Counseling Information

Professional adoption counseling is very important. The benefits of counseling cannot be underestimated. All birthparents thinking about placing a child for adoption should seek the advise of a professional counselor who can help them understand their options and the consequences of their decision for adoption. All prospective adoptive parents considering adoption should also seek the help of a professional adoption counselor.

Parents Considering Placing

Professional counseling can be extremely helpful when trying to make a decision which will affect the lives of many people. Expectant parents should seek the advise of a counselor prior to making a final decision regarding adoption. A professional counselor can offer their assistance when one is trying to sort out feelings regarding such a big personal decision. A mother is making a decision that not only effect her life, but also the life of a child. A counselor will often ask the mother or parents to create and complete a list of the advantages and disadvantages of going through an adoption. That list can then be gone over with the counselor on an objective basis to discuss the impact of those decisions. The decision to place a child for adoption or choosing to raise a child will have lifelong effects.

If one chooses to raise a child, the mother should consider what plans and dreams she has for her own future and whether these plans can still be achieved while caring for an infant. Will the mother be able to successfully raise that child? Can she complete her education? What support is available for her and the child? Is family support available? How will she and the child live? Have arrangements been made for child care while working?

If the mother chooses to place the child for adoption she must consider how this decision will affect her in the future. Will she be at happy with her decision? Is adoption in the best interest of everyone involved? Does the adoption plan sound possible to achieve? Many issues should be addressed before making a decision for adoption. A professional counselor is in position to be objective about these choices. It is often difficult to discuss adoption with relatives and people who are close to you. It is always helpful to discuss and possible choices with friends and family which should also be consulted. The most objective information will come from an adoption professional.

Prospective Adoptive Parents

It is also very helpful for prospective adoptive parents looking to adopt to speak with a professional counselor. There are many issues related to adoption which are best addressed prior to pursuing an adoption. Are both spouses ready to accept a child into their homes and understand the responsibility of raising a child? Do they accept this responsibility? Are they prepared to adopt a child sometimes with little prior knowledge? Have they both dealt with the issues regarding their own inability to have biological children? Have considerations been made for adoption a child of a different race, color, ethnic background, etc.

Counseling is generally not expensive and most counseling is covered by health insurance carriers. Also in some areas birthmothers are able to receive adoption counselors through local agencies at no charge. You can check with various county or state agencies to see if this is available in your area. When an adoption plan does proceed, most states mandate that the adoptive parents are responsible for the cost of professional counseling if it is not otherwise covered by health insurance.

Adoption Counselors

The following are able to help in finding a counselor: attorney, physician/or health care provider, clergy, family planning centers , crises pregnancy centers and school guidance counselors.

In the Yellow Pages you can look under adoption/family counselors, mental health services, social and human services, certified social workers, psychologists, pregnancy counseling.