Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming.

You may feel alone, confused and anxious. But we are here to help. Listed below are some of the questions you might have and answers that will help you know that you are not alone and that our counselors are ready to assist you as you explore your options.

What are my options if I choose to make an adoption plan?

Adoption has changed dramatically in recent years. Birth parents now have many choices that they did not have in the past.

Adoptions are now more “open” which means that birth parents have more involvement in the decision-making part of the process, if they choose to.

The birth mother (and the birth father if he is involved) is able to choose the adoptive family and to meet them if they decide to make an adoption plan. You may wish for a family of a certain religious background. You may want a stay-at-home parent. You may want a family that has a child already in the home. These are the kinds of decisions you can make if you so choose. Some birth parents choose not to select or meet the adoptive family, and that is possible as well.

An adoption plan is unique and personal for each woman, so each adoption will look different depending on what your wishes are.

Do services at Barker cost me anything?

No. There are no costs to birth parents and their extended families in the counseling or adoption process. Counselors are available 24/7 and are here to help you explore your options and provide you with information so you can make an informed decision.

If I am late in my pregnancy, or I’ve already delivered the baby, can I still explore adoption?

Yes. It is never too late to consider adoption for your baby or to make an adoption plan. Whatever your situation, The Barker Foundation can help you explore your options so that you make the best plan for yourself and your child.

What resources are available to me during my pregnancy?

We can help you find the resources you may need for medical care, legal or housing. Barker counselors can help you obtain medical insurance if you are eligible and locate a doctor for prenatal care. Adoptive families usually can help pay for medical care, legal advice or housing. This is arranged through Barker.

What families are available for my child?

There are families of all religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds who want to adopt. Waiting adoptive families prepare a profile for you to see that includes a letter, photos of themselves, family and friends, and information on themselves such as values, hobbies and work.

Can I have contact with the child and the adoptive family after he/she is placed in an adoptive home?

After the child is born and placed with an adoptive family, future contact with the adoptive family is possible. Barker staff assists birth parents and the adoptive family in creating a plan for contact after placement that will work for everyone involved, and especially for the child.

Some birth parents choose to receive photos and letters each year that are sent by the adoptive family through the agency. Other birth parents want to have more direct contact with the adoptive family in the form of e-mails, phone calls or visits.

Whatever the chosen contact is, both the birth parents and adoptive family agree to the arrangement, keeping the best interest of the child in mind.

Can I receive support after the baby is placed with the adoptive family?

We believe adoption is a life-long process, and our commitment to you does not end with the birth of the child.

We provide on-going support whenever a birth parent feels it is needed. Barker offers a monthly support group which is open to a birth parent who is considering an adoption plan for her child or has already placed a child for adoption. We also have birth parents who can provide additional support by being a “mentor.”

For more information on our birth parent support group, please call us toll-free at 1-800-673-8489.