During the adoption process, an adoption counselor assists birth parents and adoptive families. Adoption can be a trying and emotional experience. A birth mother and father must decide whether or not to give their child up for adoption to another family. That other family must both welcome the newcomer into their home and work out a relationship with the birth parents that is acceptable to both parties.
A birth mother who decides to place her baby for adoption often has a difficult time accepting her decision. At various points during the process, she may feel guilty or regretful, and she may even be unsure about her decision. An adoption counselor can assist a birth mother in coping with these emotions and becoming more confident, solid, and secure in her knowledge that she is making the best decision possible by giving up her child.
During the adoption process, a birth mother must make numerous decisions. It’s possible that the birth mother will have to choose which family will receive her child. She may also have to choose between an open adoption, in which she maintains some contact with the child and adoptive family, and a closed adoption, in which she and the child have no further contact and the child and adoptive family are unaware of her existence. A birth mother’s adoption counselor can assist her in making these difficult decisions and understanding the consequences.
Adoption counselors can work with adoptive families as well. Adoptive parents may have many questions about the adoption process and how it works. They, too, must make numerous important decisions.
Adoptive parents may face difficulties or a long wait when looking for an infant to adopt. They, too, must decide whether an open or closed adoption is the best option for them. The adoptive family may struggle to know what boundaries to set with their birth mother and to develop an open and appropriate relationship with the birth parents if they choose an open adoption.
Adoption counselors can assist adoptive families in making these decisions. For example, if an open adoption is chosen, the adoption counselor can attend one or more of the meetings between the adoptive parents and the birth mother to ensure that everything runs smoothly and to assist the parties in deciding how to structure their ongoing relationship.