We have provided assistance to thousands of women who were uncertain of their options when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Barker’s staff and services provide the information and support needed to make an informed decision. Services we offer free of charge include:

• Options counseling for pregnant women, birth fathers, and their extended families.
• Assistance in locating medical, legal, housing resources or other community services, if needed.
• Support during labor and delivery, and post-partum care. Interim care for the baby, if needed, while birth parents make decisions, medical needs are assessed, and/or an adoptive family is chosen.
• Individualized placement services include the option of selecting and meeting the adoptive family, placing the baby directly from the hospital to the adoptive family, interim care, and post-placement contact agreed upon by the birth parents and the adoptive family.
• Monthly group meetings for birth parents who have placed a child for adoption or pregnant women who are considering making an adoption plan.

At Barker, each adoption is unique and based upon respect for the wishes of the birth parents and the adopting family. Some birth parents want more openness and contact than others do. No matter what you decide, we are here to listen to you, to help you plan, and to offer support.

Counseling and Support

When you are overwhelmed by conflicting thoughts and confused about what you are experiencing, it helps to talk to someone. Your birth parent counselor at Barker can help you make sense of the feelings you may have now as well as those you may have later in your life. We know that each woman arrives at her decision at her own pace and within her own time frame. Our services are flexible and we can meet with you as often as you desire.

We are also available to talk with the baby's father. The birth father's role is an important one even if the father and mother are not involved with each other or if there is tension between the two. We also encourage parents, grandparents, and other extended family members to be as involved as may be appropriate so that they are better able to provide support.

All counseling services provided by the Barker staff are offered at no charge, whether or not you choose adoption. We can arrange for you to meet with others who are considering adoption or who have made an adoption plan in the past. Sometimes it is helpful to know that you are not alone and that others face similar difficult choices. The decision-making process takes time; you may change your mind many times as you work toward your final decision. As you explore your options, we can also assist with referral to community resources if you decide to parent your child. We have learned that peace of mind comes from carefully considering all your options.

Finally, we will remain available to you after your pregnancy for as long as you wish.

Medical Care And More

Your Barker counselor will help you look at your situation and make the best medical plan possible. We can refer you to a clinic, obstetrician, and hospital that will be sensitive to your needs. Over the years we have worked with many hospitals and can help you prepare for your delivery and after care. We can arrange for a hospital tour, help you prepare for labor and delivery, and provide someone to be with you during delivery, if you wish. In all aspects, your counselor at Barker is a link between you and the hospital staff and physicians. We want to ensure that your needs are met and that your wishes are honored.

Often there are practical things for you to consider. You may not have medical insurance and are wondering how you will pay for your care. You might be uncertain about adoption, not have a job, and need to know how Barker can assist you. If needed, we can help you apply for Medicaid, assist with transportation to doctor's appointments, locate maternity clothes, or make referrals to other professionals. Sometimes, we can be helpful in finding housing for you during this time. You are encouraged to let us know other ways we can lend support.

Legal

It is important to understand that you cannot sign papers that are legally binding until after the baby is born. The wording of the legal documents you will sign depends on your state of residence. All legal documents and forms will be reviewed with you before you make your final decision and you are encouraged to review them with an attorney. Consultation with an attorney is available at no expense to you.

It is important that the birth father be contacted and asked to cooperate. He has legal rights, and his participation will strengthen the adoption as well as provide valuable information for the child. At the birth mother's request, we can notify the baby's father about the pregnancy and seek his cooperation. If the identity of the father is unknown, or if he cannot be located, there are legal procedures to handle such situations.

Family Selection

We know how important it is to you that your child is placed in a loving and stable home. The families waiting to adopt share with us extensive medical, social, and financial information and are thoroughly evaluated as prospective adoptive families. Through this process, the Barker counselor gets to know them well. We in turn are committed to educating and preparing them for their future as adoptive families. Barker offers pre- and post-adoption counseling for birth mothers and birth fathers.

'The level of involvement you would like to have in selecting a family to parent your baby is up to you. You may want to choose the family who will raise your child or you may want the agency to make the decision. You may want to meet the family (once or several times) or you may prefer not to meet the family. You may want the family to be present at the hospital. Each situation is unique and we encourage you to make your wishes known.

The possibility of post-placement contact with the adoptive family is something to discuss with your social worker. Whether you would like pictures and letters each year or possible visits, your social worker will discuss with you all the different types of post-placement contact. We realize that you might not want any post-placement contact with the adoptive family, but we encourage you to stay in touch with Barker. We look forward to hearing from you any time and we do all that we can to be responsive to your requests

After The Birth

You may choose to place your baby with the adoptive family directly from the hospital. Or, if you need some time after the baby is born before making a permanent decision, we have carefully selected loving families to provide interim care for your baby while you make your decision. If you desire, you may meet this family and visit with your baby at our office. Whenever you are ready to move forward with your plan, Barker will be there to ensure that your wishes are respected.

After Your Decision

Some pregnant women who come to us choose adoption and some do not. No matter what you decide, we will support you at every stage.

If You Choose Adoption

We know that the period after placement is important for birth parents and we will be available to you. Being a birth parent involves a special type of parenting - different from everyday parenting. You'll always be the biological mother or father, whether you choose to parent or choose adoption. Barker is here to help you explore this special role now as well as in the future.

You are welcome to join our monthly birth parent group where you can talk to others who know how you feel. It is offered as a community service free of charge to anyone who has placed a baby for adoption or is considering making an adoption plan. The group provides an opportunity to share experiences and receive support from one another under the guidance of one of our professional staff members. It meets the second Thursday of each month at our Bethesda, MD office from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. To confirm the date of the next group meeting, check our events calendar or call us at 301/664-9664.

You will find that adoption does not end with the placement. The Barker Foundation will be here to provide counseling and education, as well as lifelong services to support the connections that link you to your child and your child's family, no matter what form those connections take.

If You Choose to Parent

There are many responsibilities involved in being a parent. You may find that you need help with locating and paying for medical care, housing, food, or clothing. Whatever your needs may be, Barker will work with you to locate the resources available to you.