What is the adoptive family allowed to know about me? |
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It is important that the adoptive family know as much about your genetic background, drug and alcohol history, and health as possible. Every agency is required to obtain a Health and Genetic History which will be given to the adoptive family. Although some of the information may be personal and difficult to discuss, it is important not only to the adoptive family but to your child. Genetic issues such as cancer may have a very strong genetic link that should be addressed by your child's pediatrician as he or she grows older. Other issues, i.e., alcohol, drug and tobacco consumption may be essential to the health of your child. This information is kept confidential between the agency, you and your adoptive parents. It is never given to your parents or any law enforcement agency. It is used solely for the purpose of helping your child both now and in the future.
Information such as your name and where you live is kept only in agency records unless YOU request that it be given to the adoptive parents or eventually your child. You will make this decision as you determine the level of openness you want to have with your adoptive family.
You may choose to write letters, give gifts or pictures or even to design a scrap book (called a Life Book) so that your child will have a clearer picture of you, your family, and the love that you feel for him.
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How much does the adoptive family usually want to know about me? |
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Although this varies slightly among families, a good rule of thumb is to acknowledge that they are as curious about you as you are about them plus a little bit more. They want to tell your child all about you - not just the genetic information - but also what you look like, your personality and your likes and dislikes. Filling out the "Birth Mother or Birth Father Profile" allows them to see you in a more personal way.
The family may also want to meet you although this is totally your decision. Most families beg for a picture of you, the baby's father, and your extended family. These things will also help your child to see you as a very real person who made a loving decision on their behalf and it helps to erase any feeling of abandonment that they may have.
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Does the agency ever deal with couples who are out of Texas, or must they live in the state where the agency is? |
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The agency tries to place each child in Texas, if possible. Some children, however, have special needs that require the agency to find parents from all over the United States who can take care of those needs. Remember, the CPC, will take care of your child no matter what the outcome of your pregnancy may be. Our special needs program has found homes for children with Down Syndrome, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and other habilitating problems.
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May I select what religion I wish the couple to be? |
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Absolutely! You may make any selection criteria that is important to you. You are also given profiles of families that are waiting for a child from which to choose. You are encouraged to be as much apart of the selection of adoptive parents as you want to be!
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Can I be assured that my child will be brought up in that religion? |
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The agency discusses your criteria with the couples you choose. They know that the CPC will not place another child with them if they fail to carry out your requests. More important, your choice of families might already include the fact that they are practicing the religion that you are requesting and anticipate continuing with that religious preference for a lifetime.
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Am I permitted to know how long the couple has been waiting for a child and why the wait? |
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Yes! Your social worker will be glad to answer this and any other question that you may have about the family.
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Will my child be able to get information about me if she or he desires? |
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CPC will ask that you sign an open preference sheet which will address if you do or do not wish to be found. CPC relies heavily on this document in deciding whether to notify you of your child's request. It is important that you keep the agency informed of your permanent or new address and that you inform CPC of any change in your feelings. In addition, the State of Texas has an adoption registry which will also provide information to your child if she or he seeks to find you. You will receive information on how to contact the Registry.
Legally your child may also obtain a "de-identified" copy of their record at age 18. Although this copy does not give your name and address, the agency will attempt to find you if you have made your wishes known.
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What information, if any, do you need from the biological father? |
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The agency seeks to obtain the same information from the biological father that you have provided on yourself. Sometimes this is difficult to do. However, this background information is very important to the future of your child. You may want to assist your social worker in obtaining the information or you may feel more comfortable in letting the worker obtain the information herself depending on the type of relationship you presently have with the birth father.
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How soon after the baby is born can she or he be placed in her/his new home? |
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Although this is determined on a case-to-case basis, the agency seeks to place the baby in an adoptive home immediately, if possible. Much of this is determined by the cooperation of the biological father.
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In the years to come, if my child searches for me, would the agency contact me before my child does? |
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This issue may be addressed in one of two ways.
