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Archive for the ‘Utah Adoption’ Category

Heart to Heart Adoptions Offers Many Services for Mothers and Families

15 Mar

Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah, offers a variety of services to both birth mothers and adopting families, too.  They offer open, closed, and semi-open adoptions.  No matter which one you choose you are offered the same support and services.  The agency provides medical support, housing accommodations, and counseling throughout the process

Housing
For birth mothers, Heart to Heart Adoptions offers two different housing programs.  There is a residential program where the agency sets you up in a furnished apartment in Utah.  If needed, they can provide transportation to get there from your home state, as well.  The apartments offer different amenities such as heated pools and fitness centers.  The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible for your stay.  For those who choose to live in their home state, Heart to Heart Adoptions works to make sure you have housing accommodations there, too.

Emotional Support
Heart to Heart Adoptions provides a case manager to support you throughout the adoption process.  They can be there for you as much or as little as you would like.  They also offer counseling services, support groups, and educational classes to help both birth mothers and adopting families through this time.  The agency strives to make the process run smooth and the least stressful it can possibly be for all involved.

Financial Support
The agency provides a weekly allowance for birth mothers.  This is to ensure that the woman can obtain groceries and other household necessities without trouble, and keep herself and the baby healthy.

Medical Support
Heart to Heart Adoptions provides prenatal care for birth mothers.  They make sure to get mothers to and from their doctors’ appointments to ensure both the mother and baby stay safe and healthy.  At the time of labor, someone from the agency will assist you in getting to the hospital and stay by your side the whole time, as well.

Heart to Heart Adoptions can choose an adoptive family for the birth mother, or can work with her in connecting with a suitable family.  As well, the agency can do the necessary house studies and provide classes for those adopting a child.  They can also provide continuing support for all those involved even after an adoption is finalized.

Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah, works hard to be of as much assistance as possible.  All services are provided as a means of making the process easier, and are free.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

Reasons Women Place Children up for Adoption

08 Mar

Choosing to put your baby up for adoption is not a decision to be taken lightly or made hastily.  At Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah, they understand the weight of this tough decision for birth mothers and do all that they can to help.  The program provides housing, medical care, and support for birth mothers who choose adoption.  Heart to Heart Adoptions understands that sometimes it is the best decision for the child and has met many loving mothers who choose adoption for a variety of reasons.

Emotionally unprepared
There are many cases where a woman becomes pregnant before she is ready to face motherhood.  Sometimes she is too young, she has goals she wants to accomplish before becoming a mother, or she never wants to have the responsibility of motherhood.  Whatever the reason, being emotionally unprepared does not make her a bad person.  This is just one reason that some women choose to put their baby up for adoption.

Financially unprepared
Bringing a baby in to the world is a huge financial burden.  Before they are even born, there are a number of medical bills to pay and items you have to buy just to prepare for their arrival.  Then once they are born, there is food, shelter, and clothes, not only for your baby but yourself as well.  In this day and age, even with a good job, the cost of a child can be overwhelming.  Sometimes because of being financially unprepared a woman may have to put her baby up for adoption.  Fortunately, they are many families in much better positions to care for a child financially.

Lack of support
Unfortunately, far too often a woman finds herself in a position where she is pregnant and has no family support.  The father does not want the baby, her family wants her to get rid of the baby, or her life at home is unstable.  Rather than raise the baby in an unhealthy environment where it may feel unloved, the woman may choose to give the baby up for adoption.  There are many safe, loving homes ready to take in a baby.

These are just a few reasons a woman may choose adoption for her baby.  Heart to Heart Adoptions understands that the birth mother is choosing the best possible life for her child, and is caring for them in the best way she can.  That is why Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah, provides full support for a woman during this time.  They offer counseling as well and help every step of the way.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

The Differences Between Open and Closed Adoptions

01 Mar

At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we strive to answer all questions a birth mother or adoptive family may have.  Often times the process can seem daunting and you may feel confused by different terms.  One of the most frequent questions we are asked is what the difference between an open and closed adoption is.

An open adoption has become the more popular choice of mothers and families across the country.  This form of adoption allows the mother and adoptive family to create a lasting relationship and be a part of each other’s lives as much as wanted.  The mother meets the family before the placement of the baby and is able to continue contact after the adoption is finalized.

Some families choose to have an open adoption where only letters and photos are exchanged, where others choose to have the mother be a more active part of their lives with visits and phone calls.  The level of contact and depth of the relationship is up to both the mother and family.  Just because a relationship exists though does not mean the birth mother has any parental rights.  She signed those over upon signing the legal adoption papers.

