Adoption may be an option for your unplanned pregnancy, but only you can make this decision. Start by exploring your options with one of our experienced counselors – no judgment or pressure.
If you decide to move forward with making an adoption plan, your Adoption Advocates counselor will be with you at every step. Our focus is on open adoption that empowers you to make choices for your and for your baby’s future.
Clients in the Lubbock area, including Shallowater, Littlefield, Plainview, Post, Brownfield and Levelland, are served by adoption specialist, Shaelynn Wolfe.
Call or Text: (972) 914-8490
Email: [email protected]
Services Offered for Expectant Parents
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.
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.
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.
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.
Making sure you and your baby stay healthy are important, regardless of whether you choose parenting or adoption. Texas offers Pregnancy Medicaid for uninsured women who reside in the state and meet income restrictions. This temporary insurance covers your prenatal doctor visits as well as labor and delivery costs. Before you apply, you will need to be able to provide proof of pregnancy. Free or low-cost pregnancy tests and/or sonograms are available at these Central Texas pregnancy centers:
Lubbock Pregnancy Testing & Family Planning
Grand Expectations | UMC Health Systems
2602 Avenue Q
Lubbock, TX 79411
(806) 761-0611
Visit website
For Her Women’s Medical Services
2309 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 788-0500
Visit website
The Nurturing Center
3303 66th St.
Lubbock, TX 79413
(806) 780-6853
Website
Lubbock Prenatal Care & Hospitals
Parkridge Medical Center
5203 79th St., Suite B
Lubbock, TX 79424
(806) 794-8555
Website
The Women’s Care Center | Covenant Children’s
4000 24th St
Lubbock, TX 79410
(806) 725-7625
Website
UMC Family Birth Center
602 Indiana Avenue
East Tower, 1st Floor
Lubbock TX 79415
(806) 775-8800
Website
Additional Pregnancy & Parenting Resources
Texas Health & Human Services Benefits Office
1716 Parkway Dr.
Lubbock, TX 79403
(806) 744-7632
Apply Online
Offers assistance with SNAP, TANF and family/children’s Medicaid
Central Lubbock WIC
1946 Avenue Q, 1st floor
Lubbock, TX 79411
(806) 747-0104
Apply Online
South Plains Food Bank
5605 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Lubbock, TX 79404
(806) 763-3003
Get help
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“I have found that no other adoption agency or adoption professionals have made me feel as safe and comfortable as the team at Adoption Advocates. They are truly serving pregnant women, the babies coming into this world, and hopeful adoptive parents.”
MELANIE | ADOPTIVE MOTHER
Take the First Step Now
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 Lubbock adoption specialist Shaelynn by calling or texting (972) 914-8490.
