Advocates for Children and Families

Toll Free 1-800-348-0467
 

Unplanned Pregnancy and Unsure of Your Next Step?

ACF CAN HELP YOU.

10 Things You Should Know If You Are Thinking About Adoption

  1. You can receive Help with Housing, Living Expenses, Transportation and Maternity Clothes.
  2. You can receive Help with Medical Expenses.
  3. You have the right to Free Counseling and personal attention to your individual situation and needs.  We provide adoption counseling to help you sort your thoughts and feelings before deciding.
  4. You have the right to privacy.  The information you share with ACF is strictly Confidential.
  5. Whether you choose an Open or Closed Adoption, the decision is yours.  All of our Waiting Families are Carefully Screened, Approved and Prepared to embrace their adoptive child.
  6. You can Choose and/or Meet the adoptive family.  You have the right to decide what is best for you and your baby.  You may learn about ACF Approved Waiting Families by reading their letters, seeing their photos, communicating by telephone, or meeting them in person.
  7. You can Receive Photos and Letters About Your Child as he/she grows up.
  8. You can receive Post Birth Financial Support.
  9. Private Adoption allows the baby to go directly to the adoptive family. 
  10. You Do Not have to go to Court.

In addition to ACF Birth Parent Services, there are support groups, as well as individuals, willing to share their experiences when faced with your situation. Click here to read Testimonials from other women who have chosen the option of adoption.

You have rights under the law and ACF will explain those rights to you so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you and your baby. ACF is a licensed adoption agency with over 15 years of adoption experience giving personal attention to pregnant women.

FAQ – ACF Unplanned Pregnancy Help & Adoption Information

~Help with Tough Choices~

ACF Adoption Agency and adoption Lawyers

                                                                                  ~We Offer Peace of Mind~

We are happy you found us. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, we understand your fears and the anxiety you are feeling. Chances are emotions have the best of you right now. It’s hard to think straight and make decisions. Who can you trust? Where do you turn? You can turn to us at ACF for understanding, information and support. Our caring and dedicated staff includes licensed mental health adoption counselors and adoption lawyers who specialize in newborn adoption and are ready to guide you through each part of the adoption process.  We are here to listen, not to judge.  We’ll help you take a stock of your situation, organize your thoughts and feelings and make the best choice for yourself and your baby. ACF is a licensed, private adoption agency providing quality adoption services to hundreds of pregnant women since 1992.  With over 15 years of newborn infant adoption experience ACF gives personal attention to women who care deeply about their newborn infant and choose to make this unselfish decision. ACF is here to help you explore all of your options and give you all the adoption help you need before and after the birth of your baby.

Talking to our adoption attorneys or adoption counselors does not obligate you in any way to place your baby for adoption.  ACF provides free adoption information and answers specific adoption questions and any other questions you may have. Please take a few moments to read about all of your pregnancy options.

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Is Adoption Right For Me and My Baby?  Explore all of your Unplanned Pregnancy Options

There is no greater responsibility in the world than being a parent to a child. There is no relationship that requires more love and patience, and no job that requires more energy than being a mom or dad.  Are you ready for it? Have a conversation with your heart.  Examine your conscience.  Search your soul.  You can use these questions to sort your thoughts:

  • Am I ready to have a baby completely dependent on me to fulfill every need 24 hours a day?
  • Can I feed, clothe, house, comfort, discipline, teach and love a child at this time in my life?
  • Can I compromise – put my child’s needs before mine day after day and be happy to do it, not resentful?
  • Will I be doing this all alone? Will I have anyone I can really depend on to help me?
  • Am I able to pay for all the things a baby will need?  Is my baby’s father able to help me?
  • Am I more worried about what my friends and family think than about doing what is best for myself and my baby?

