Becoming a Birthparent

Being unsure of your future can be intimidating. If you're expecting and not sure you're ready to raise a child, it might be unnerving as well. Only you can make decisions for yourself and your baby. You want to make sound decisions.

To make sound decisions, you need to talk it out with someone who

• is experienced in pregnancy counseling
• knows the available programs and services
• listens attentively
• guides you without trying to tell you what to do

Once you know the facts and discover which options are available to you, your choices become clearer. If you decide to become a full-time parent, we offer parenting programs as well.

There are many reasons why a birthparent may not be ready or able to raise a child. Children need to be cared for 24/7, year after year. They need a stable home and a family to support them emotionally and financially. Adoption is a good way for mothers to give their children a comfortable, happy life with a family that is not only ready, but is actively seeking a child to love and raise as their own.

Adoptive parents are carefully screened through personal interviews, home visits, and background checks before being approved for placement as adoptive parents. They are then given the opportunity to be considered by the birthparent for selection. We take great care to ensure that these families are among the most loving and caring people in Maine, and that their homes are safe, warm, and loving places for children.

Choosing an Adoption Plan

Making the decision to place a child for adoption is difficult. It takes maturity and clear thinking to take the first step. You have sought out the advice and information of others, but it's ultimately your decision.

At the next step, you'll have company! It starts with plain talk. We sit down and talk about your situation, your preferences, and your plans. We give you information and discuss your options for adoption. If you decide to go with adoption, we'll help you put together an adoption plan the way you would like to see it take place. We will handle the arrangements and the paperwork for you.

As the birth mother, you are in control of the adoption plan. We will help you throughout this time with counseling, information, and support that clarify your options and make your decisions a little easier. Should your priorities change, we'll work with you to adapt your plan.

The Adoption Process

The adoption plan starts with the screening process. You may be presented with profiles from up to five families. These profiles give you personal information to help you choose the right family for your child.

If you choose, you'll have the opportunity to meet with the couples who want so much to become parents. This may make it easier for you to choose the right couple for your child.

We also plan with you the hospital stay, the delivery, who will be there, how things will happen. You might choose to receive updates from the family on the child's development and well being through Saint Andre Home.

From screening the adoptive parents to the baby's trip home, we help you plan every step of the way. Adoption is a loving, life-giving choice. We can help you plan for the best possible future.