A. If you keep in contact with the agency by providing a current address AND you have signed a consent which allows us to contact you at this point, the agency will be the first to let you know your child if seeking to find you.
B. Unfortunately, some adoptees attempt to find birth parents even though they are aware that the birth parent does NOT want to be found. CPC will not give out identifying information but some judges will open the sealed records on behalf of the adult adoptee. Moreover, some adoptees are able to effectively search and locate birth parents themselves.
The most important issue is to be open and honest with your future spouse and children about your decision to place for adoption so that there will be no surprises should you receive an unannounced knock on your door in the future.
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May I write the adoptive parents a letter explaining to them the reasons for placing my child for adoption, and will I have the assurance they will receive it and read it? |
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You are greatly encouraged to write this letter and any other during your lifetime. Initially the agency will open the letter and resend it to protect your location. As time progresses, you and the adoptive parent may MUTUALLY agree to give each other your address so that the correspondence does not have to go through the agency.
Will they receive it and read it? If you choose an adoptive family that says they wish to have this information, yes, they will definitely receive it. Will they read it? Of course! Remember that much of this is in your hands during your decision making process.
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What "qualifications" must a couple meet before they are accepted as clients in your agency? (Financial, emotional stability, unable to have children, age, etc.) |
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Each agency licensed in Texas must meet a certain set of "Minimum Standards" regarding the qualifications of the adopting family. This criteria is different for each agency but meets state standards as a minimum. CPC has the following initial criteria for applying to adopt:
CPC policy usually includes the criteria listed below. However, qualifications of the referring agency and/or birth parent when not in direct conflict with agency policy, are greatly considered. Some agency policies may be waived or changed to comply with the participating agency's policies and specific requests by the birth parent(s). In those cases where adopting parents do not meet agency requirements, a strength and weakness assessment will be made and presented to the birth parent and/or referring agency who may continue to request placement and/or services.
Adopting parents should be emotionally stable, in good mental and physical health, financially secure, flexible, understanding, and accepting of the background and needs of the child.
AGE: Couples applying for adoption must have one partner between the ages of 24 and 45. The remaining partner's age may be outside of these parameters.
MARRIAGE: Couples must have a stable marriage and must have been married at least three (3) years. However, families who have proven infertility and who are able to show communication between the partners, a sharing relationship and a commitment to the marriage will be carefully considered through a petition to the adoption committee.
SINGLE PARENTS: Single parents are accepted for study with the understanding that the birth parent(s) must agree with the placement decision. Single adopting parents must be between the ages of 24 and 45.
RELIGION: Religions which prevent a child from receiving medical care are not accepted.
HEALTH: A medical history of each potential parent is required. Adoptive parents must have the capacity to raise children and have health expectations of living for the full childhood of the adoptee.
FINANCIAL: Adoptive applicants must demonstrate financial stability by submitting information on financial assets, insurance, investments and the stability of employment.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be living in Texas and be able to remain in the area long enough to complete the adoption study and six to eighteen months supervision.
EMPLOYMENT/CHILD CARE: The primary care giver* must be willing to remain home to care for the child for the first six weeks of placement. Single parents must be willing to remain home for one month after placement. (*Married couples may share this time commitment.)
FBI/CANRIS CHECK: Each applicant must submit a criminal and/or fingerprint record check completed through the appropriate governing entity. The agency will complete the CANRIS for Texas couples. Applicants must not have a felony record or must be able to provide proof of rehabilitation.
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How much will I know about the adoptive parents? (Occupation, living area, ages, etc.) |
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You may be given as much information as you wish to have. You may read all about them, meet them, and exchange addresses and phone number IF you both agree.
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When, if at all, does the biological father have to be present? |
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The biological father is encouraged to participate in all decisions, when possible. He can be as involved as both or either of you would like him to be. When that is in direct conflict with your wishes, the agency will assist you in making a decision in the child's best interest both legally and emotionally. We encourage you to remember the reason you fell in love with him initially and let him become a part of your sexual and emotional life.