You are not like anyone else.  If you make the decision to place your baby for adoption, we will tailor an adoption plan to meet your needs and wishes.  The most important thing we can offer you now and for the future is peace of mind.  Our goal at ACF is to inform you of all of your options, the adoption legal process, as well as resources available to you so that you make a well-informed decision when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. You should know that you have all the options.  ACF wants to ensure you have carefully considered your reasons for deciding to make an adoption plan for your child and you are doing it freely and voluntarily.  We encourage you to carefully consider alternative plans and options for your child’s future and that you obtain advice of whatever family members, friends, professionals or other persons you feel necessary to help you make this decision.  There are alternatives to adoption, including foster care, relative care and parenting the child. There may be community services and sources of financial assistance available to you if you choose to parent. 

If after you have carefully considered alternative plans for your child’s future and believe adoption is in the best interests of your child, ACF is ready to help. 

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What Adoption Assistance Can I Receive?

Under Florida private adoption law, ACF can offer you free counseling, financial assistance with expenses such as rent, food, utilities, maternity clothes, transportation, medical care and other miscellaneous expenses during your pregnancy and up to six weeks post-birth.  We will sit down with you and discuss and assess your individual needs.  The goal is to create a plan that will offer you stability before and after the adoption is completed.  Although you should not accept assistance if you are uncertain about an adoption plan, receiving assistance does not obligate you to place your child for adoption.  You should also be aware that it is unlawful to accept adoption financial assistance from more than one agency or attorney.   

How is the Adoption Assistance Paid?

Through ACF, the adoptive parents may pay for reasonable living expenses such as housing, medical expenses, and counseling during your pregnancy and up to six weeks after the birth.  ACF will make the payments to the service providers and physicians working with you.  Although you should not accept assistance if you are uncertain about an adoption plan, receiving assistance does not obligate you to place your child for adoption. 

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Can I Receive Prenatal Medical Care?

Yes – and you should!  Prenatal care is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your unborn child throughout your pregnancy.  ACF will help you find a doctor, provide transportation, or, if you prefer, an ACF counselor may accompany you to doctor’s visits.  Some women have invited the adoptive family to go with them to share this experience.

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Talking to an ACF Adoption Counselor or Therapist

Talking to an ACF counselor for adoption advice does not obligate you in any way to place your baby for adoption. If you do not feel ready to parent and you are coping with an unplanned pregnancy or untimely birth, ACF is here to provide you with adoption support and guidance while you sort through your emotions. Our goal is to help you understand and evaluate the options available to you both during and after your pregnancy.  We are not here to give lectures or make judgments; we are here to provide you with accurate information. We understand making an adoption plan for your baby is a very difficult decision and each woman’s situation is unique.  For that reason, free counseling is offered for as long as you may need it.  ACF counselors have over 15 years of adoption experience helping women in similar situations.  If you wish to talk to a confidential counselor now, please call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-348-0467 or you may email us at info@adoptionflorida.org

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Do I Need to Visit the ACF Office to Assess My Options with an Adoption Counselor or Adoption Attorney?

We’ll come to you, but we invite you to meet the entire staff at the ACF office.

Do I Have to Pay for Anything Related to the Adoption?

No.

Reasons For Making An Adoption Plan for Your Baby

If you are thinking about placing your baby for adoption, you are not alone.  While every woman’s circumstance is unique, many women throughout the United States and worldwide make an adoption plan for their baby because they are faced with an unplanned pregnancy and firmly believe it’s in their child’s best interest. Statistics reveal that one in ten children is adopted. In fact, many children feel "special" because their birth and adoptive families came together to a make a plan in his or her best interest.

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Does the Father of the Baby have Rights?

If you and the father of the baby are making the adoption plan together, he can participate in selecting the family, meeting the family, and receiving photos and letters of the child, if he so chooses.  If he does not wish to participate, but is in agreement, he can execute documents before the baby is born and will not have to participate further.  To protect any rights he may have, the father of the baby must assume the responsibilities of a father.  If he fails to do so, he can lose his rights and the opportunity to parent the child.  If you are unable to provide the identity of the father, you can still proceed with an adoption plan.  ACF will discuss with you what legal procedures must be followed regarding the father of the child in your particular case. 

How Much Contact do I Want with the Family After the Adoption?

Each person feels differently about future contact with the adoptive family.  ACF will help prepare a mutual agreement regarding future contact between you and the adoptive family. 

