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Frequently Asked Questions | How We Can Help

How Do We Help?

What if I’m not sure about adoption? That’s OK! We understand that you may need to learn about adoption before making a decision. We want to provide a judgement free zone for you to think about what is best for you and your baby.

Can I choose the adoptive family?

Yes! Adoptive families prepare portfolios for you to preview. You may view the portfolios here in our office, or take some time to look through. These books include pictures of the adoptive family and special events in their lives, autobiographies, self-evaluation questions, and a letter to you. But, this is only the beginning! You may choose to meet the family in person, and communicate with them during your pregnancy. If that seems overwhelming, then you can decide that previewing a portfolio is enough. Our job is to help you decide how to walk out your journey making the choices that you feel are best.

Can I communicate with the adoptive family after the adoption?

Yes, you can. Birth parents and adoptive parents choose to communicate in all different kinds of ways.

Does the adoptive family want to know about me?

Yes! Once you have decided to move forward with selecting an adoptive family, we will ask you to fill out a questionnaire that includes information about your health, your hobbies, your interests, and your physical description. Adoptive families are usually interested in knowing some information about you. GLAD would never disclose your identifying information such as your full name, date of birth, address or phone number. If you choose to share that information with the adoptive family, then you are welcome to share.

What if I want to choose a family that lives outside of Indiana?

No problem! GLAD is licensed in the State of Indiana, but we are permitted to work with adoptive families from all over the country. Adoptive families who live out-of-state complete their paperwork and approval process in their home state and GLAD reviews it. Sometimes women prefer for the adoptive family to live outside of Indiana because they don’t want to feel like they might bump into the family on any given day. We understand that could be unnerving. Sometimes women prefer that adoptive families live a short distance away, or live right here in Evansville. Whatever your preference, we will try our best to find the family that makes you feel the most comfortable.

What if I already found an adoptive family?

Great! You may still want to use some of the services at GLAD. We do work with birth parents and adoptive families who have already found each other, but now they need help getting through the legal process and meeting state requirements for adoption. You may be very happy with your choice of an adoptive family, but feel as though you could still benefit from some counseling with an adoption professional. We can help! This may be the most difficult decision you ever make, so taking some time process the benefits and challenges will be very helpful. Adoptive families are usually happy to pay for these services. If it seems uncomfortable for you to talk to them about using the services at GLAD, then we can certainly help with that conversation. You will not be asked to pay for any services you received at GLAD.

Can I name the baby?

Yes. You can name the baby, and the name you choose will be placed on the baby’s original birth certificate. The adoptive couple may also choose a name for the baby, and this will be the name used on the permanent birth certificate once the adoption becomes final. After the adoption occurs, the original birth certificate is sealed and the permanent birth certificate is used. Naming the baby can be a very important process for a birth parent, and we understand that. There are circumstances in which adoptive parents may consider to use part of the name you have chosen. Adoptive families have often been dreaming of becoming parents for quite some time, so they may have a name that they want to use. We can help you have that conversation with the adoptive family.

Can I give a gift to the baby and/or adoptive family before I leave the hospital?

Yes, and this is optional. You may give a gift, a card, a letter or leave a special memento. Adoptive families love to have photos of birthparents. Some birthparents share unique gifts for the baby like a special blanket, stuffed animal, or a small photo albums that includes pictures of the birth parents when they were children. You can be as creative as you want to be. Birth parents can choose to write a letter to the adoptive family or to the baby. Letter writing can be a good way to express your feelings about adoption, and explain why you chose adoption for your child. Some birth moms feel good about giving a letter that says, "I love you."

This is optional! You do not have to give a gift or write a letter if that doesn’t fit your plan. It can be emotionally hard to select gifts and write letters, and we are sensitive to those feelings. Again, this is a personal choice that may fit with your plan, or it may not fit with you plan. Adoption is a very intimate experience for each woman, and we will help you think through these personal decisions. There is no right or wrong way to move forward in this area.

If I am under age 18, do I need permission from my parents to do an adoption?

No. You do not need parental consent to move forward with an adoption. However, we encourage the young women that we serve to communicate openly with their families in regard to their decision. Most young women are very nervous to tell their parents that they are pregnant or even considering adoption, but we hear many of them say what a relief it was for their families to know what is going on. If you want help in talking to your parents, then we will help you the best that we can.

Will my child be able to get information about me?

Yes, if you are willing to give permission for your child to receive information about you. The adoptive family will have a summary of basic information, which you provided on your questionnaire. If you do not want the adoptive family to know your identity, including your first name, then we can provide health information in a way that protects your confidentiality. Your privacy is important to us, and we want the adopted child to have adequate health information for the future. Additionally, we can help you register your adoption with the Indiana Adoption Registry program, which allows adoptees to receive information about the birthparents upon reaching age 21. You can choose to register your adoption, or you can choose to close your file permanently allowing no information to be accessed.

Will I have to go to Court?

No. You will not have to attend a court hearing.

When do I sign legal papers?

Birthmothers sign legal papers after the baby is born. We work very hard to be sensitive about your time after the baby is born. Normally, women sign their legal documents 24-48 hours after the baby is born depending on the type of delivery and various other circumstances. GLAD will provide an attorney to represent you at the time you sign your legal documents.

Can you help me find a doctor?

Yes! There are many kind, compassionate physicians in our area who are sensitive to adoption. We can recommend a doctor to you and help you get started on your prenatal care no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy. We can provide transportation to and from your medical appointments. If you do not have a support person to attend appointments with your or be with you during labor, we can do that too!

Do you need to know anything about the baby’s father?

If you have information and feel comfortable sharing, then yes. The best way to proceed is for us to know what you know about the baby’s father. Let’s say that you might feel afraid or nervous to talk about the baby‘s father. You are in no way obligated to disclose information about the baby’s father while you are just exploring the possibility of adoption. There are circumstances in which Indiana law protects your right to decline sharing information about the baby’s father. Being as open and honest as you can helps us ensure that your adoption is legally sound, which protects you and your baby.

There are situations in which the birth father wants to participate in the adoption process and we welcome his participation. He may want to attend counseling sessions with you or help you choose the adoptive family. GLAD will provide the baby’s father the opportunity to fill out the same questionnaire you receive to give information about health, hobbies, interests, and physical description.