Interesting: “child adoption” is a common search term, although it’s most “newborn adoption” that most hopeful adopters are seeking these days. (Why is that?)
Abrazo has been doing both (child adoption and baby adoptions) since 1994. Since then, some things have changed radically, while other aspects of adoption have stayed much the same,
The Holy Grail of Baby Adoption
In the 31 years that Abrazo has been caring for expectant moms and infertile couples hoping to adopt, here’s what hasn’t changed: people long to adopt newborns, most of all.
While every placement of a newborn ultimately leads to child adoption, there are fewer infants being placed for adoption now than ever before. That means the wait for infant adoption is taking longer and yes, costing way more than it did back in the fifties and sixties. That was when most adoptions were done through church agencies and maternity homes, where females were stigmatized by being pregnant “out of wedlock” and shamed into placing.
Today, being a single mom is socially accepted in society. The restrictions on abortion in Texas have resulted in ample financial benefits and freebies offered to lure for those who can’t or don’t get the abortion pill into parenting.
There are now reportedly more than 50 couples hoping to every one infant placed for adoption, making the odds of successfully finding a newborn to adopt that much more daunting. The good news, though, is that there are now plenty of waiting families for babies of all backgrounds and with a variety of medical conditions, as well.
Child Adoption is a Growing Need
Unlike many Texas adoption agencies that cater just to infant adoption, Abrazo has for decades made it a mission to promote child adoption for the kids who truly need homes most, and not just babies. That means that our agency has always gone the distance to also provide loving care for toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children and sibling groups whose biological parents can’t keep parenting them for some reason.
This is child adoption done via private agency placement. Changing economics in the US as well as social issues like addiction, homelessness and incarceration make it increasingly likely more parents may need to consider this option. The good new is that it’s both safe and legal for mothers and/or fathers in Texas. Those who need to make a permanent placement plan for any child already born can call (800-454-5683) or text HELPME to 210-860-5683, and receive confidential services free of charge. Even better, Abrazo’s open adoption options enable these birthparents and the adoptive families with whom they place to keep in touch.
Because these are not child adoptions done through the State or by Child Protective Services, there is no foster care required. Children being adopted go straight from their birthfamily to their adopting parents, who are supervised by the adoption agency until the case is finalized in court.
Abrazo is proud to have created countless “forever famiies” for Texas-born kids of all ages. (At present, our agency is seeking a homestudy-ready, trauma-informed family for a school-age brother and sister with ADHD and other chronic medical issues. Interested couples can forward their homestudy and profile to info@abrazo.org for further information on for this or any other special needs case in Abrazo’s care.)
Abrazo can help. (Either Way.)
These days, people consider adoption for all sorts of reasons. Our job is not to judge, but rather, to support placing and adopting parents, provided both can join us in putting the best interests of children first.
Because that’s who it’s all about: the children. (At least, that’s how it’s supposed to be, right?) Doing a child adoption at Abrazo isn’t about having baby fever. It doesn’t require an infertility diagnosis. And it’s not a temporary thing. either. It’s about partnering with our agency to find or provide a loving permanent adoptive home for a child or children whose future is on the line.
We love babies, and we still find loving parents for them, too. But enabling child adoption is a mission of love we’re proud to provided, and we hope you will consider joining us in this mission, for the kids’ sake.