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After the adoption is finalized, will I need to have any further contact with the agency? If so, why, and under what circumstances? |
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Other than the reasons stated above, you may want to leave the door open to your emotional feelings and changes in those feelings for the rest of your life. The agency will provide you with additional counseling during your life time.
In addition, if your child has a major health problem or change in health or emotional well being, the state says that the agency must attempt to contact you. Further, if you have any of those changes, the agency must notify the adoptive family and child. For example, if you discover that you have breast cancer it would be important that the family know of this problem. Since cancer has some heredity connections, it would be important that your child be examined frequently with this in mind. Further, if your child needed bone marrow or a kidney transplant, would you want to be able to meet these needs as the only possible genetic link to that possibility?
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Can I request that the files be sealed until the child is eighteen, or is that automatically the case? |
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This is automatically done unless you and your adoptive parents agree that you want it to be otherwise. This must be a SIGNED MUTUAL AGREEMENT.
Texas law requires that all records be sealed, but remember, this may not be the case in the future. Laws change and sometime they are retroactive. Consider telling your future spouse about your experience so that none of this comes as a surprise should the records be opened at sometime and your child searches for you.
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Who has access to my file within the adoption agency? |
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All files are kept in locked cabinets. The Adoption Staff has the only access to these files.
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What exactly do the adoption agency's files contain? |
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The birth parent/child records contain a large number of items to include: hospital medical information, correspondence, legal documents, genetic histories, intake studies, plan of service for the child, case notes, etc.
The adoptive parent records include: the home study, marriage certificate, fire and health checks, insurance verification, criminal history and child abuse checks, medical letters on each family member, study dates, psychological testing results, birth certificates for all family members, infertility status, health checks, copy of latest IRS 1040 confirming last year's income, etc.
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Will my medical costs be covered by either the agency or the adoptive parents or both? |
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When Medicaid is not applicable, the agency uses the adoption fees paid by adoptive parents to pay for all of your medical fees and the baby's medical fees, all court costs, agency expense, etc. All of the agency's services are free to you.
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If the adoption agency and/or the adoptive parents help with my expenses, what would that include? |
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If you have expenses beyond those listed above, the agency and/or adoptive parents are able to assist you in housing, clothing, food, transportation and a few other expenses. However, you must have a documented need to receive these services. Please talk with your social worker to confirm these additional expenses. REMEMBER: It is ILLEGAL to receive any money or service other than medical and legal IF the adopting parents are adopting through anyone other than a licensed child placing agency.
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If for some reason there is an accident and the child's adoptive parents are killed, will I be responsible for the child and would I have that option if I so desire? |
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Once you have signed the surrendering documents, you have no responsibilities for your child. If the child has been placed in an adoptive home, and the adoption has been finalized, all laws and responsibilities pertaining to families and family relationships are the same as if that child had been born into the family. You will be notified of any tragic incident IF you maintain contact with the agency.
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Will my child be able to find me if she or he decided they wanted to search for me? |
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(See # 10) Again, it is very important that you keep in touch with the agency. Although all court records are permanently sealed at this point, the agency will facilitate a reunion should both parties wish it.
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Will I be able to find my child if I decide I want to search for him/her? |
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It is equally important that the adopting parents keep in touch with the agency. If you should request a search and/or reunion, CPC will attempt to locate your adoptive family and child with your request, provide counseling to all parties and attempt reunion should your child (age 18), your child's adoptive parents (if your child is under 18) and you desire it.
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What are sealed records? |
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Sealed records are all documents used to complete an adoption in the courts. When the termination is final, they are marked sealed and no one has access to the file. When the adoption is finalized, they are again sealed and access is denied. This is the current law although changes may occur in the future.
The agency has a copy of all records and they are kept locked and are assessable to staff members only.
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What is an open adoption? |
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Open adoption has varying degrees of openness according to the mutual agreement between the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s). That agreement may include the exchange of information through the agency only or a mutual agreement to have access directly with each other. The amount of openness must be agreed upon by both parties. Usually that agreement is made when you select an adoptive family.
