Library of Articles: Placing & Birth Parents
Content of interest to birth and expectant parents includes information about search, placing a child, and members of this segment of the community.
A Birthmother's PerspectiveGuest author Shannon Lewis describes a dimension of terror and fear that goes beyond what many of us have felt as a result of the events of September 11, 2001.
Biological Fathers' Rights in AdoptionCourts are sending clear messages: Don't play fast and loose with the rights of biological dads!
Hello Before GoodbyeTherapist Marlou Russell, Ph.D. explains why she believes it's important to allow mother-child bonding without the presence of prospective adoptive parents before birth.
Interstate AdoptionThe Internet has brought together geographically distant children and families, and a resulting increase in interstate adoptions. Learn about the two agreements between states that affect these adoptions: ICPC and ICAMA.
Lunch With GodBirthmother Terri Rimmer tells her daughter the story of her pregnancy, Gladney, and placement in diary format.
"Mom, I'm Going to be a Father"A much anticipated and joyous occasion in most families can be a time of anguish and soul-searching in others. One teenaged father's decision.
Navigating the Agency MazeAdoption agencies are a flourishing presence on the Internet, but how do you know which ones are really best for you? Here are some tips to help expectant and prospective adoptive parents navigate the maze.
Opening a Closed AdoptionWhen you believe it's in your child's best interest, it can be done. Two moms talk frankly about their experience.
Openness in AdoptionAt the Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law symposium on open records and open adoption, there lots of discussion, differing viewpoints, and some surprises along the way.
"Out of the Fog" - Mothers' VoicesIndependent filmmaker Suzie Kidnap brings a video document to the Web, presenting the faces, voices, and words of articulate women with strong opinions about adoption practices, choices, sealed records, and language.
Placing a Child for Adoption: FearPlacing a child for adoption is filled with questions and fears. Birthmothers offer insight.
Post-Adoption Contact AgreementsWhat you need to know about these written agreements between placing and adopting parents: What they are, why you might want to make one, how to make one, and legal considerations.
Post-Adoption ResourcesIn our life-long adoption experience, it's not unusual to turn to others for periodic or on-going help. Find resources here.
Profiles: Gina Wright-LedetYou may not recognize the name but this young birthmother is making a difference. Working to improve education about teen pregnancy, adoption, and other options has gained her some well-deserved recognition.
Publish Your Sex Life - It's the LawA Florida law that required women who do not know the identity of their child's father to publish details about themselves and possible sexual partners before placing the child for adoption has finally been overturned.
Real People: Birth MothersSinners or saints? Meet the women behind the myths.
Relinquishment, Consent, & Time to RevokeWhat adopting and placing parents need to know about relinquishment papers, including when they can be signed, any time allowances to rescind, and reasons the court may allow revocation.
Search Tips for Birth ParentsWhether you want to find or be found, here are some suggestions to get you started.
ShameShame over events surrounding relinquishment or involuntary loss of parental rights can be paralyzing, preventing not only reunion and honesty within families, but also personal peace. Read one woman's story and her suggestions for others.
So You Want to Have Sex?If you think fathers can be overly protective of their daughters' virtue, think again! They've got nothing on birthmothers, as you'll see in this Application for Relationship.
Sound of Silence: BirthfathersBirthfathers are the most silent group in the adoption community as far as participation in online groups, reunion registries, and extended families. A community discussion explores why this might be the case.
Take the Baby and RunHere's the deal: Free medical treatment in exchange for the baby. No papers to sign, no one needs to know. Don't do it! It's illegal. Resources for help, support, and legal options for pregnant teens.
The Ohio Putative Father Registry - the What?When paralegal Erik Smith learns about the putative father registry in a Probate Law class, he decides to register. Good idea, right? After all, it's to everyone's advantage to make sure fathers are notified properly before an adoption moves forward. However, as Erik found out, it's easier said than done.
Traditions: Welcoming New BabiesFor birthparents who have placed a child in an open adoption, having a subsequent baby that will be kept in the family can be joyous, confusing, or difficult for the placed child. Educator Brenda Romanchik offers great suggestions.
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