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Types of Private Adoption

While you are thinking about the best decision for you and your baby please consider the following adoption options. At ACF we explain the different types of adoptions you may wish to consider: open adoption, semi-open adoption, and closed adoption. The choice is yours and your arrangement can be as open or as confidential as you would like: 

    • Open Adoption – There are many degrees of openness. You may review the adoptive parents’ profile, letters and photos, communicate by telephone; meet them in person, and perhaps receive photos and letters regarding the child directly from the adoptive parents.  Some open adoptions may include the exchange of names and addresses of the birth and adoptive parents and visitation. In some cases, the birth mother has invited the adoptive parents to be present during labor and delivery. 
    • Semi-Open Adoption – Your plans may include reviewing adoptive parents’ profiles, letters and photos, communicating by telephone, meeting them in person. After the adoption, you may receive pictures and letters regarding the child from Adoptive Parents through ACF once, twice or three times a year until the child is 18 years old. Many families share holiday cards, gifts and videos.  It is your responsibility to be sure that ACF has your current contact information so that photos and letter can reach you.  You may prefer for ACF to hold your photos and letters until you feel ready to receive them. 
    • Closed Adoption – You may prefer to have no contact with the adoptive family before or after the adoption.  In such cases, ACF will request annual photos and letters for its files and you are free to request them in the future. 

Unless you and/or the adoptive parents authorize ACF to release such information, Florida law requires that your identifying information and the adoptive parents identifying information remain confidential.    

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Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy Help

A parent who is a  minor has the power to consent to the adoption of her/his child.  The consent is valid and has the same force and effect as if you were an adult parent.  If you are age 14 or younger, your parents, legal guardian, or court-appointed guardian must be present and witness your consent.

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If I Decide to Place My Baby for Adoption, Would you Help me Find a Family?

Yes.  ACF has loving, stable, financially secure families who have been pre-approved and wish to offer your child many opportunities and a bright future.  Many couples have tried and waited for a long time to conceive or adopt a child.  We are extremely careful about the families we accept and everyone is thoroughly screened.  Adoptive parents approved by ACF are ready, willing and able to love, support and raise a child and respect their child’s birth history.  They are prepared to make a lifelong commitment to a child and to make that child the focus of their life. 

Prospective adoptive parents must have received a favorable home study—a process which includes criminal and child abuse registry clearances, personal references, verification of their employment and income, and an assessment that they are ready and able to properly parent a child.  Unless ordered by the court, a home study is not required for a step-parent or relative adoption. 

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Choosing the Perfect Family for My Baby 

You may select, if you desire, an adoptive family for your baby. You may learn about ACF carefully screened and pre-approved waiting adoptive families by reading their letters, seeing their photos, communicating by telephone, as well as the added comfort of meeting them in person. You may also choose a more confidential adoption plan. ACF waiting families are financially secure, loving families in and outside of Florida.  You may have preferences regarding the family’s composition (married couple or single parent), race, ethnicity, age, religion, education, occupation, location, hobbies, interests, talents, one stay-at-home parent, etc.  The choices are yours. 

When I Go Into Labor

As soon as you let us know that you are in labor, an ACF counselor will be available to give you all the support you may need.  We will help you make a birth/hospital plan that includes whether you desire contact or no contact with the baby, whether you desire contact or no contact with adoptive parents, and if necessary, arrange for transportation to and from the hospital.  If you have an open adoption, you may choose to call the family directly, and arrange for them to visit with you and the baby while you are in the hospital. 

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Can I Make an Adoption Plan if My Baby is Already Born?

If your baby is already born, we can still help you find a loving adoptive family.  ACF has many pre-approved waiting families who are anxious to provide a loving home for your baby.  You can still meet the family and receive photos and letters, if you desire. 

Will my Baby go to Foster care?

No.  ACF is a private adoption agency and your baby can go directly with the adoptive parents upon discharge from the hospital.  

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When Does the Baby Go Home with the Adoptive Parents?

