What Is An Adoption Plan?

What Is An Adoption Plan?

For many people, finding out they’re pregnant is exciting – but for others, they just feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do. If you don’t feel like you’re ready to have a child or don’t think you are prepared to support a family, adoption might be the right choice for you. However, adoption is not a one-step process. One of the most important early steps in the adoption process is the creation of an adoption plan.

What is an adoption plan? In short, an adoption plan is an outline of what you want to happen during your pregnancy, at the hospital, and beyond. Not everyone follows their adoption plan exactly, and every adoption plan is different. What they all have in common is that they are well-thought-out and that they require you to think carefully about your options and what is best for you and your child.

How an Adoption Plan Works

In many ways, an adoption plan is a way for an expectant mother or couple to think through a variety of options and figure out what kind of future they want for their child. Usually, an adoption plan starts out by answering a number of questions, such as:

• What kind of life do I want for my child?
• What should I look for in an adoptive family – what characteristics are important to me?
• Do I want an open or closed adoption?
• How much support do I want after placement?

Answering these questions will help you in many ways. First, if you decide to follow through on making an adoption plan for your child, you’ll be able to narrow the search significantly for an adoptive family since you’ll have basic criteria in mind. Second, you’ll naturally want to find an adoption agency that can provide you with the information you need to fulfill your plan. This will help you make informed choices and make the adoption process smoother overall.

An adoption plan will also help you after your adoption is complete by making provisions for things like the number or frequency of visits, the type of contact you’ll have with the adoptive family, and any support or counseling you might need after placement. It’s important to remember that adoption is a major, life-changing decision; you’ll need support along the way.

Things To Remember When Making an Adoption Plan

When you’re creating an adoption plan, no matter what you include in it, it’s helpful to keep some of the following things in mind:

• Adoption Is A Process – There’s no such thing as a “quick adoption.” Each one takes time, and no two are the same. It’s perfectly natural to want to step back or to feel overwhelmed, and those feelings are no reason to give up on adoption as a whole.
• Adoption Is Not One-Size-Fits-All – Even though you’re looking to make an adoption plan for your child, that doesn’t mean you don’t care about your child or their future. Don’t let anyone else tell you how you should behave or what you should do, or compare your decisions with those of other birth parents. Your adoption is yours alone, and you should be 100% comfortable with your plan at the end.
• Your Feelings Can Change Over Time – Even if you think right now that a closed adoption is the best thing for you, you might not feel that way in a few years. Anticipate the fact that your feelings could change with regard to your child and the adoptive family and plan accordingly.

If you’re confused about the process of adoption or you think you need help developing an adoption plan, contact Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services today. We’re Oklahoma’s oldest adoption agency, and we’ve helped connect birth mothers, children, and adoptive families for more than 100 years. You can visit our Facebook or Google+ pages to get more helpful information about adoption in Oklahoma, or you can call us today at (405) 949-4200.

For many individuals facing an unexpected pregnancy, adoption can be a thoughtful and responsible choice. The process of adoption begins with the creation of an adoption plan, which serves as a roadmap for the expectant mother or couple to determine the best future for their child. This plan outlines crucial decisions regarding the type of life desired for the child, the characteristics sought in an adoptive family, and the level of post-placement support required. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the significance of an adoption plan, how it works, and essential considerations for birth parents during the adoption process.

What is an Adoption Plan?

An adoption plan is a carefully thought-out outline of the expectant mother’s preferences for her child’s future. It covers various aspects, including the desired life for the child, the qualities sought in the adoptive family, and the type of adoption (open or closed) preferred. Additionally, it involves decisions regarding post-placement support and communication with the adoptive family.In many ways, an adoption plan is a way for an expectant mother or couple to think through a variety of options and figure out what kind of future they want for their child. Usually, an adoption plan starts out by answering a number of questions, such as:

• What kind of life do I want for my child?
• What should I look for in an adoptive family – what characteristics are important to me?
• Do I want an open or closed adoption?
• How much support do I want after placement?

Answering these questions will help you in many ways. First, if you decide to follow through on making an adoption plan for your child, you’ll be able to narrow the search significantly for an adoptive family since you’ll have basic criteria in mind. Second, you’ll naturally want to find an adoption agency that can provide you with the information you need to fulfill your plan. This will help you make informed choices and make the adoption process smoother overall.

An adoption plan will also help you after your adoption is complete by making provisions for things like the number or frequency of visits, the type of contact you’ll have with the adoptive family, and any support or counseling you might need after placement.. It’s important to remember that adoption is a major, life-changing decision; you’ll probably need some support sooner or later.

Developing An Adoption Plan

The creation of an adoption plan starts with introspection and answering essential questions. Birth parents need to contemplate what kind of life they envision for their child and what qualities are crucial in an adoptive family. This self-reflection ensures that the adoptive family aligns with the birth parents’ values and aspirations for their child’s well-being.

Once the birth parents have clarified their preferences, they can seek an adoption agency that matches their requirements. Working with a reputable agency is crucial as it provides necessary information and support throughout the adoption process.

Points to Consider

When crafting an adoption plan, birth parents should remember the following:

1. Adoption is a Process: Adoption is not a hasty decision but a journey that requires time and consideration. Birth parents may experience doubts or feel overwhelmed, but these emotions should not deter them from exploring adoption as a viable option.
2. Individualized Adoption: Each adoption plan is unique, reflecting the birth parents’ personal choices and circumstances. It is essential not to compare one’s decisions with others but to focus on what feels right for the child’s future.
3. Changing Feelings Over Time: Birth parents should anticipate that their feelings regarding the type of adoption and the adoptive family may change with time. Hence, planning for flexibility in the adoption arrangement is vital.

When Making an Adoption Plan

When you’re creating an adoption plan, no matter what you include in it, it’s helpful to keep some of the following things in mind:

• Adoption Is A Process – There’s no such thing as a “quick adoption.” Every one takes time, and no two are the same. It’s perfectly natural to want to step back or to feel overwhelmed, and those feelings are no reason to give up on adoption as a whole.
• Adoption Is Not One-Size-Fits-All – Even though you’re looking to make an adoption plan for your child, that doesn’t mean you don’t care about your child or their future. Don’t let anyone else tell you how you should behave or what you should do, or compare your decisions with those of other birth parents. Your adoption is yours alone, and you should be 100% comfortable with your plan at the end.
• Your Feelings Can Change Over Time – Even if you think right now that a closed adoption is the best thing for you, you might not feel that way in a few years. Unfortunately, by then it could be too late. Anticipate the fact that your feelings could change with regard to your child and the adoptive family and plan accordingly.

Seeking Support

Throughout the adoption process, birth parents may need emotional and practical support. Connecting with a reputable adoption agency like Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services can provide valuable guidance and counseling. With over a century of experience, the agency has assisted countless birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma. For more helpful information about adoption in Oklahoma, feel free to call us today at (405) 949-4200.