Birth Parent Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions for you. You can call us at (800) 716-8220 or text us at 484-213-7011, or live chat at the bottom of your screen!

Yes, your adoption plan is your choice! Haven Adoptions offers open adoptions and closed adoptions. We want you to choose the adoption that best fits your needs. Open adoption is a form of adoption where the birth parents and adoptive families have an option for continuing contact after the birth of the baby. There are several different ways to remain in contact and it is up to the birth parents to decide what they are most comfortable with. This could include pictures and letter updates, phone and email contact, or visits a few times a year.

Closed Adoption is a form of adoption where an infant is adopted by another family and the record of the birth parents is kept sealed. There is no contact between the birth parents and adoptive parents.

You choose the level of openness that you are most comfortable with.

Yes, we can help you if you need to move. You can select where you would like to live and we will help you find something that is affordable and safe.

If you do not know who the father is you can still move forward with an adoption plan. Each state has different laws regarding the birth father of the child, but it is always possible to terminate a birth father’s rights when the birth father is unknown. If you do know the birth father, you can choose to have him participate in your adoption plan and there is a caseworker on staff to help him. We are here to help you understand the laws of adoption in the state that you are residing in and what the rights of the biological father are. Haven Adoptions is here to support you and make sure you are not alone during this journey.

No. Haven Adoptions’ services are provided to you at no cost.

No. All of our adoptions are confidential. If you choose not to share this information with your family and friends, that is your decision. You may share your adoption with whomever you are comfortable with, but that is your choice.

Yes! Haven Adoptions encourages counseling for all birth parents. You are welcome to choose your counselor or we have a wonderful counselor on staff to support you through the adoption.

Absolutely! If you choose to have an open adoption you can speak with the adoptive parents in person, on the phone and/or by e-mail. The contact you have is up to you.

Yes. Haven Adoptions works with adoptive families who are comfortable adopting a child who has been exposed to alcohol or drugs in utero. The most important thing is that you are open and honest about your prior use so that Haven Adoptions is able to connect you with an adoptive family who is the best fit for you and the baby.

If you are struggling with addiction, Haven Adoptions will help you find support.

You can contact Haven Adoptions at any point during your pregnancy or even after the baby is born. Some women choose to make the decision at the moment they find out they are pregnant, while others make the decision close to or after delivery. We will help you make an adoption plan at any point during your pregnancy or after. Please know it’s never too late to choose an adoption plan.

Haven Adoptions works with birth parents and adoptive parents all over the United States. We are here to support you and help you through the steps of adoption.

Yes, but very minimal. Haven Adoptions will work with you to fill out the paperwork in the beginning that helps you develop your adoption plan. However, you will not sign any paperwork that concerns your rights until after the baby is born.

We understand that at any age it can be difficult to talk to your family about an unplanned pregnancy. While you don’t need your parent’s consent if you are over 18 years old, we would encourage you to speak with your family about your decision. Your case worker and counselor will help you do this.

Absolutely! Our Peer to Peer program was created for birth mothers to be able to connect with someone who has previously been through the adoption experience. It is nice to have another perspective from a person who has been through a similar situation. Please contact us for more information about this.

Not to worry, either we will help you receive state medical assistance or take care of all of your medical bills related to your pregnancy. Please contact Haven Adoptions for assistance to see if you qualify for state medical insurance.

Yes! The adoptive parents go through a required process called a Home Study. This process is extremely thorough and includes background clearances, FBI and child abuse clearances, medical evaluations, home inspections, reference letters, financial reports and an interview process along with several other requirements that vary from state to state.

It’s OK. Your case worker will help you find a doctor or healthcare facility that is confidential and free for you.

After you have chosen a family and you are sure that you want to move forward with them, you are considered “matched.” You will have made your adoption plan and, if you would like, will speak to the adoptive parents. You may also spend time with the adoptive parents and see them in person. You will also continue to seek prenatal care and your caseworker will help you make arrangements to make sure you are supported and ready for the delivery.

Our staff works with you in advance to make a hospital plan that best fits your needs. This may include who to contact when you go into labor and who you want at the hospital with you. Some women choose to have the adoptive parents support them in the hospital and some women prefer to spend alone time with the baby, or be with their friends and family. The decision is completely up to you.

No. When the baby is born he or she is discharged from the hospital to the adoptive parents.

No, in the state of Pennsylvania, you are not required to go to court. But every state has different laws regarding the adoption process. For the majority of the states, you are not required to make an appearance in court. Contact us for more information.