After you sign the legal consent for adoption and upon the baby’s discharge from the hospital, the baby will immediately go home with the adoptive parents.  While you are in the hospital, you may see, feed and hold baby.  This is a personal decision and ACF adoption counselors will help sort your thoughts as you make your adoption plan. 

Do I have to appear in court?

No. You are not required to appear in court. 

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Do Not Allow Anyone to Pressure You

An adoption plan is such a personal decision – a decision only our can make for yourself and your baby.  Do not allow anyone to pressure you.  Before taking your consent for adoption we will confirm that no one has threatened, bullied or intimidated you in any way to place your baby for adoption.  Your consent for adoption must be freely and voluntarily given.

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Preparing for Adoption

You are not alone.  Many women have faced this difficult decision of what is best for them and their children.  ACF caring counselors will help you throughout the pregnancy, after the adoption, and at any time in the future.  If you decided to place your baby for adoption, we are here to support you through the entire process. 

What Do I Want My Baby to Know About Me and My Family 

It is important that you disclose your family medical and social background information. This background includes such information as how you grew up, if you have sisters and brothers, if you have other children, your education, your interests and talents and a medical history about you and your family. If possible, the baby’s father background information should also be disclosed. This information is important for the child in the future so that he/she has an idea of who he/she is and how they came to be.  Adoptive parents will share this information with the child as he/she grows.  Some women choose to write a letter to the baby so that he/she can when they are older and we encourage you to do so. 

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Can I Name My Baby?

Yes. You may name your baby at the hospital.  The adoptive parents give the baby a new name upon completion of the adoption.  You may wish to share the name you have chosen with the adoptive parents so that they can share it with the child in the future.

Can I Change My Mind to Place Baby for Adoption During the Adoption Process?

Yes. You can change your mind to place your baby for adoption any time before signing the consent for adoption.  If you decide to parent your child, ACF will help you find community resources that may be available to you.

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When Do I Sign the Adoption Consents and Make the Final Decision? 

You do not make the final decision about placing your child for adoption until after the birth.  Under Florida law, you may sign a final legal consent for adoption at any time after 48 hours following the birth of your baby, or sooner if you were medically discharged.  Any man may execute a consent at any time after the birth of the child.

Can I Get My Baby Back?

If you have made an adoption plan for a child under six months old, once you have properly executed the consent for adoption, it is valid, binding and irrevocable and cannot be withdrawn unless you can prove to the court that it was obtained by fraud or duress. 

A consent for adoption signed after the child is 6 months of age, is valid from the moment it is signed; however, it may be revoked up to 3 days after it was signed. ACF attorneys will carefully explain this process to you before you make your final decision.  Needless to say, you should never sign a document you do not understand.

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What Happens After the Adoption?

ACF offers post-adoption counseling for as long as you need it.  We are here to help you feel emotionally and psychologically healthy.  In most cases, birth parents and adoptive parents will exchange photos and letters through ACF about how and what the child is doing as he/she grows from baby to young adult. Or, you may choose to have a more open adoption and communicate directly with the adoptive family by email or letter. Some birth and adoptive families establish lasting relationships so that the child can continue to know his/her birth family.  Most women experience a great deal of comfort knowing the baby is in a loving, secure, financially stable adoptive family, selected by them.  You can read about their experiences through the Testimonials shared by some of the birth mothers ACF has assisted.  Florida law allows you to receive financial assistance for up to 4-6 weeks after the birth of your baby, if needed.

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Adoption Reunion

Many states have adoption reunion registries available to birth parents, adopted children and adoptive parents.  Florida’s Adoption Reunion Registry (FARR) was established in 1982 by the Florida Legislature so that people affected by adoption might have the opportunity to reunite.  Click here to read more about FARR for call 1-800-96ADOPT.

Adoption Records in Florida

In the state of Florida adoption records and files are sealed and confidential.  An adult adoptee may petition the court to open the file and present their reasons for the request.  The file cannot be opened unless approved by the court for good reason, and the court does not share identifying information unless the birth parent can be reached for their approval for the court to disclose their identity. 