The open adoption is considered healthy and helpful for all involved.  This holds especially true for mothers who did not have the means to care for their child but wants to be a part of their lives.  As well, this provides the child with a chance to be aware of their adoption from a young age.

Less popular, but still available today, is the closed adoption.  This type of “secret” or “confidential” adoption denies the biological parents any rights and all contact once the adoption papers are legally signed.  Closed adoption was once the popular way to go when adopting out your baby.  Today, there are organizations that offer help to birth mothers in locating children they once gave up through a closed adoption.  It is up to the adoptive parents, however, if they want to accept contact once they are found.

Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah, provides both types of adoption services.  They offer many different resources including written information, classes, and counselors, to help answer questions and assist birth mothers and adopting families.  As a non-profit agency, they offer these services to birth mothers for free, in hopes of finding a safe and stable home for their baby.  Choosing an open or closed adoption depends on each individual’s situation and neither is considered the right or wrong way.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

The Process of Choosing Adoption as a Birth Mother

23 Feb

Heart to Heart Adoptions is a program that provides adoption services for birth mothers and prospective parents, too.  The program works hard to make sure the adoption process is smooth for you.  There is a general guideline that you will follow as a birth mother, which insures there are no bumps along the way.

Get in touch / Apply
To begin a relationship with Heart to Heart Adoptions, you need to first get in touch with them and send in an application.  Heart to Heart Adoptions offers a great interactive website to get to know the program better, or you can give them a call and talk to somebody.  Once you decide that adoption is right for you, send in an application and start thinking about where you’ll want to live during this time.

Utilize services
Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah offers two great housing programs.  You can move to Utah for the duration of your pregnancy, and live in a furnished apartment provided to you by the program.  During this time, you’ll have meetings with your case manager, counseling, and prenatal care.  Your case manager will visit and help you get acquainted with the area, as well as bring you food shopping to make sure you get all you need to get yourself settled.  The program also provides transportation to Utah in case you cannot provide your own.

You also have the option to stay in your home state and receive the services and support Heart to Heart Adoptions offers through an out of state coordinator.  Your coordinator works in the same way your case manager would in Utah.  They will call you to discuss your adoption plans and your needs throughout your pregnancy.

Heart to Heart Adoptions offers various forms of counseling, welcomes you to meet other members of their community for support, and provides prenatal care for you.

Choose a family
Heart to Heart Adoptions offers different kinds of adoption programs in hopes of suiting every person’s needs.  The available options are open adoption, closed adoption, and a semi-open adoption.  Though you do not need to be a part of choosing a family for your baby, should you decide to, you’ll be provided with family profiles to choose from.  You can select and meet a family that meets your standards.

Prepare and deliver
Throughout the course of your pregnancy, you will be visiting your doctor often.  The day of delivery, a member of Heart to Heart Adoptions will assist you in getting to the hospital and stick by your side the whole time.  According to Utah law, there must be a 24 hour waiting period after the baby is born before any documents are signed confirming an adoption.  This law varies by state, though, so depending on where you deliver you may have a different waiting period.

This waiting period gives you as the birth mother time to make sure adoption is the right decision for you.  You can take longer if needed, and if you have any doubts, make your case manager aware.  At this point it isn’t too late to change your mind.  Once the papers are signed, though, the decision is permanent and you cannot turn back.

Return home
After delivery, you will return home and continue your life as normal.  Heart to Heart’s post placement department will help you during this time as well to make sure you get home safe and get settled.

As a birth mother choosing adoption, pregnancy can be a trying time and it is important to receive the proper care and support.  Heart to Heart Adoptions makes sure to provide you with both those things, and much more.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

The Adoption Process for the Adoptive Family

16 Feb

When looking to expand your family, you may choose that adopting a baby is the right decision for you.  At Heart to Heart Adoptions, they work hard to make the adoption process run as smoothly as possible.  The agency offers an interactive and informative website to start you on your way to bringing a child in to your home.  As well, there are counselors and people to assist you along the way beginning with step one.

Apply
You should read up on the adoption process and determine your eligibility.  If you decide that you are, you can sign up on the Heart to Heart’s website to get access to all the information you may need.  You can download or send in an application from their website, as well.  Once you submit it, you just wait for a call and continue to do research.

Home Study / Orientation
Once your application is received, a case manager will call you to set up a Home Study and Orientation.  Again, the Home Study Packet can be found on the website to help prepare you.  The purpose of the Home Study is to ensure you meet requirements necessary for adoption.  You’ll have many interviews and be asked to submit a variety of information.  It may take several weeks to get through this part of the process.  During this time you can ask any questions you may have.

