Choosing adoption for an unplanned pregnancy is a big decision, and one that you’ll need to time explore. Start by learning about the adoption process and the choices that you can make as part of an adoption plan.
Whether you are early in your pregnancy or have already delivered, Adoption Advocates can help you explore open adoption to see if it’s the best choice for you. As a nonprofit adoption agency founded by an adoptee, we are committed to providing honest, transparent and accurate information about adoption so that you can make an informed choice. We’ll support and respect your decision, even if you decide adoption is not right for you.
Clients in Victoria, Port Lavaca and surrounding areas in Texas, are served by adoption specialist, Alicia Ports.
Call or Text: (512) 270-8415
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.
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.
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.
From pregnancy tests to labor & delivery hospitals, get help in Victoria for your unplanned pregnancy. If you’re worried about health care costs and don’t have insurance, you may be eligible for Texas Pregnancy Medicaid.
Victoria Pregnancy Testing & Family Planning
DeTar Medicine Center
501 E Colorado St.
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 579-8300
Visit website
Pregnancy Help Center of the Crossroads Area
615 N Virginia
Port Lavaca, TX
(361) 551-2102
Visit website
Victoria Prenatal Care & Hospitals
Citizens Medical Center
2701 Hospital Dr
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 573-9181
Website
Victoria Women’s Clinic Associates – Citizens Campus
2705 Hospital Drive
Suite 300, Building B
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 578-5233
Website
Community Health Centers of South Central Texas
228 Saint George
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-6511
Website
Additional Resources
Texas Health & Human Services Benefits Office
2306 Leary Lane
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 578-3523
Apply online
WIC – Victoria Co Public Health Dept
2805 Navarro
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 578-2884
Apply online
Mid-Coast Family Services
111 South Liberty Street
Ste. LL5
Victoria, TX 77901
Apply online
Emergency shelter services for victims of family violence and their children
Find additional resources for unplanned pregnancies and parenting near Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Houston.
ADVICE FROM A BIRTH MOTHER
No matter where the baby ends up, people will often feel obligated to tell you to do what they feel is right or what you “should” do. Only you know what is right for you, and what’s right for what’s growing inside you.
Sarah D. | BIRTH 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 Victoria adoption specialist Alicia by calling or texting (512) 270-8415.
