Frequently Asked Colorado Adoption Questions and Answers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below you’ll find answers to some more of the most frequently asked questions at Adoption Choices of Colorado. We are constantly adding most asked question to this page so if you have a question and don’t see your answer, don’t hesitate to contact us!
The choice of adoption is a positive alternative to an unplanned pregnancy. Many women who find themselves in this situation do not search out all of their options. An adoption plan can be whatever you want it to be.
The decision to choose adoption is not an easy one to make on your own. Although it may be a difficult and painful choice, we will be there to provide support, including counseling if you would like.
Yes, you have the option of approving the parents who will be adopting your baby. Each family makes a picture profile, which is a mini-scrap book that tells you about their lives. The profiles we will present to you are filled with photos of the family, their vacations, their home and lots more. It will also include a “Dear Birth Mother” letter that addresses other frequently asked questions such as their likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc.
All of our prospective adoptive parents go through extensive background checks. Case workers meet them in their homes to interview them. The couples are required to provide a State Bureau of Investigation report and a child abuse clearance report as well as birth certificates, a copy of their marriage license, physician’s reports that include HIV test results, etc. Adoptive families are carefully screened.
The agency will provide court approved living expenses to birth mothers who need the help. We understand how difficult it is to get back on your feet and return to work after delivering a baby.
Yes, if you wish they can come meet you before the baby is born and you can have as much or as little of a relationship with the adoptive family as you want. You also have the opportunity to talk with them over the phone throughout the pregnancy. You can call to let them know how your doctor’s visits are going. If the family is able, and you are willing, they can even attend a doctor’s appointment with you.
You will know as much information about the adoptive family as we can give to you without revealing their last names and addresses. However, if you prefer to have a closed adoption with the adoptive family, that is also available.
Many birth fathers consent to the adoption; however, if the birth father does not wish to consent, you do not know the whereabouts of the birth father, or he would like to speak to an agency representative, our agency (and/or) attorney is/are available to speak to you about your specific situation.
Your case worker will help you with transportation to and from your doctor’s visits and take you to pick up prescriptions. If further assistance is needed ,e.g., trips to the grocery store or a ride to work, your case worker will be glad to help arrange that for you. We understand how important it is that you stay healthy and well taken care of.
The choice of adoption is always at no cost to the birth mother. We will help you find assistance in paying the medical bills. The portion of the medical expenses not covered by private insurance or by state funds will be provided by the adoptive family.
Your case workers will help you make that decision. You can see your baby as often as you want while you are in the hospital.
In most situations the adoptive family are at the hospital while the birth mother is in labor. If you would like, the family can even be in the delivery room with you. If the couple lives out of state, the agency suggests they come to Colorado a day or two before your estimated due date. If you deliver early, they will be on the next flight out of their home town.
In extreme cases, when the adoptive family is unable to arrive before the baby is released from the hospital, we will place the baby in transitional care. The families who watch the children for this short period of time are screened as intensively as the adoptive family.
In Colorado, the birth mother or birth parents may execute their relinquishment of their parental rights and consent to adoption under the expedited relinquishment procedure without a court hearing for children under one year old. In the instance that the child falls under the Indian Child Welfare Act or the child is over one year old, the birth mother/parents must appear in court. Birth parents may chose to go into court to relinquish their parental rights in front of a Judge. If your child is under one year old, birth parents may chose whether they sign the relinquishment under the Expedited Statute or under the Traditional Relinquishment Statute.
Adoption Choices provides independent legal counsel for the birth mother which covers the Relinquishment filing only. Any other legal costs & contested matter are not covered and will be at the birth parent’s expense.
Ongoing correspondence is definitely an option for you as a birth mother. We require that the adoptive family be open to sending pictures and letters at least once a year until the child reaches the age of 18. You are also able to send the adoptive family letters and pictures for the baby through the agency.