Pregnancy & Birth Parent Counseling FAQ
What is birth parent counseling?
It’s a process in which a counselor talks with you about your options and feelings regarding parenthood. This will help you make the best plan for you and your child or children. Your conversations with the counselor are confidential. Whatever you decide, we provide support and a listening ear. There is no charge for birth parent counseling. The counselor can meet with you at a time and place that is convenient for you, at your home or at the agency.
What are my options?
You can place your baby for adoption with an approved family, someone in your extended family, or raise your child yourself. As you talk with a counselor you will see more clearly what is best for you and for your child. Support and encouragement during this time of decision often help. We can also provide you with medical, financial, legal, parenting and housing referrals.
What if I’m not sure once the baby’s born?
Our agency has short-term placements we provide to parents who need time to make a permanent decision. By discussing your feelings with a professional counselor you may decide you are ready to parent or make an adoption plan. In either case, there is no charge for this service.
What is a short-term placement?
A short-term placement offers you up to 89 days of temporary care for your child while you work towards the goal of parenting your child or making an adoption plan.
What is adoption?
Through adoption a new relationship is created between children and adults who did not give birth to these children. Adoptive parents then have the full legal rights and responsibilities of any parents.
What rights do I have as a biological parent?
Biological parents have the right to make an informed decision, choose the adoptive parents, and receive information about the placement. Your counselor will help you understand your rights and different types of adoption.
What is the adoptive family allowed to know about me?
You decide how much you want the adoptive family to know about you. They may know your full identity or not, depending on what you decide is best for you and your child. They will know your medical history as it pertains to the child. You can also write the family a letter about yourself or ask your counselor to tell them about you.
How will I know my child will be with a good family?
All families who adopt in Virginia must, by law, have an approved adoptive home study. We have a list of loving families who have been thoroughly screened and are educated about adoption issues. During the home study the social workers gets to know prospective adoptive parents. You can feel secure knowing these families have provided references along with medical, educational and financial histories. Criminal and driving records are also checked.
May I choose a family to adopt my baby?
Yes. You can choose the type of family that you would like for your child. We have a book of families with pictures and profiles you can look at. You may also have the option of meeting them.
Will I be able to find out how my child is doing after placement?
Yes, you can request pictures and updates. In some types of adoption there is more contact. You can discuss your wishes with your counselor as you meet.
Why should I choose Children’s Home Society of Virginia?
We are a non-profit agency with more than a 100 years of experience in helping birth parents. We offer a wide range of services. It just takes one phone call. In addition to free counseling we can provide parenting support, temporary foster care and adoption. We care about you and want to help you through this difficult time.
What is my first step?
We know that you probably have many other questions and concerns. Please call us at the office location that is the closest to you. Our counselors are accessible by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Richmond Office: 1-800-247-2888
Roanoke Office: 1-800-625-2445
Fredericksburg Office:1-540-226-0583