What is "openness" in adoption?  With open adoption, how does a birthparent participate in the baby's life?
Openness in adoption generally means that birthparents choose the adoptive couple who will raise their child and have the opportunity to meet with the couple before the baby’s birth. While open adoption usually involves periodic updates, exchanges of photos and calls, it may include visits and a one-on-one relationship with the child.  Birthparents and adoptive parents determine the level of openness before the birth.

	Where do prospective adoptive couples in the Volunteers of America program live?  The majority are Louisiana residents who live close to metro New Orleans.

How do I choose the couple who will adopt my child? We believe it is important for birthparents to have as much control as possible. We provide several profiles of prospective couples. Once you have chosen a couple, we will arrange for you to meet the couple and begin a relationship.

How soon after the birth are babies placed in the new home? The child may be placed with an adoptive couple as soon as the surrender papers are signed. In Louisiana, a birthmother must wait five days before signing the Voluntary Act of Surrender. We recommend that you sign adoption papers no later than one week after delivery so the adoptive couple and baby can bond as soon as possible.

	Will I be able to see the baby in the hospital? Yes, this is strongly recommended. Can I name the baby? Yes. We recommend this as well.

What happens to my baby after delivery and before I sign the adoption papers?  The Adoption and Maternity Program has "receiving homes."  Local couples care for your baby in their home until you are ready to sign the adoption papers. Depending on your situation, the adoptive couple may be willing to take the baby into their home as a "legal risk" until you are able to sign the adoption papers.

What involvement does the birthfather have in the adoption process?  The law requires, and we encourage, that the birthfather must be involved in the adoption process.  If he is unidentifiable, we will work with you by proceeding to terminate the birthfather's rights through alternative means.

Do my parents need to sign papers for me to place my baby for adoption? No. When working with an agency, parental permission is not required.

If I place my baby for adoption, who pays the medical costs?  If you do not have private insurance for maternity coverage, we will work with you to get Medicaid coverage for your medical expenses.

	Will I have to go to court?  No. The adoption papers are signed at the Adoption and Maternity Program office in the presence of our attorney. After the adoption is finalized, will I need to have any further contact with the agency?  No. But the staff strongly encourages you to meet with the Maternity  Case Manager for aftercare sessions and participate in the birthmother support group.

What if I want to talk to others who have placed their child for adoption before I make my decision?
Many women considering adoption have questions best answered by other women who have placed children for adoption. Therefore, we have birthmothers who volunteer to work with pregnant women in our program.  This "buddy system" allows women to help each other, form friendships and gain support.

What types of follow-up counseling are offered by the Adoption and Maternity Program after I place my baby for adoption?  The staff is available for individual counseling at no cost to you following placement. Our Healing Hearts support group for birthparents who have placed their child for adoption offers education, therapeutic services and opportunities to share experiences with others who have faced the same decision. We strongly encourage all birthmothers to attend this support group following the placement of their child.