If you live in another state, you can choose another organization to perform the Home Study.  As long as the Home Study performed is within your states regulations and follows guidelines pointed out by Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah, it will be accepted for consideration.

Get Accepted
After being approved for adoption, it may seem that there is a lot of waiting around.  At this point, the agency will work hard to set you up with the right birth mother.  Since there is not much for you to do at this time, it’s suggested you utilize the many services Heart to Heart Adoptions offers.  You can join a support group, attend educational classes, and prepare your family for a new member.  Keeping in contact with the agency is important during this time.

Get Matched
There are different factors that go in to consideration when trying to place you with a birth mother.  The mother may have an idea of what she wants including an ideal family budget or family situation that you do not meet.  The agency also considers any past adoption attempts, how long you’ve been active with Heart to Heart Adoptions, and your location.

Get Placed
Once you’ve been matched, you just have to wait for the baby to be born!  You can prepare your home at this time for the baby’s arrival.  According to Utah state regulations, there is a 24 hour waiting period after the birth of the baby before any legal papers can be signed.  Laws vary by state, though, and may be different in yours.  During this waiting period, the birth mother can change her mind and choose not to adopt out her child.  Once the papers are signed, everything is binding and all final payments are due.

Post Placement
After the baby is placed with you, you can return home and begin your life as a new family.  For six months, supervisory visits are required to check up on your new family.  After finalization, you can have the baby’s birth certificate changed and take care of all final costs.

Heart to Heart Adoptions makes every attempt to connect the right baby with the right family.  They offer many services to help you during the adoption process, and after as well.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

How Adoption has Revolutionized Over the Centuries

09 Feb

The history of adoption is a long one that dates back hundreds of years.  In the beginning, however, the practice of adoption was not the same it is today.  The modern form of adoption, that has its roots in United States history, is seen as a form of creating a parent-child relationship where one may not exist.  In ancient time, however, children were often mistreated and taken in for slave labor or other purposes.

Dating back to the Roman Empire, royalty would take in orphans for cheap labor or to continue the line of their ruling family.  Often, if a son was not born in to the ruling family, they would take in an orphan as their own to raise.  This way, he could become the heir of the throne and their family would not lose their place in society.  Otherwise, children were taken in for labor purposes and put to work.  The Catholic Church became aware of this, though, and began placing abandoned children in to convents where they would be treated better.

The Middle Ages saw a rise in abandoned children.  Again, these orphans were used for work purposes or often ignored.  The church stepped in again and began setting up orphanages to take in these children.  They worked hard to find proper housing and care for them, and limit the amount of abandoned children on the streets.

Change came in the 19th century with the idea of “Orphan Asylums”.  This was a practice of placing children in the care of businessmen, where both the adopter and the adoptee could help each other out.  The businessman would teach the child their trade, giving the child a skill to fall back on, and the child would help the man by working for him.  The businessman would also provide care and shelter for the child.

Up until 1851, however, government was not involved in the adoption process.  The first adoption law was created in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  This law required that all adoptions be made legal in a court system, include consent from birth parents and adopting parents, and require adopting parents to be eligible and able to care for the child.  While this was an improvement upon earlier practices, laws were not enforced and were not clearly defined.  It was often found that homes children were being placed into were not properly caring for them.

During the American Civil War, many children were found abandoned in the streets and accommodations for them became overcrowded.  At this point the idea of “Orphan Trains” was thought up by Charles Brace.  This practice put abandoned children on to trains and moved them westward toward farmland.  While the idea was to provide homes for these children, it turned out that farmers were using them for labor and making them work for their housing.

Laws became stricter in 1917 with the passing of the Minnesota Adoption Law.  At this time, adoption records were more diligently kept and were made confidential.  This way, the public could not gain information about adoptive families.  This reduced some of the stigma put on birth mothers and made adoptive parents feel the children were more their own.

Throughout the 1900s, improving the practice of adoption became of national importance.  President Theodore Roosevelt set forth in removing any abuse from the system and providing loving homes for orphans.  From this point on, conditions in the adoption system improved and stricter laws were passed, making the practice of adoption what it is today.

At Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah, they maintain the utmost confidence that all laws are followed and extra care is put in to each adoption.  They understand the importance of the practice, and realize that there should be no stigma involved.  The agency works to make sure birth mothers and adoptive parents are comfortable and supported throughout the process.  Heart to Heart Adoptions strives to find safe, loving homes for children throughout the country.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

Adoption: Is It a Good Option?

25 Jan

There are many reasons you may want to consider the option of placing your baby for adoption with Heart to Heart Adoption, Utah.

