If you are pregnant and considering making an adoption plan in Waco, Adoption Advocates is here to help. While our adoption agency is based in Austin, our experienced counselors frequently travel throughout Central Texas to deliver in-person support to clients. We are also available by phone to answer questions, help you feel comfortable, and guide you step-by-step through the adoption process.
Clients in Central Texas, including Waco and surrounding counties, are served by adoption specialist, Alicia Ports.
Call or Text: (512) 270-8415
Email: [email protected]
Services Offered for Expectant Parents
Placing a Baby for Adoption in Waco
Knowing how the adoption process works can help you feel more confident moving forward. The first step is a phone call to discuss your situation and ask any questions you may have. It’s also your opportunity to learn about Adoption Advocates to make sure it’s the right adoption agency for you. If you want to move forward after that, your adoption specialist will schedule a time to meet with you in Waco to begin paperwork and start providing services, including counseling and financial assistance.
Ready to get started? Call or text now to start exploring adoption with Adoption Advocates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Parents who adopt from Adoption Advocates are educated to respect the special bond between the child and the birth family. By knowing you and receiving information from you, they can raise the child that knows where they came from. Although open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable in Texas, chances are that you will choose a family who you like and trust, and they will be committed to honoring their agreement with you.
No. Adoption Advocates offers all services for expectant parents, including counseling and legal services, free of cost.
As a licensed adoption agency in Texas, we may be able to provide financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses while you make an adoption plan. Your adoption specialist can discuss your situation with you to see how much assistance you may be eligible for.
Yes, you can move forward with an adoption plan. Although things will move faster, you will still have the same rights and ability to make choices that an expectant mother does. An adoption specialist will visit you to answer your questions, help you complete paperwork, share waiting family profiles and discuss a post-placement plan. You will receive counseling and support after relinquishment as well, for as long as you choose.
Here’s a look at what to expect with the adoption process if your baby has already been born:
GET IN TOUCH: Reach out to us by calling (512) 477-1122 or texting (512) 270-8415. If you’re still in the hospital, you can ask the hospital’s social worker to help you get in touch with us. We already work with many hospital social workers throughout Texas.
MEET WITH A SPECIALIST: An experienced adoption specialist will visit you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours. She will explain your options, the different types of adoption and what comes next. After learning more about adoption, you’ll decide if you want to move forward with placing your baby for adoption.
MAKE CHOICES: If you’re ready, you’ll begin making choices for you and your baby’s future. You’ll need to decide if you want an open, semi-open or closed adoption. You can start looking at adoptive family profile books and choose one. If you do not want to choose the family, the agency can select for you. Remember, you are still in control of all of your choices.
SIGN PAPERWORK: If you’re sure about adoption and it’s been at least 48 hours since the baby was born, you’ll sign the relinquishment papers. Your chosen adoptive family will be able to take the baby home as soon as the hospital discharges him or her.
The adoption process moves quickly after a baby is born, and 48 hours may not be enough time for you to make a decision. Signing the relinquishment papers is permanent, so you need to be certain this is the right step for you. If you need more time, we can arrange for short-term interim care (also known as cradle care) after your baby is released from the hospital. You’ll be able to continue exploring your options and spend time with your baby before you make a final decision. Even though your relationship with Adoption Advocates began after your baby was born, we hope it doesn’t end there. Many women experience difficult emotions, including grief and sadness, after placement. We’re here to help you through those emotions with adoption counseling for as long as you need, at no cost to you.
It’s OK not to be sure about adoption right away. This is a really important decision! Take as much time as you need. Your adoption specialist will discuss all of your options with you — without pressure or judgment. Our goal is to provide support and answers, so that you can make an informed decision.
After speaking to an adoption specialist, you may decide that adoption is not right for you. That’s OK too. If you decide to parent, Adoption Advocates can direct you to resources to provide assistance during your pregnancy and your child’s early years.
An open adoption means that you get to choose the adoptive parents, and you can maintain some degree of contact with them. In an open adoption, you will always be honored as the child’s birth parent, because that’s who you are. In almost all adoption plans, the adoptive parents provide pictures and letters and exchange phone calls with birth parents. Depending on the relationship that develops between you and your adoptive parents, sometimes there is visitation. The most important thing to remember is that an open adoption is what the participants jointly decide that it should be. Open adoption is an informal agreement based on trust and respect.
With options for an unplanned pregnancy limited in Texas, most women will need to choose between parenting or adoption. No matter which choice you make, staying safe and healthy during your pregnancy is important. If you think you may be pregnant, or have just found out about your pregnancy, these Waco organizations can help you confirm your pregnancy, determine your due date and establish regular prenatal care. If you’re concerned about medical costs, Texas Pregnancy Medicaid may be able to help.
Waco Pregnancy Testing & Family Planning
Care Net of Central Texas – Waco
7110 Sanger Ave.
Waco TX 76712
(877) 398-7734
Visit website
Planned Parenthood Waco
700 West Highway 6
Waco, TX 76712
(254) 759-5750
Visit website
Central Texas Prenatal Care & Hospitals
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd
Waco, TX 76712
Website
Ascension Providence
6901 Medical Pkwy
Waco, TX 76712
(254) 751-4000
Website
Waco Family Medicine – West Waco
2201 Macarthur Drive
Suite 103
Waco, TX 76708
(254) 313-4610
Website
Additional Pregnancy & Parenting Support
Family Abuse Center
Waco TX
(800) 283-8401
Visit website
Provides emergency shelter and services for victims of domestic violence
Community Doulas of Waco
Serving McLennan County
(254) 753-1987
Visit website
Provides birth and postpartum doulas & breastfeeding support
Waco WIC
225 West Waco Drive
Waco, TX 76707
(254) 750-5474
Apply now
Provides healthy food and breastfeeding support from pregnancy until 5 years old
Ask your first question today. Call (512) 477-1122 or text (512) 270-8415.
Get Adoption Help in Waco
Ready to get started? Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your situation and see how we can help. You can also reach out directly to our Waco adoption specialist Alicia by calling or texting (512) 270-8415.