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Why do many babies go into foster care before they go to their adoptive parents? |
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Lullaby Homes may be necessary when legal issues are still present and the child is not legally free. For example, the agency must show the court that they have used "due diligence" in finding the biological father. It is extremely important, then, that you give all information on the location of the birth father so his rights can be terminated. Another example may pertain to the wishes of the birth mother.
Although the law requires that surrendering documents cannot be signed until 48 hours after the birth of the child, you may not be emotionally prepared to make a decision at that point. The agency provides Lullaby Homes for your child if you do not wish to take the child home but do not wish to make a surrendering decision at that time. Lullaby care allows you the time to make a decision that is right for you and your child
A third example may pertain to the child's medical status. If you have chosen a family based on the good health of the child and there is a medical complication, medical testing may be necessary. Further, if the child has a major medical problem of which you and the adoptive family were unaware, a new family may have to be found that can take care of that child's preexisting medical and emotional needs.
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If my child were placed into foster care, how long would she or he be there? |
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This depends on all of the above. It could be one night or any time until the issues are resolved.
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Do my parents need to sign papers in order for me to place my child for adoption? |
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No! The court assumes that you are an adult in this situation. However, if you are under age 18, the court will appoint an attorney ad litem to talk with you and be sure that you understand the impact of placement and that you are making a decision of your own free will.
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How much can I be involved in choosing the couple for my child? |
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You may be as involved or uninvolved as you wish to be. For example, you may review information on several couples to select a family that you feel comfortable with, review photo albums, have verbal information about them, have phone conversations or perhaps have a meeting with them. OR you may choose to let the adoption worker select a family for you.
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May I have a picture of my baby? |
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The agency will provide three pictures and update information to you and the birth father of your child each month for six months. Other information may be provided for an extended period as agreed upon by your adoptive parents and you.
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What may I send with my child (gifts, letters, books, etc.), and will I have the assurance that my child will get these items? |
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You may send any of the above with your child and they will be given to the adopting family at time of placement. You may continue to send any of the above and they will either be sent to the family or kept in the file as agreed upon by you and the adopting parents. Major bulky items obviously cannot be kept in the file or at the agency due to limited storage space.
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Will I have to go to court? |
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Your adoption worker will probably video or audio tape your relinquishments so that you do NOT have to go to court. Certainly, if you wish to appear before a judge, you may do so.
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If I have to go to court, how long after I sign my papers will this take place? |
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You may choose NOT to appear in court. You cannot sign relinquishing or surrendering papers until 48 hours after the birth of your child but you may sign any time after that point. Once you have signed the papers, the agency will go immediately to court.
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Once I sign the adoption papers, can I change my mind? |
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The Supreme Court of Texas says that the surrendering documents called, "Mother's (or Father's) Affidavit of Relinquishment" are IRREVOCABLE. That means that you cannot change your mind AFTER you sign the papers. Take all the time you need to make this decision since it is one which cannot be changed!
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Will I be able to see my baby in the hospital? |
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Yes, and the agency very much encourages you to do so. You may take pictures, room in, breast feed and make all decisions for your child until you sign the papers. Seeing your child after this time is allowed if you have made arrangements with your social worker.
On the other hand, you may choose to have a room that is not located on the maternity wing and you may choose not to have contact with your child. (Please notify your doctor, hospital social worker, nurses, and agency staff about your desire to do so.)
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Will I be able to have a visit with my baby before I sign the adoption papers? |
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You may have as much or as little contact as you desire.
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Are my parents, friends, father of the baby, etc. allowed to see the baby? |
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Your parents and friends are allowed to see and hold the baby with YOUR permission. If you have named the father of your child on the birth certificate, the birth father MAY have the same rights even without your permission.
