By: Jessica Hall

So, you’ve found out you’re pregnant and have decided to make an important decision for your baby – who will raise him or her? There are lots of things to consider before choosing the family that will care for your baby. Things you’ve maybe never even thought about before. But you’re not alone. Adoption Choices of Nevada will walk you through every step so you feel confident about every decision. Below are a few things to think about before choosing which adoptive family fits your adoption plan best and how the matching process will proceed. 

What Kind of Adoption Do You Want?

Let’s start here. What kind of adoption fits your life best? You have three options.

• Option 1: an open adoption. In an open adoption, the child knows he or she was adopted and keeps in contact with the birth mother. But is raised by the adoptive family. The contact may include sharing photos, having phone calls, emails, and even in-person visits. 
• Option 2: a semi-open adoption. Similarly to open adoption, the child knows they were adopted. But, in a semi-open adoption, the child does not receive any identifying information about the birth mother. Nor do they maintain a direct relationship. Any ongoing contact is typically handled through the agency. Semi-open adoptions can become open if all parties are comfortable. 
• Option 3: closed adoption. This is when the birth mother and adoptive family do not maintain any contact. In closed adoptions, it is still recommended the birth mother be involved in choosing the adoptive family. 

If you’re still not entirely sure what kind of contact best fits your life, it’s okay. Baby adoption Reno agency can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.  

Qualities to Consider When Choosing an Adoptive Family

No matter what kind of adoption you choose, there are many things to consider before selecting an adoptive family. Rest assured, each family is thoroughly interviewed by the adoption agency and undergoes background checks. 

1. In choosing adoption, are you open to a single-parent household?

Many birth mothers are considering giving up their baby for adoption because they’re not able to provide a two-parent home. Is this important to you? If there’s a two-parent home, do they need to be married? If so, how long do they need to have been together? 

2. What kind of education and employment do you expect from adoptive family?

What kind of background do you want the family to have? Do you want them to have graduated from college? These things are important to consider for financial stability. You’ll also want to know how much they’ll be at home. Do they work late nights often?

3. Where do you want the adoptive family to live?

You may want to consider what neighborhood they live in. Does it have a good school district? Is it a rural area or in the city? Are they close to extended family? Do you want them near you? Depending on the type of adoption you choose, you may or may not want the family to live close to you. 

4. What ethnicity, culture, and relationship type do you desire in an adoption plan?

Are you open to an LGBTQ+ family? Would you be comfortable with your child having a different race than the parents? Are there specific cultural aspects you’d like the family to have? 

5. Do you want to place your child for adoption in a home with other children?

Many birth mothers assume that adoptive families won’t have other children, but this isn’t always the case. Would you want them to have other children? Sometimes, birth mothers would like to see how they’re currently parenting other children. This gives them a good idea of how they would parent the new child. 

6. What parenting philosophy do you expect from adoptive family?

How would you want your child to be raised? Are there specific values you want them to have? Maybe a specific kind of personality? Do they have a social life? You may also want to ask about what kind of hobbies they have. 

Getting the Adoption Matching Process Started

So now you’ve created your ideal adoption plan, and it’s time to start the matching adoption process. Your caseworker will send you profiles of families he or she feels fit your requirements. 

Each profile will include images and information about the family that will allow you to get to know them. With a baby adoption in Reno, we ask waiting for families to include a “Dear Birth Mother” letter. This letter shares their story, adoption dreams, and details of their lifestyle, interests, beliefs, and values. They’ll let you know why they’re choosing adoption and the kind of life they want to give the child. 

Adoption is a Healthy Loving Option in Reno

Thinking adoption is the right choice for you is courageous. Adoption is an act of love. It may be an unexpected pregnancy, but you’re making important choices. You’re doing what’s right for you and the little one you’re bringing into the world. Remember to take time to think about what kind of family you want to raise the child. Every detail you think is important. Knowing what you want will help you feel you’ve made the right decision.

Are you ready to start your adoption plan and look through waiting for families? Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can 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).