What Does Adoption Look Like?

Understanding Adoption Options with Choice

Adoption is a deeply personal and emotional journey that looks different for everyone. Whether you are a birth parent considering adoption or a family hoping to adopt, adoption is an option which creates a stable and loving home for a child.  For adoptive families, the process can be lengthy, emotional and overwhelming, but can also be the most rewarding experience of one’s life. At Choice Adoptions, we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout the process.

The Different Types of Adoption

Adoption is not a one-size-fits-all experience. There are several types of adoption, and each offers different levels of connection, communication, and legal arrangements. Here’s what they can look like:

1. Open Adoption

In an open adoption, the birth parents and adoptive family maintain some level of ongoing contact. This could include exchanging letters, photos, phone calls and in-person visits. The frequency and type of communications are typically agreed upon in advance and can evolve over time based on the needs and preferences of everyone involved.

What it can look like:

• A birth mother meeting with the adoptive family before the child is born.

• Ongoing photo and letter updates throughout the child’s life.

• Scheduled visits or regular video calls between the birth parents and child.

• A child growing up knowing and/or having a relationship with their birth parent(s).

2. Closed Adoption

In a closed adoption, there is no direct contact between the birth parents and adoptive family after placement. The records are typically sealed, and identifying information is not shared. This type of adoption was more common in the past but is now less frequent, as more families recognize the benefits of openness for the child’s well-being.

What it can look like:

• No ongoing contact between the birth parents and child.

• The adoptive family receives only the medical and social history necessary for the child’s well-being.

• Privacy and confidentiality for both parties.

3. Infant Adoption

Infant adoption involves the placement of a newborn with an adoptive family. This is the most common form of domestic adoption. Birth parents typically create an adoption plan during pregnancy and may select the adoptive family themselves.

What it can look like:

• A birth parent working with an adoption advocate to create a plan.

• Choosing the adoptive family and determining the level of openness for the future..

• The adoptive family being present at the hospital for the birth (if invited by the birth parent).

• Post-placement support and ongoing communication.

Interested in Infant Adoption? Read more about this adoption option through Choice here.

4. Foster Care Adoption

Foster care adoption involves adopting children who are currently in the foster care system. These children may be of varying ages and may have experienced trauma or instability. Adoption through foster care can provide permanency for children who are unable to reunify with their biological families.

What it can look like:

• Families getting home study approved.

• Families working with an agency who helps identify children in foster care who are eligible for adoption.

• Working with that agency to petition for children awaiting adoption.

• Adopting children or sibling groups of any age.

Interested in Foster Adoption? Read more about this adoption option through Choice here.

5. International Adoption

International adoption involves adopting a child from another country. This process includes adhering to both U.S. and the child’s country’s adoption laws. International adoption can be complex and requires extensive documentation and legal steps.

What it can look like:

• Completing a home study and applying with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Being matched with a child from another country.

• Traveling internationally for placement and legal finalization.

• Supporting the child’s cultural and ethnic heritage as they grow.

Choice does not provide international adoption, but we recommend Holt International.

6. Relative or Kinship Adoption

In kinship adoption, a child is adopted by a relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling. This often occurs when the birth parents are unable to care for the child but want to keep them within the family.

What it can look like:

• A grandparent or relative formally adopting a child they’ve been raising.

• Maintaining existing family bonds.

• Providing stability and permanency while preserving family connections.

For kinship adoption, you can contact Choice Adoptions for a Home Study.

For Birth Parents: Your Journey, Your Choice

When considering adoption, birth parents often have a lot of questions: What will the process be like? Will I have a say in who adopts my child? Can I still have contact with my child in the future? At Choice Adoptions, we prioritize your voice and your needs, offering support without pressure or judgment.

Here’s what the adoption journey looks like for a birth parent:

1. Exploring Your Options:When you first reach out, you’ll be connected with a compassionate advocate who will listen to your story and help you explore all of your options. Whether you end up choosing adoption, parenting, or abortion, we are here to help you find the right path for you.

2. Creating an Adoption Plan:If you decide that adoption is the right path for you, you’ll have the freedom to create a personalized adoption plan. You can choose the adoptive family, decide on the level of openness you’re comfortable with, and outline your preferences for ongoing contact.

3. Support Throughout Your Pregnancy:Choice Adoptions provides financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses, including medical care, housing, groceries, transportation, and counseling. Our goal is to ensure you feel safe, supported, and empowered during this time.

4. Making the Adoption Decision:After your child is born, you’ll have time to confirm your decision. We recognize how significant this step is and will provide space and support as you make your final choice. You are never pressured or rushed.

5. Post-Adoption Care:Adoption doesn’t end at placement. We offer ongoing counseling, support groups, and access to resources for birth parents. If you’ve chosen an open or semi-open adoption, you’ll also have the opportunity to maintain a relationship with your child.

Considering adopting through Choice? 

For those looking to adopt, the journey is so special and meaningful, but also requires careful preparation, patience, and support. Here’s what the adoption process typically looks like:

1. Initial Consultation and Application:You’ll begin with an informational consultation to learn about the process and determine if adoption is the right fit for your family.

2. Home Study and Training:The home study involves interviews, background checks, and home visits to ensure a safe environment for a child. You’ll also complete adoption education and training to prepare for the lifelong journey of adoption.

3. Matching with a Birth Parent:Once your home study is approved, your profile will be available for birth parents to view. When a birth parent selects your family, you’ll begin building a relationship with them, guided by Choice’s advocates.

4. Placement and Legal Finalization:When the child is placed with you, you’ll continue to receive support. Adoption laws vary by state, but our team will walk you through the legal process until the adoption is officially finalized.

5. Ongoing Support:Adoption is a lifelong journey. Even after finalization, we offer post-adoption support, counseling, and resources to help your family thrive.

Adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, it’s as unique as the people involved. It looks like birth parents making selfless and loving decisions for their child. It looks like adoptive families opening their hearts and homes. It looks like children growing up surrounded by love, whether from their adoptive family, birth family or both.

At Choice Adoptions, we believe adoption is about compassion, connection, and care. It’s

about creating a path forward with dignity and hope—whether you’re a birth parent considering adoption or a family hoping to grow through adoption.

You are not alone. We are here to walk with you every step of the way.

If you are a family exploring adoption or want to learn more about how we can support you, contact us today.

If you are pregnant and looking to explore your options, you can contact our 24/7 support line at 503-550-9310.