Christian Family Services - Identified Adoption

Identified Adoption

An identified adoption is one in which the adoptive parents do a self-help search to find a birthmother who is considering adoption for her child. The birthmother and the adoptive parents enter into a relationship, with the birthmother finding a home for her child, and the adoptive parents finding a child to adopt. "Identified" does not necessarily mean that all information is shared. Christian Family Services can mediate the relationship so that parties can remain anonymous, if desired.

The self-help search may be done in many ways. Adoptive parents have notified obstetricians that they are looking, and have told their friends, family, and colleagues, so that everyone who knows them knows that they wish to adopt a child. Many referrals have been made through physicians, family, and friends.

Another way is to advertise in newspapers. Adoptive parents have run classified ads, and placed ads in newspapers in hopes that a birthmother or her family will read about them and call.

There are books written on this subject, and we occasionally hold workshops on identified adoption. Adoption support groups also offer support and information from families who have received referrals in this way.

Regardless of how you identify your birthmother, you can have the full services of our agency. These services include giving professional counseling and support for the birthmother, both before and after her pregnancy, and conducting your home study and post-placement visits. We can also serve as a mediator for your relationship. If we facilitate an identified adoption for you, our fees are substantially reduced.

Identified adoption places most of the responsibility on the adoptive parents. It is a lot of work. However, the waiting time is much shorter, and the cost is lower. Perhaps the greatest benefit of an identified adoption is the beautiful relationship that can be formed between the adoptive parents and the birthparents.