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Making an Adoption PlanAdoption as an OptionWomen with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy may be faced with determining the best choice for themselves and their unborn child. Adoption is a wonderful option that has been offered through Catholic Charities for over 125 years. Catholic Charities is licensed by the State of Missouri and accredited by the National Council on Accreditation. This assures that all clients receive the best available clinical services and support. Adoption is a legal procedure that occurs when the birthparents (biological parents) place their child with adoptive parents who assume full legal responsibility and rights for the child. Extensive background checks are conducted on adoptive parents before placing a baby with the family. This includes criminal and child abuse checks, financial information, medical screenings, and several references. Before an adoption is finalized in Missouri, a professional staff person provides on-going educational and support services to the adoptive family to assure a successful transition. How to Know if Adoption is the Right Choice
Open and Closed AdoptionWhen an adoption plan is chosen, the birthparent(s) may help select the adoptive family for the child and may select an "open" or "closed" adoption. An open adoption involves sharing of information between the birth family and adoptive family and possible ongoing contact between both parties. A closed adoption means that no identifying information is shared between the birth family and the adopting family. In an open adoption, birthparents decide how much information to share with the adoptive parents and how much involvement they will have with the child and adoptive family. Birthparents may opt to meet the family before or after the baby is born, share letters and pictures throughout the years and have ongoing contact, if desired. Legal RightsSpecific adoption laws vary dependent upon the state and county in which the adoption takes place. For the adoption process, Catholic Charities utilizes attorneys who are experts in the field of adoption, to assure that the rights and responsibilities of all parties are honored. In Missouri, a birthmother and birthfather have the same rights and responsibilities for their child. If the birthfather cannot be located, the agency and attorney will still be able to work with the birthmother in making an adoption plan. If the birthfather is opposed to the adoption, he will be required to retain an attorney to represent his case in a court of law What to do firstExpectant parents who are considering an adoption plan are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the adoption process, as early as possible. This allows more time to consider their options and decide what is best for them and their children. Catholic Charities can help parents explore their options and provide this information, as well as the continued support necessary for parents to make the best possible plan for their children. Contact: Caritas Center – Kansas City
Northwest Missouri
Heart of Missouri 
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Making an Adoption Plan
mburgin@ccharities.com