Adoption Services
Child and Family Services offers a full range of adoption services. We have all come to learn through experience that the safest and most successful adoptions occur when both the legal and emotional needs of the birthparents and adoptive parents have been met.
Counseling for Birthparents
Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and planning adoptive placement for a child is a difficult and emotional process for parents. Birthparents often feel alone, anxious and confused, unable to make a clear decision. Family and friends may not be available or they may be too close to be helpful. A birthparent counselor provides objective decision-making counseling, support to help birthparents understand the emotional impact of adoption, sort out their feelings, choose and meet a family, go through the delivery, arrange contact with the adoptive family, and adjust to their decision.
A Birthparent Counselor can also provide the following practical assistance to birthparents:
- Applying for Medicaid and New Hampshire Healthy Kids
- Locating community supports and resources
- Coordinating the hospital process, discharge planning, and pre-adoptive care
- Completing the Medical/Social history for court
Areas served: New Hampshire
Call: 1-800-640-6486
To receive a free copy of our ADOPTION GUIDEBOOK, click here
If you are considering adoption for your expected child, read on...
A LOVING CHOICE
This may be the most personal and difficult decision you will ever make...
Adoption is both a legal and emotional process. It is important that you have the information and support you need as you go through this process so that you will feel comfortable with your choice and reassured that you made the best decision possible for you and your baby.
Who can help me?
The adoption professionals at Child and Family Services have been serving birthparents and their children for over 80 years through both agency and private adoptions. Our professional staff is made up of licensed clinical social workers who can provide confidential, personal attention to ensure that your needs are met during the adoption planning and after your baby is born.
Can I choose and meet the adoptive family?
Your adoption can be as open as you choose. You may select the family for your baby, and if you wish, you may meet with them. Or, you may choose to not have direct contact with the family. Whatever you choose, you can be reassured that all adoptive families have been homestudied by a licensed agency and are approved by the state of New Hampshire.
If you wish to have contact with the adoptive family during your pregnancy, CFS can help you maintain the amount of contact that feels comfortable for you. We can also help you to arrange any kind of contact you may wish to have with the family in the future, such as the exchange of letters and pictures.
How long after the baby is born do I have to make a decision?
You may not surrender your parental rights before 72 hours after the baby's birth, but we understand that you may need additional time. We have private pre-adoptive homes available where your baby will be safe and secure until you are ready.
What if I have already selected a family?
If you have already selected a family through your attorney, we can help you with some of the practical aspects of pregnancy such as prenatal care, accessing your insurance or applying for Medicaid, and making a hospital plan. We can help you through any emotional changes that you might experience, before, during and after your baby is born.
What are the fees for your service?
There is no fee to you. All of your legal, medical and counseling expenses will be covered either by insurance, the agency, or by the adoptive family.
What is my first step?
Call us on our toll-free number 1-800-640-6486 and a social worker will answer your questions and set up a time to meet with you at whatever location is comfortable and convenient for you.
Fees: Medicaid, sliding fee scale
