Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IF I AM NOT SURE WHAT I WANT?
It is normal to have mixed feelings. Most women find that they change their minds several times before they make a decision they can live with. It is an important decision and you should not feel pressured. Your plan will affect you, your partner and your child for the rest of your lives. You will want to think about the kind of life you want for your child and your ability to care for him or her.
WHAT SUPPORTS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
Your counselor will assist you in looking at each of your choices and provide information you may need to sort it all out. She will work with you in applying for TennCare if you don’t have insurance and will help you set up prenatal care if you are not already seeing a doctor. She will let you know about community resources that may benefit you. She will help you look into solutions for any special needs that you might have. If you wish, your counselor can arrange to be with you while you are in the hospital.
IF I CHOOSE ADOPTION, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Your counselor will help you to look at your options. Most often, you will be able to look at profiles of approved adoptive couples and then select the family. The degree of openness is based on your wishes and those of the adoptive parents. AGAPE staff encourages both parties to meet in order to become acquainted. Adopted children can benefit from adoptive and birth parents working together. However, the choice of whether or not to meet the adoptive parents is yours.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY CHILD WILL BE TREATED WELL?
All adoptive couples attend a training course to prepare them to adopt. They must have an approved home study which involves background checks, physical exams, references, and personal interviews. Every effort is made to evaluate personal and parenting strengths of each couple. The placement of each child is done thoughtfully and prayerfully with the goal being to secure a loving home that will provide safety, support, and guidance.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL YOU NEED FROM ME?
You will be asked to provide information about your relationship with the father of the baby. If you make an adoption plan, you will be asked to provide medical and social information. You may wish to complete a journal or book of memories for your child.
If you are a birth parent who is facing a crisis because of an unplanned pregnancy, call AGAPE for assistance. We are here to support you as you make decisions and as you plan your child’s future.