According to the Search Institute Study, children who are adopted have higher self-esteem and are happy, thriving children.

What are the most common reasons to choose adoption with Heart to Heart Adoption?

  • You want a stable, two-parent family.
  • You are not financially able to support a child.
  • You cannot afford prenatal and medical expenses related to your pregnancy.
  • Financial assistance, including free housing, is available to birth mothers.
  • You want to share the joy of parenthood by allowing a family to adopt your child.
  • All attorney and legal-related expenses will paid for you upon successful completion of the adoption.
  • You want to choose the adoptive family and perhaps participate in your baby’s future (an open adoption).
  • You do not feel you are emotionally able to contribute to a child’s future.
  • You do not have a relationship with the baby’s father and do not receive enough emotional support from family and friends to parent on your own.
  • You want a sense of permanency for your child.
  • You want to pursue other goals in your life and/or seek a higher education.
  • You want your child to have a better life.

One of the most important questions you can ask yourself is, “Am I ready to be a parent?” Consider the following questions when asking yourself this.

  • Can I afford to be a parent?
  • Am I emotionally ready to support my child so he/she can thrive?
  • Can I pay for necessities, including housing, utilities, food, clothing and diapers?
  • Can I put my baby first in my life?
  • Do I provide emotional stability?
  • What goals do I want to accomplish in my life? Can I succeed in meeting these goals if I parent a child?
  • Do I have a financially stable job and/or income to support my child?
  • How will my baby affect my life’s plans?
  • Am I in control of my life?
  • Am I adequately suited to be a parent right now?
  • Can I make the necessary sacrifices to be a parent?
  • Do I provide a healthy environment for my child?
  • Can I provide the stability a baby needs?
  • Can I keep my baby healthy and safe?

Learning that you are pregnant can be a scary revelation. If you answer “no” to any of the above questions you may want to see if adoption is a viable choice for you.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

Connor and Amy’s Adoptive Journey

23 Jan

Parents to four adopted children, Amy had a hysterectomy at the young age of 23 years.

Struggling with the emotional and psychological effects of infertility, Connor and Amy adopted a little girl, Tia, in 2005. Maintaining an open adoption with Tia’s mother has been Connor and Amy’s mission, with the birth mother visiting when possible.

In 2007, Amy contacted Heart to Heart Adoption, Utah about an “urgent situation” case she read about online. They were able to find a good home for the baby, but Amy developed a close relationship with Heart to Heart Adoption expert, Sarah. Amy told Sarah that if another urgent situation case arose to please contact her immediately. In the meantime, Connor and Amy set out to complete Heart to Heart’s required paperwork.

Only a few weeks passed before Amy received an urgent call from a caseworker about an adoption. The caseworker explained that the prospective adoptive parents had backed out at the last minute and a little boy needed a good adoptive family. Amy explained that she and Connor had not completed all the necessary paperwork and caseworker was forced to return to the prospective adoptive parents that were officially registered.

Two days later, Amy received a call once again and the caseworker said she could not shake the feeling that she and Connor were meant to be parents to this amazing little boy. Within a few minutes both Connor and Amy decided to adopt Kendall.

A couple days later, Connor and Amy met with Kendall’s mother, who also parents a daughter. Due to a negative previous experience with an adoptive family not fulfilling and keeping their promises, the birth mother, Kim, expressed a strong desire for a closed adoption. Connor and Amy wished for an open adoption, but agreed to abide by Kim’s wishes.

One afternoon, Amy received a call from Heart to Heart saying that Kim wanted to know if Amy would speak with her. Amy was ecstatic and soon forged a wonderful friendship with Kim.

When Kendall was eight months old, Kim announced to Amy that she was once again pregnant and inquired if they would like to adopt the baby. Isaac was born in November 2008, followed by another baby, Bronson, in September 2010.

Connor and Amy now have four adopted children and enjoy every minute of parenthood. Understanding the sacrifices that birth mothers make when allowing their children to be placed for adoption, they are forever grateful to their children’s birth mothers for allowing them into their lives.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

Colin and Jen’s Adoptive Journey

21 Jan

Colin and Jen are the parents to three amazing adopted children and three biological children. Having received 10 “no’s” from prospective birth mothers before receiving an enthusiastic “yes,” their unwavering devotion to the adoption process has forever changed their lives. Parenting six children is their pride and joy.

When Tyrese’s (Ty) birth mother chose them, the emotion was electric. Ty was born on Colin and Jen’s oldest son’s birthday. When Ty was born, he had difficulty breathing and the doctors moved him to a different hospital. He was required to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for three weeks on equipment that helped him breathe. Colin and Jen were living out-of-state so they moved into a hotel across from the hospital to be close to Ty. His lungs finally healing, Ty was able to go home with Colin and Jen and meet his new brothers and sister.

