Adoption provides hope and opportunity during a challenging
time. For the birth mother and the adoptive parents alike, it can be a path to
a positive outcome from difficult circumstances. Adoption should never be
entered into lightly. It should be well researched and thoroughly planned. Once
the decision is made, there are several benefits for the birth mother, the
adoptive parents, and the child.
Adoption Benefits for
the Birth Mother:
·
Adoption provides a sense of peace for the birth
mother since she knows her child will be raised in a loving, stable, and
nurturing home. Birth parents have to opportunity to choose the home for their
child and possibly form a relationship prior to placement if they wish to do
so.
·
Birth parents can rest assured that adoptive
parents have been fully screened. In the state of Florida, all non-relative
adoptions require an approved Home Study from a licensed social worker. Home
Studies are in-depth investigations to ensure adoptive parents can provide for
a child financially, physically, emotionally and legally and includes criminal
background checks, physicals, pet temperament verifications/vaccines, financial
records are verified, physical homes are inspected multiple times (before and
after placement to ensure proper care and bonding is occurring), interviews,
personal and professional references, etc.
·
Young women enrolled in high school or college,
who choose adoption are more likely to finish school.
·
Women who choose adoption are less likely to
receive public assistance and are more likely to be employed one year after the
birth of the child.
·
Pregnant women, who are often abandoned during
pregnancy, are eligible to receive financial assistance to ensure they maintain
housing, transportation, food, maternity clothes, prenatal vitamins, etc. throughout
the pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth for recovery.
·
Birth mothers (if they wish) may still be a part
of their child’s life via letters, emails, pictures, phone calls or visitations
depending on the arrangement with the adoptive parents.
·
Free Counseling services are available to
birthparents if needed.
·
Choosing life for your child. Once an egg is
fertilized, a woman’s body naturally works hard to protect, nurture and sustain
that life until fully developed.
Adoption Benefits for
the Adoptive Parents:
·
The biggest benefit for the adoptive parents is
the ability to be parents. They are
often unable to have children of their own due to infertility. Adoption
provides them the blessing of a child.
·
Open adoption agreements can often lead to
strong bonds between adoptive families and birth mothers.
·
Tax Benefits are sometimes available to offset
the costs involved in adoption. Please consult with a Certified Public
Accountant for more information.
·
If adopting from Department of Children and
Families, adoption costs are significantly reduced. The children also receive
Medicaid to reduce the cost of medical insurance and college tuition is often
waived through Florida Public Universities. Other financial assistance may be
available. Please see the website for the Department of Children and Families
for more information.
Adoption Benefits for
the Child:
·
The child is raised in a safe, secure, and
loving environment. They are cherished. Most adoptive parents report feeling no
different towards their adoptive children vs. biological children. If fact, the
majority of adoptive parents claim to love their adopted child (ren) more than
biological children because they have a greater appreciation for their
life.
·
A greater chance for higher education.
·
Circumstances of conception are not projected on
the child. Sometimes children conceived in difficult circumstances are a
reminder to the parents of that time period. For example, a birthparent may
resent a child because they look/act like their ex.
·
The possibility for siblings and extended
family.
·
Children are more likely to grow up in
financially stable homes.
·
Adopted Children (adopted from birth) report
less mental health issues including depression.
·
The concept of adoption is much more accepted
and celebrated. It’s not a “hush, hush” topic anymore. Children are more likely
to be told from an earlier age (age appropriate content of course) of their
adoption. It is seen as a positive choice. Adopted children are “chosen.” Birth
parents loved them enough to choose life and to place them into loving homes.
The lists above are just a few examples of the many benefits
of adoption. If you or someone you know is thinking about adoption, The Law Office of
Pamela J. Helton will be happy to answer your questions and guide
you through the process. Please call 352-243-9991 to schedule an appointment.
