If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, you are not alone. As a licensed adoption agency, Adoption Advocates can help you explore your options. answer your questions, and explain how adoption works for expectant parents.
Clients in East Texas, including Tyler, Longview, Kilgore, Marshall, Palestine, Canton, Lukfin and Nacogdoches, are served by adoption specialist, Shaelynn Wolfe.
Call or Text: (972) 914-8490
Email: [email protected]
Services Offered for Expectant Parents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Parents who adopt from Adoption Advocates are educated to respect the special bond between the child and the birth family. By knowing you and receiving information from you, they can raise the child that knows where they came from. Although open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable in Texas, chances are that you will choose a family who you like and trust, and they will be committed to honoring their agreement with you.
An open adoption means that you get to choose the adoptive parents, and you can maintain some degree of contact with them. In an open adoption, you will always be honored as the child’s birth parent, because that’s who you are. In almost all adoption plans, the adoptive parents provide pictures and letters and exchange phone calls with birth parents. Depending on the relationship that develops between you and your adoptive parents, sometimes there is visitation. The most important thing to remember is that an open adoption is what the participants jointly decide that it should be. Open adoption is an informal agreement based on trust and respect.
It’s OK not to be sure about adoption right away. This is a really important decision! Take as much time as you need. Your adoption specialist will discuss all of your options with you — without pressure or judgment. Our goal is to provide support and answers, so that you can make an informed decision.
After speaking to an adoption specialist, you may decide that adoption is not right for you. That’s OK too. If you decide to parent, Adoption Advocates can direct you to resources to provide assistance during your pregnancy and your child’s early years.
Yes, you can move forward with an adoption plan. Although things will move faster, you will still have the same rights and ability to make choices that an expectant mother does. An adoption specialist will visit you to answer your questions, help you complete paperwork, share waiting family profiles and discuss a post-placement plan. You will receive counseling and support after relinquishment as well, for as long as you choose.
Here’s a look at what to expect with the adoption process if your baby has already been born:
GET IN TOUCH: Reach out to us by calling (512) 477-1122 or texting (512) 270-8415. If you’re still in the hospital, you can ask the hospital’s social worker to help you get in touch with us. We already work with many hospital social workers throughout Texas.
MEET WITH A SPECIALIST: An experienced adoption specialist will visit you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours. She will explain your options, the different types of adoption and what comes next. After learning more about adoption, you’ll decide if you want to move forward with placing your baby for adoption.
MAKE CHOICES: If you’re ready, you’ll begin making choices for you and your baby’s future. You’ll need to decide if you want an open, semi-open or closed adoption. You can start looking at adoptive family profile books and choose one. If you do not want to choose the family, the agency can select for you. Remember, you are still in control of all of your choices.
SIGN PAPERWORK: If you’re sure about adoption and it’s been at least 48 hours since the baby was born, you’ll sign the relinquishment papers. Your chosen adoptive family will be able to take the baby home as soon as the hospital discharges him or her.
The adoption process moves quickly after a baby is born, and 48 hours may not be enough time for you to make a decision. Signing the relinquishment papers is permanent, so you need to be certain this is the right step for you. If you need more time, we can arrange for short-term interim care (also known as cradle care) after your baby is released from the hospital. You’ll be able to continue exploring your options and spend time with your baby before you make a final decision. Even though your relationship with Adoption Advocates began after your baby was born, we hope it doesn’t end there. Many women experience difficult emotions, including grief and sadness, after placement. We’re here to help you through those emotions with adoption counseling for as long as you need, at no cost to you.
Making sure you and your baby stay healthy are important, regardless of whether you choose parenting or adoption. Pregnancy Medicaid is available for uninsured women in Texas, and will covers the cost of your prenatal doctor visits, labor and delivery and other pregnancy-related medical needs. Before you apply, you will need to be confirm your pregnancy. Free or affordable pregnancy tests are available from these organizations in East Texas:
Tyler-Longview Pregnancy Testing & Family Planning
Axia Center
1003 S Baxter Ave.
Tyler, TX 75701
(903) 592-4495
Visit website
Planned Parenthood
601 Turtle Creek Dr.
Tyler, TX 75701
Phone: (903) 581-8277
Website
Expectant Heart Pregnancy Resource Center
2440 S High St.
Longview, TX 75602
Phone: (903) 931-3124
Website
East Texas Prenatal Care & Hospitals
UT Health Tyler
1000 S. Beckham Ave.
Tyler, TX 75701
Phone: (903) 594-2645
Website
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital – Longview
700 East Marshall Highway
Longview, TX 75601
Phone: (903) 315-2000
Website
Palestine Regional Medical Center
2900 South Loop 256
Palestine, TX
Phone: (903) 731-1000
Website
ADVICE FROM A BIRTH MOTHER
No matter where the baby ends up, people will often feel obligated to tell you to do what they feel is right or what you “should” do. Only you know what is right for you, and what’s right for what’s growing inside you.
Sarah D. | BIRTH MOTHER
Take the First Step Now
Ready to get started? Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your situation and see how we can help. You can also reach out directly to our Tyler adoption specialist Shaelynn by calling or texting (972) 914-8490.
