Adoption During Quarantine: What is Happening? 

The world is a little crazy right now. We are living life through a quarantine that is meant to keep us safe. It’s not an easy thing being cooped up, and it may be even harder for those waiting for adoption — which may be where you find yourself right now. What do you do? What is there to do during quarantine? It is a tough road already, but now throw in a pandemic and it’s just that much more chaotic. Don’t fret, though! We here at Adoption Choices of Nevada are here to help you in every way we possibly can. Just because our local doors are closed to protect our staff and you doesn’t mean we aren’t around! 

The biggest question out there is: are adoptions still happening even with social distancing? What about adoption during quarantine is still happening? 

Starting the Process of Adoption During Quarantine 

It is likely that this pandemic threw a big wrench into your adoption planning process. There likely haven’t been in-home inspections, classes offered in person or available court appearances with the courts all closed. With everything going on, it’s possible you feel a little lost in the shuffle. That’s very natural and valid. 

Let’s break this down a little — starting with the planning process. Normally you would come into our office, but those have had to close to prevent further spread of COVID-19. However, we are still open! We are just virtual now. While not always the easiest, it is the best option to keep you and us safe. Our goal is to make sure you and your little one are going to be as healthy as possible during this stressful time. 

This means you get to meet the team virtually rather than in person via FaceTime, ZOOM or Skype. Someone will help guide you through the process and set you up in what method makes the most sense for you. Remember, you get to have a say in your adoption plan. This is your plan and we want it to go as smoothly as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you feel you need some help either. While we wish we could do this in person, we will do our best to make sure it feels like it is in person. 

Interviewing an Adoptive Family 

Another thing that has changed is how you talk to potential adoptive families. While it normally would be in person, there are too many risks right now. There is also the added problem of having a meaningful conversation six feet apart with masks on. The biggest risk, though, for meeting in person is the spread of germs. 

One way to handle this is to hold the interviews virtually. That way you can still see the potential adoptive parents and get to know them. Just make sure that you have your list of questions with you. Your caseworker will give you all the details you need to do such a call too. 

This is vital as it is your chance to find the couple or single parent(s) who best fits your wants and needs for your baby. Once you do pick, you can have discussions about planning for the baby to come. If you are choosing an open adoption, you may have more contact with the adoptive parents at this point. 

Planning for Baby’s Arrival 

This might be one of the biggest changes. There is far more planning that comes into the preparation for the baby to show up. Before, there were times when it was just a call and the adoptive family would come. Now, that can’t happen. 

There are safeguards in place now, particularly with the hospital experience. While you, the birth mother, have it a little easier, make sure you have someone who knows what hospital you are having your baby at. You may be allowed a visitor, but be sure to call the hospital before promising anything. Have a bag for a few days, since you don’t know how long you will be there. Most importantly, have your support team ready for this big event. 

As for the adoptive parents, they should plan in advance. If you know your due date, make sure the adoptive parents know it. That way they can plan for at least two weeks ahead of time for when they should be there. Many states have a two-week quarantine right now before they can see anyone else. This means that the family should have either a hotel room or an Airbnb ready for them. As well as have it for a few days extra for when they can come home with the baby. 

Adoption During Quarantine

While it may seem like it is impossible, it isn’t. Adoption can happen and is happening during quarantine. It is taking a little longer due to closures, but don’t let that stop you from anything. Right now is a really crazy time, but we will get through all of this. Yes, things are a little different now but that doesn’t mean the world stopped happening. Babies are still going to be born. Babies don’t really understand the whole quarantine thing, after all. Just remember, if you have questions, feel free to contact us. Someone will answer your questions and help you through all of this.  

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. For information specific to Las Vegas, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas. For information specific to Reno, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. You can also call us to speak to someone now.
Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-738-4673 (Elko) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).

Meet the Author: Tia Kitchens is a college graduate with a B.S in Psychology from Capella University who has always had a passion for three things: animals, writing, and mac ‘n cheese. Two of these three are things she has based her work around. Animals are a big impact on her life due to her love for helping others through difficult situations. Through her studies, she has found the human-animal bond is strong enough to help others. This, paired with her writing, helps her record her findings and teach others through her words.

Her goal is to make a change in the world with her words and end up on someone’s inspiration Pinterest board! Being a key quote on someone’s Pinterest board it shows her words have a huge impact on people. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but if that picture is just words it surely means more that way! To learn more about her, follow her on Twitter and Instagram!