Adoption Arc
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions when Considering Adoption for your Child

1. Can I choose the parents who will adopt my child?
At ARC you can assist in this choice. We will share profiles with you about families and you can make your selections. You can see pictures of families, possible speak with a family on the phone and at the time of placement you can meet the family if you would like to.

2. How do I know good people will provide a good home for my child?
Every family who is allowed to adopt is first approved through a process called the homestudy. First they must submit a lot of paperwork such as reference letters, financial statements, medical reports, etc. We also check to be sure they have no criminial or child abuse history. Then they have a social worker come to their home 3 or more times to get to know them and their motives for adoption. Finally they have to attend training classes on adoption and on being good parents. After they have successfully completed all of these steps they can be approved for adoption.

3. How will I know how my child is doing in the future?
At ARC we will stay in close contact with both the adoptive family and will obtain pictures and updates on your child from the adoptive family to share with you every few months in the early years and then once a year as the child gets older.

4. What if I want my child back?
Adoption is not the same as foster care. In adoption you are making a permanent plan for your child to have a "forever family" - a permanent home. If you think you may want your child back one day this is one of the issues we should talk about in the counseling to help you make the best plan. Maybe it will be adoption, maybe it won't be.

5. Are there really any families for my child - my child is an infant?
YES there are loving, approved families for every child no matter what has happened during the pregnancy, or if the child is unexpectedly born with special needs, or if the child is placed for adoption at an older age. These parents receive extra training and support services to be equipped to parent these special children.

6. Do I have to tell the father of the child?
Pennsylvania law gives fathers the same rights as mothers. This is another subject you can discuss more during your free counseling.

7. I am under 18 - do I have to tell my parents?
This is a complicated question and the answer depends on who you live with and other things. You can talk about it with your counseler when she comes to see you.

8. What if I end up keeping my child - does ARC still help me?
YES, we will continue to provide you with free counseling, support services and referrals to other services you may need to be successful as you parent your child.