At first you might feel confused or overwhelmed because there are so many things to think about and choices to make. That's why we're here to help. We want you to understand the adoption process and all your options so you can make choices that are right for you.

Step 1 - Getting Started

Making an adoption plan starts with a conversation, just talking with someone who understands what you are going through and what adoption offers.

• Talk to a counselor>
• Email a birth mom
>li>Request information

Step 2 - Paperwork

• Then there is paperwork. It can seem a lot of forms, but we can help with that, too. It is important that we get as much information as possible so that we can help you to customize an adoption plan that is right for you.

Step 3 - Decide whether you would like to live at home or on our campus

Gladney has a dorm that offers a supportive living environment, or if you prefer, you can continue to live at home. No matter whether you choose to live on Gladney's campus in Fort Worth, TX or live at home your adoption planning process can include:

• Exceptional medical care at no cost to you
• Staff attorneys to coordinate any legal work involved in your adoption
• Counseling & emotional support
• Educational opportunities
• Information exchange between adoptive parents and birth parents
• Post-placement counseling

The Residential program also includes:

• Career Development opportunities
• Activities such as movies, shopping trips, eating out, pool parties, cook-outs, and other special events going on in the Fort Worth/Dallas area

Step 4 - Select the adoptive parents

• Choose the adoptive parents whenever you are ready
• Tell your counselor the qualities you are searching for in your adoptive parents
• Review the Profiles profiles of carefully screened prospective parents who meet your requests
• " Meet or talk on the phone to the adoptive family you choose

Step 5 - Placement

• As a birth mother, you can sign the relinquishment papers as early as 48 hours after delivery, or anytime after that
• The child is placed with the adoptive parents

Step 6 - After Adoption

• Receive letters and photos of your child from the adoptive parents
• Access to caring, confidential counseling services
• When adoptees turn 18 they can sign our Voluntary Adoption Registry which provides a means for birth parents and adopted children to meet when there is mutual consent

For more information about how adoption works, please call 1-800-GLADNEY. We have adoption professionals here to help you now, and every step of the way.