Making decisions for an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what you want to do. In order to make the most informed choice possible, you’ll need access to unbiased, accurate information about each of your options. As a trusted adoption agency for more than 30 years, Adoption Advocates can help you learn more about open adoption, but that’s not all. As part of our conversations, we’ll discuss all of your options with you, so that you can feel confident in the choice you make.
Clients in Irving, Las Colinas and other mid-cities are served by adoption specialist, Shaelynn Wolfe.
Call: (972) 284-0027
Text (Expectant Parents Only): (972) 914-8490
Email: [email protected]
Irving Adoption Services for Expectant Parents
Placing a Baby for Adoption in Irving
Before you even start the process of placing your baby for adoption, it’s important to learn about open adoption, your choices and what to expect. The first time you connect with our adoption agency, you’ll have the chance to talk about your situation, ask questions and get to know your adoption counselor. If everything feels right, you’ll begin with paperwork to start receiving services such as counseling and financial assistance. From there, your adoption specialist will guide you through the process of making an adoption plan, which includes choosing an adoptive family to place you baby with.
Ready to get started? Call or text now to start exploring adoption with Adoption Advocates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pregnancy can be a challenging time for many women, and it’s even more stressful if you weren’t planning for it. Luckily, there are resources in McKinney that can help. From free or low-cost pregnancy tests to Labor & Delivery hospitals, these organizations can help support you through the process. And if you don’t currently have health care, you may qualify for Texas Pregnancy Medicaid that can pay for your pregnancy-related health care costs.
Irving Pregnancy Testing & Family Planning
Thrive Women’s Clinic – Irving
1111 W Airport Fwy #229
Irving, TX 75062
Phone: (469) 263-1201
Make an appointment online
Mid Cities Women’s Clinic
201 Westpark Way
Euless, Texas 76040
Phone: (817) 918-8261
Request an appointment online
Irving Prenatal Care & Hospitals
MacArthur Medical Center
3501 N. MacArthur Blvd, Ste 500
Irving, TX 75062
Phone: (972) 256-3700
Visit website
Parkland Health
1800 North Britain Road
Irving, TX 75061
Phone: (214) 266-3200
Visit website
Baylor Scott & White
1901 N MacArthur Blvd
Irving, TX 75061
Phone: (972) 579-8100
Visit website
Additional Resources
Texas Health & Human Services Benefits Office
440 S Nursery Rd, Ste 200
Irving, TX 75060
(972) 579-3080
Apply Online
Benefit Programs: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid for families and children
Irving WIC
1111 West Airport Freeway Suit 237
Irving, TX 75062
Apply online
Brighter Tomorrows
(972) 262-8383
Get help
Provides emergency shelter and services for victims of domestic violence
What Our Families Say
“We especially deeply appreciate their true care and support for expectant/birth families, their focus on and counsel toward open adoption, and their ongoing care and support for both us and our daughter’s birth family years after the adoption was finalized.”
Katelynn | Adoptive 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 get in touch with our Irving adoption specialist by calling (972) 284-0027.