Knowing that they always wanted to adopt more African-American children, Jen set out in search of prospective birth mothers by visiting Heart to Heart Adoption’s website. It was there she read about twin African-American girls. The birth mother wanted to parent one of the girls but was not able to parent two. Colin and Jen submitted their profile to Heart to Heart Adoption, Utah and to their great surprise, were chosen immediately.

Colin and Jen met personally with the birth mother, spending a few days with her and understanding her desires for the role adoptive parents would serve in her daughter’s life. Jen was present for the birth of the twins and they visited both girls in the hospital. While it was difficult knowing they would only be bringing one girl home, they hoped and prayed that if the girls’ birth mother could not support the little girl, they would be given the option to adopt both.

Tiffany, Colin and Jen’s adopted daughter, went home to be with their three children and adopted son, Ty. Three months later, Jen received a call from Tiffany’s birth mom explaining the difficulties in her life.

Another three months passed and Heart to Heart called to say that Tiffany’s mom was ready to let Colin and Jen adopt Tameeka, Tiffany’s twin sister. A few days after receiving the emotional call, Jen flew to visit the birth mother and both Tiffany and Tameeka became reacquainted after not having seen each other six months.

Colin and Jen are forever grateful that Heart to Heart has helped them expand their family and give their children a wonderful, loving home. They enjoy the challenges of parenting and cannot image their life without their six children.

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 

The Adoption Call!

19 Jan

As adoptive parents in waiting, you wait for the call to inform you that your little bundle of joy has entered the world and you can finally meet him or her. Some of you may have been working with a birth mother so the call is not nearly as unexpected, and some of you may have placed your name on the waiting list with Heart to Heart Adoption, Utah so the call is a complete surprise.

Whether you are expecting the call from Heart to Heart Adoption, once the shock wears off, you may find yourself feeling slightly overwhelmed. Is the baby’s room ready? Do you have enough diapers, baby wipes, clothes and bedding to accommodate your new bundle of joy? The first thing people must do is take a deep breath and calm down. Whether procrastination is part of your personality’s quirks or you were afraid to prepare too much in case the birth mother decided to parent her own child, never fear … you have plenty of time to be a new parent.

Here are some words of wisdom and advice to prepare you for the next adventure in life.

  • There is no such thing as being too prepared. If you are able to see constant daily reminders and pass by the baby’s nursery as you lie in waiting, then at least prepare yourself with essentials. You can either close the baby’s room so you do not feel you are “cursing” yourself by getting too far ahead or you can perhaps leave necessary essentials with a friend so you do not have daily reminders, but are somewhat prepared when the phone rings.
  • Flexibility is key! Adoption is typically not a straightforward process, but involves great patience. Be flexible and understanding that perhaps the birth parents situation has changed, the baby’s needs may be different than they were before, or even inclement weather can delay adoption. Parenthood is an unpredictable journey in life, so flexibility in the adoption process is excellent practice for being a parent.
  • You are never alone. Even if you are not new to adoption and have traveled down this path previously, each experience is different. Remember to be assertive and ask questions and clarify unfamiliar instructions. Remember, the only stupid question is the one you do not ask, so if you want clarification about what time you should arrive at the hospital, do not be afraid to simply ask. Do not fret, everyone understands the process is overwhelming, yet exciting, and new parents are not expected to retain and process all the information they are presented with.
  • Family and friends. It is best to discuss ahead of time with your spouse who you want to tell when you do receive the call. Do you want to send out a mass email to all your friends and family? Are there just specific family members you want to contact? Sometimes people need some family time to adjust to a new baby so do not hesitate to tell family and friends that you need your privacy as you adjust to being a new family.
  • Be logical. If you opt to adopt a child outside your state, it is important to have a plan. Who will take care of your pet(s)? Who will pick up your mail? Do you need to recruit a family member to help you wash the baby’s clothes so the nursery is waiting when you arrive home?
  • Homecoming. When you, your spouse and the baby arrive at home, who do you want to be surrounded by? Do you want a large homecoming or would you prefer to adapt to your new family in privacy? Your family and friends will want to share in your joy at some point, so having a plan ahead of time will help prevent hurt feelings and ensure that your anxious anxieties are quelled.

The most important part of this process is to enjoy the new addition to your family. Remember, what is most important is your bundle of joy – so just relax and enjoy this exciting moment!

 

 

Posted in Utah Adoption

 
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