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Adoption Support Groups for Birth Parents

In addition to ACF Birth Parent Adoption Services, there are adoption support groups, as well as individuals willing to share their experiences when faced with your same situation.  If you would like to speak to a birth mother who chose the option of adoption for her baby, ACF will be happy to connect you. 

Understand all of your Rights

ACF’s adoption attorneys and adoption counselors are available any time to answer your adoption questions.  As you consider your decision about an adoption plan for your baby, it is important that you are aware of the following rights and responsibilities that the process involves. 

Your Pre-Placement Adoption Rights are:

  • To be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity
  • To receive adoption services regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or medical disabilities;
  • To complete confidentiality unless waived or mandated otherwise by Florida law or directed by court order
  • To make decisions free from coercion or pressure
  • To parent if that is the choice
  • To receive free adoption counseling pre- and post placement
  • The right and responsibility to be informed about options available, and to be referred to other social service agencies for further assistance
  • The right and responsibility to participate in choosing the adoptive parents, and to personally meet them, if desired
  • The right and responsibility to provide your child with social and family history and medical information by sharing that information with the agency and the adoptive family;
  • To know and have information about the adoptive family which is known to the agency and which could influence the decision to place a child with them.    Such information may include family composition; race, religion, ethnic background; age; photographs; education; occupation; hobbies, interests, talents; as well as  photographs and “dear birth parent” or personalized correspondence from the adoptive family;
  • To participate in an open or closed adoption with the adoptive parents, with the understanding that such agreements are based on trust and may not be legally binding;
  • The right and responsibility to know Florida law regarding adoption.  Under Florida law a biological mother may sign a final surrender at any time after 48 hours following the birth of a baby, or sooner if medically discharged.  An unmarried biological father may sign a binding document prior to the child’s birth;
  • The right and responsibility to be informed of the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry and to register.

Your Hospital and Post-Birth Rights are:

  • You can develop your own hospital plan;
  • You may spend time with the baby, feed the baby, name the baby and exercise parental rights before signing a final consent for adoption;
  • The right to independent legal counsel, if you so choose;
  • The right to sign a final consent for adoption when comfortable with the decision;
  • The right to have copies of all documents that you sign;
  • The right to have an interpreter and/or all documents that you are asked to read and sign in my preferred language;
  • The right to work with the adoption resource of your choosing, including the right to change to another with appropriate notice and reimbursement;
  • The right to include family and friends in any meetings if you so desire;
  • The right to a copy of your adoption agency’s grievance procedure;
  • The right to information about the State of Florida adoption information toll free number  (1-800-96ADOPT) as well as the DCF hot line at 1-800-96ABUSE.

Your Financial Assistance Rights are:

  • To know that receiving financial assistance during pregnancy does not mean that you have to place your child. 

Your Responsibilities:

If you receive adoption financial assistance, your responsibilities include:

  • Being sincere in making the adoption plan;
  • Being honest about revealing personal information and providing the necessary documentation to make an appropriate determination about expenses;
  • Only accepting living expenses from one adoption resource or prospective adoptive
  • family, under penalty of criminal prosecution.
  • You must work cooperatively and honestly with the agency;
  • You must be honest in revealing personal information;
  • You must act in a respectful, non-threatening manner with staff;
  • You must follow rules and procedures for specific services.

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Books about adoption

ACF will be happy to provide you with free books about adoption subjects such as the experience of making an adoption plan, selecting an adoptive family, children who were adopted, adoption options, etc.

If you would like to know more about the choice of adoption call us today to speak with a caring counselor: at 800-348-0467 or send us an E-Mail: info@adoptionflorida.org

To view some of ACF Adoption Testimonials, click here.

waiting families

Waiting Families

Other Services

Adoptive Parents

Advocates for Children and Families (ACF) presents you with screened and approved families who are eager to start or expand their family through adoption. These loving adoptive parents are all ready to adopt a child. For more info on Adoptive Parents.

Testimonials

View some of our testimonials.

Adoption FAQs

What is Adoption?
Birth Parents
How to Adopt a Child
Types of Adoption
Cost of Adoption


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