Adoption

Adoption presents a myriad of life-long challenges and opportunities for everyone involved in the process. It means different things to different people; whether you are an 18 year old young person who was adopted as an infant, a 29 year old pregnant birth mother who is thinking about placing (or "giving up") her child for adoption, or a couple battling infertility and considering alternate ways of forming a family.

Adopting a Child

For those interested in adopting a child, the choices can seem daunting: What kind of adoption should they choose? What is the difference between a domestic adoption and international adoption? If someone chooses international adoption, what do they need to know? How do they decide what agency and country to turn to: China, Guatemala, Vietnam, Russia? When considering domestic adoption, what does open adoption mean? What are my options? What role does race and heritage play in adoption? Is it better to use an adoption agency or a private adoption attorney? What role do birth mothers play in adoption today? What are the legal risks?

Adopting is more than just "get me a baby"

Frequently people come to adoption after having struggled with infertility - sometimes for years. By the time a couple or individual decides to adopt, frequently they are frustrated and tired and are simply thinking, "Just get me a baby!"

Unfortunately, adoption is not that simple. Adoption is not an entitlement and it is not the adoption agency's job to procure or find children for families. The job of any reputable adoption agency or adoption service provider is to find good homes for children. Having said that, Family Resource Center offers a level of service to adoptive parents that is second to none. We seek to under-promise and over-deliver.

Placing a Child

Birth mothers and birth fathers considering placing their child for adoption have their own issues and questions. What does open adoption mean and how often will they receive news of their child? What is a closed adoption and is it possible to remain anonymous? What is best for the child and what will they think of me in the future? Where can I go to find out about adoption without feeling pressured or judged? How do I know if the people I am working with are reputable and honest? Again, at Family Resource Center birth parents will find a safe, supportive environment where they can learn about their rights and options.

Know your rights

Nationwide there are too few consumer protections for birth parents and adoptive parents. Each state in America has different laws governing adoption. In Illinois, where Family Resource Center is based, the law requires that only tax-exempt, charitable organizations can practice in the field of adoption. The state of Illinois insists that birth parents and adoptive parents receive written information about their rights and options. Birth parents should remember at all times - they are not under any obligation to place a child for adoption - even thought they may have received financial and emotional support as part of their adoption planning process.

Family Resource Center's Philosophy

At Family Resource Center we have a motto - OUR HELP, YOUR DECISIONS - and we mean it. We are here to be of service, not to attempt to manage or steer or direct major life decisions for anyone. All of us at FRC consider it an honor and privilege when people choose to work with us.

Family Resource Center takes pride in understanding the hopes and aspirations of potential adoptive parents. We also understand the concerns of birth parents and of young people who were adopted. Among our staff, volunteer board of directors, and community of families and friends are many people whose lives have been touched and shaped by adoption. Understanding adoption is not an intellectual exercise at Family Resource Center - it is something that lives in our hearts and that we feel passionate about.

Our dedicated staff has a wealth of practical hands-on experience and patience. At FRC we will not take you down a "primrose" path and only talk about the joys of adopting - of which there are many. Our program orientation covers all aspects of the process, including a frank discussion about the risks and challenges that frequently go along with adoption. At the same time, Family Resource Center helps birth parents and adoptive parents take what can be a bureaucratic maze and simplify it, so that they can focus on the most important part of the process: understanding their rights and options and planning for a child's future.

If you are looking for an adoption agency that encourages you to question absolutely everything - that wants you to be fully informed so that you are prepared to make well-considered adoption decisions for yourselves - if you want to be part of a community of people who are interested in examining adoption and its meaning in their lives - then you have found the right place. We look forward to speaking with you.

Whether you are a birth parent thinking about placing a child for adoption, or someone interested in adopting a child - to learn more about adoption and Family Resource Center please call 1 (800) 676-2229 or click below to send us a message.