What is birth parent counselling?

Birth parent counselling is a service provided in private adoption for birth mothers and birth fathers who want assistance in making the decision to make an adoption plan for their child. Your birth counsellor will help you come to the best decision possible for your baby and if adoption is the choice will guide you through the entire adoption process. You will also be provided with post-placement counselling

As a birth parent, what information do I need to provide?

You will be asked to provide a complete medical and social history. This will be shared with the adoptive parents and help them decide whether you and they are a good match. More importantly, it will be recorded for future reference for your child

Will I meet potential adoptive parents?

Today, most adoptions are semi-open or open ones and meetings with potential adoptive parents occur most regularly. This will give you an opportunity to decide whether you are a good match with the potential adoptive parents. You may wish to meet more than one prospective adoptive couple

Do I have to pay for this service?

Birth parent counselling is paid for by the adoptive parents

Do I get to choose the adoptive parents?

You will be presented with four or five profiles of prospective families which the birth parent counsellor and/or licensee are working with. These profiles will reflect the characteristics of families that you wish your child to be placed with

Does the birth father need to be involved?

It is best if the birth father is involved in the planning of adoption for his child. His consents will be necessary to meet the legal requirements of an adoption

Can I be involved after the adoption?

Most adoptions today are semi-open or open adoptions. If you request an open adoption, you will be involved with your child and have a relationship. Typical involvement would be receiving and sending letters, pictures, e-mails and telephone calls. There will also be visits between the birth parents, the adoptive family and child. Sometimes the birth parents are even included in religious celebrations and birthdays. If this is what you would like, you should request this when you are choosing your adoptive family

Can I receive any money from the adoption?

No, you may not receive any money from the adoption. This is illegal

How soon after birth does the placement happen?

If your child is healthy and his or her doctor permits, the child is usually placed from hospital within a day or two after the birth

Can I change my mind?

You will sign your consents, usually 8 days after the birth of your child. You have 21 days from this point to change your mind

Can I name my baby?

Most birth parents and adoptive parents discuss the naming of the child. Typically, the adoptive family choose the first name and the birth parents choose the second name

What is required of adoptive parents?

Adoptive parents must meet Ministry standards by having a Home Study completed by a Private Adoption Practitioner. This is to ensure that they are good candidates who have been assessed and educated by a Social Worker and are suitable for adoption

How do I get started?

Call Adele Blair at Ottawa Adoption Connections for a free consultation at 613 825-2332