you feel this could help.
• Don’t worry! If you are working with our office, we will make sure to talk you through all of this and help you feel more comfortable before your first meeting.

Choosing to make a Florida adoption plan can be a scary decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Adoption Law Offices of Madonna Finney have helped countless women place their baby for adoption in Florida. If you’re just beginning to consider adoption as a pregnancy option, we would be happy to walk you through the process, answer any adoption questions you may have for us, and explain the benefits available to expectant birth mothers. Your call is confidential and without cost.

Feel free to reach out to The Adoption Law Offices of Madonna M. Finney at any time. Our team is here for you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, each day of the week.

Call or Text (850) 308-1836 or message us on Facebook or Instagram.