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Can I name my baby and will the adoptive parents keep the name I pick? |
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You are encouraged to name your child and should do so on the birth certificate if you so desire. The adoptive family is given these names and may use all or part of the name you choose on the final birth certificate. The original birth certificate is sealed when the adoption is final and a new birth certificate is created with the adoptive parents' name as the parents of the child, as well as the adoptive name of the child at that point.
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What happens if my baby is born with birth defects? Will the adoptive parents still want my baby? |
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CPC has a large special needs adoption program and the agency will take financial and legal responsibility no matter what the outcome of the pregnancy should you so desire. Adoptive parents may or may not be willing to parent a special needs child based on their own abilities, insurance capabilities, etc. Nevertheless, an adoptive family will be found which meets your child's needs if the original family feels they cannot do so. The agency has never failed to place a child in the last 20 years. You will be kept informed of any change made on these issues.
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When do I have to sign the adoption papers? |
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You are never REQUIRED to sign papers but you MAY sign 48 hours after the birth of your child. Some parents may take their child home and attempt to parent only to find after six months, a year, six years, that they cannot continue to do so. CPC is here to meet your needs at any time either now or in the future. Remember, all services are free to you!
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Do I get to meet the adoptive parents? Who will be there with me? Could I have communication with them after the placement? For how long? |
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You may choose to meet the birth parents either before and/or after the adoption. You may invite anyone you wish to attend this meeting with you. An adoption worker will also be present. This is a good time for you and your adoptive parents to agree on the type and amount of contact you will have following the placement of your child in their home. This may include communication on special holidays and birthdays.
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Do I get to see and hold the baby at the hospital? Do I have to? |
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You may see and hold the baby as much as you would like to while you are in the hospital.
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Do I take the baby home from the hospital? |
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Most generally you will not take the baby home from the hospital unless you request to. Occasionally, you may wish to take the baby out of the hospital at dismissal to place in the adoptive couple's arms in another location so the baby can avoid an extended hospital stay.
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Will the adoptive parents be at the hospital? Can I pick who I want to have at the delivery? |
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You most certainly decide who you would like with you at the hospital. Some hospitals have regulations to include the number of people who may be in delivery with you, however.
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Can I pick what doctor and hospital I want to use? |
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Yes.
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What would an adoption agency do for me? |
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A licensed TEXAS agency provides counseling and support, before, during and after placement of your child into a home. They should take care of all medical expenses and travel to the hospital, doctor and the office. They should explain all the adoption processes to you, provide you legal services, and should make sure you have access to them 24 hours a day. Further, a licenced agency may be able to provide such things as maternity clothes, food, and living expenses.
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Can I go through an attorney or intermediary to place my child for adoption? How is this different from an agency adoption? |
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You may use an attorney to complete your adoption in Texas. "Third party" intermediaries such as doctors, non-agency social workers, and lawyers who seek to provide a family (unless the attorney has his/her own child placing license) to you are illegal.
The phone book also lists "intermediaries" from out of state who may seek to provide limited services. Please remember that the intermediaries cannot provide legal or long term counsel or extended services.
Only a LICENSED CHILD PLACING AGENCY may provide extended financial services should you have a documented financial need. Attorneys, individuals and intermediaries may not provide ANY financial services to you other than medical and legal.
If you use to phone book to locate an adoption agency, be sure to ask where their nearest office and social worker are to you and how frequently during your lifetime may you receive counseling services and how rapidly can they be at the hospital to assist you?
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Can I go to school while I am pregnant? |
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Yes.
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If I talk to an agency once or twice, does that mean I have to place my child with their families? |
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No. You are not obligated to place your child with any agency or individual until you sign the relinquishment or surrendering documents. This cannot happen until AT LEAST 48 hours after the baby is born.
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Once I sign over my rights to the child, can I change my mind? How long do I have to decide? |
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You cannot sign the relinquishments until at least 48 hours after the birth of your child. However, once these documents are signed, they are irrevocable. (They cannot be changed.) This means you are legally bound to the adoption once it is signed. This is why it is very important to take as much time as you need to make this most important decision before signing the relinquishment.
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