COMMON QUESTIONS

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s natural to feel anxious about the future. Whether you’re wondering about what it’s like to be a parent, thinking about adoption, or simply want to start understanding your rights during either process, we’re here to help. Reviewing the content below is a great way to start sorting out your feelings and options so that you can make fully informed choices.

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Caring Choices also provides free counseling services to expectant mothers. That means if you’d like our experienced staff to help walk you through the information below, we’re ready to assist.

 

Learn more on our How We Help page

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Questions to Ask Yourself
 

• What do I want out of my life?

• Do I have a support system?

• Will I be parenting alone?

• Can I provide financially for my child?

• How will parenting change my life?

• Can I manage a child and a job/school?

• How will my social life change?

• Do I live in a stable environment?

• Will I miss my free time and privacy?

• Do I know the resources available to help me and my child?

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Rights of Birth Parents
 

• The right to work with a licensed or certified social worker or counselor
  who specializes in adoption and birth parent counseling

• The right to be treated with dignity and respect

• The right to confidentiality

• The right to receive services regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or medical disabilities

• The right to make a decision free of coercion or pressure

• The right to make your own choices about parenting, adoption openness and
  selection of a family

• The right to develop your own birth and hospital plan, including time spent with your baby

• The right and responsibility to know Florida law regarding adoption

• The right and responsibility to be informed about options available and to be referred to
  other social services for further assistance

• The right to have counseling throughout the pregnancy and as long as
  requested after the birth of the child

• The right to receive financial assistance during pregnancy regardless of whether
  you place your child up for adoption
   

Rights of Adoptive Parents
 

• The right to work with a licensed or certified social worker or counselor who
  has specific training in the field of adoption or works with a licensed adoption agency

• The right to be treated with dignity and respect

• The right to confidentiality

• The right to know the history of the child they want to adopt and the right to make
  their own choice about adoption openness 

• The right to appropriate education to prepare them as adoptive parents

• The right to a pre-placement home study conducted in a timely and professional
  manner with complete information
   

Rights of Birth Fathers
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In order to protect any rights he may have, the father of your baby must assume the responsibilities of being the father. If you choose to make an adoption plan together, birth fathers can participate in selecting the family, and other available options of ongoing communication. If he chooses not to participate, but is in agreement with your plan, the birth father can sign documents before the baby is born and relinquish his rights. If you do not know the baby’s biological father and cannot provide his identity, you can still proceed with an adoption plan on your own. 

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