How Do I Find a Family for My Baby in Ohio?
You Are in Charge: Picking the Right Family for Your Baby
Most women are very concerned about the family that will be raising their child. If you are considering adoption for your baby, you want the family that will be best for that child AND you want a family, you feel comfortable with.
Things to Consider When Looking for a Family
Your first concern will be about the Safety and Happiness of your baby.
Every family goes through:
- –Criminal background check
- –Home studies by licensed professionals
- –Financial reviews to ensure stability
- –References from friends, family, and employers
- –Parenting readiness assessments
You will want to choose the Type of Adoption:
–Decide how much contact you want after the adoption.
–Do you want regular updates, pictures, videos, and maybe visits in an open adoption?
–Maybe you want a closed adoption with little or no contact. That is your choice.
–You could choose middle ground with some communication and the type of communication that makes you feel comfortable.
In Ohio, open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable, but most families honor them because they want what’s best for everyone. Your case manager will help you create a contact plan that feels right.
You Get to Decide
What Matters Most When Picking a Family
- Family Structure: Think about the type of family you want:
- A married couple
- A single parent
- A same-sex couple
- A family with or without other children
Location – Consider where you want your child to grow up:
- Close to you in Ohio (so visits might be easier)
- In a different state
- In a big city with lots of opportunities
- In a small town or rural area
- Near extended family
Values and Lifestyle – Choose a family that shares what’s important to you:
- Religious beliefs or spiritual practices
- Approach to education (public school, private school, homeschool)
- Involvement in activities like sports, arts, or music
- Connection to nature and outdoor activities
- Cultural traditions you want your child to experience
Cultural Awareness – If this matters to you, choose a family that:
- Understands and respects different cultures
- Will help your child feel proud of their background
- Lives in a diverse community
- Is committed to teaching your child about their heritage
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- What makes Heart to Heart Adoptions different?
- Will I be pressured to choose adoption?
- Where are the safe apartments to stay?
- Do you work with women in difficult situations?
- What kind of help is available for pregnant women?
- Can I get safe housing during pregnancy?
- What happens after I deliver my baby?
- How do I get emotional support?
- How do I find a safe family for my baby?
- Do I get to decide on the adoptive family?
- What expenses are covered during pregnancy?
- Will I get to see my baby after birth?
- What is open adoption in Ohio?
- What’s the difference between open and closed adoption?
- How does the Hearts Connect app work?
- Can I stay in touch with my child?
- How do I place my baby for adoption in Ohio?
- How do I choose the adoptive family?
- What support will I get before and after birth?
- How do I create a hospital plan?
- What are my rights as a birth mother in Ohio?
- When can I sign adoption papers in Ohio?
- What are birth father rights in Ohio?
- Can I change my mind about adoption?
How Do I See the Families to Choose
Your case manager will give you access to family profiles — like photo albums with letters from hopeful adoptive parents. These profiles include:
- –Photos of the family, their home, and their community
- –Letters explaining why they want to adopt
- –Information about their jobs, hobbies, and values
- –Details about the life they want to give your child
You can look through as many profiles as you want. Take your time. Ask questions. Your case manager will tell you more about any family that interests you.
Some birth mothers even meet their chosen family before the baby is born. Others prefer to keep more distance. It’s completely up to you.
What Expenses Are Covered During Pregnancy?
In Ohio, if you choose adoption, the adoptive family can help with:
- –Medical and hospital costs for prenatal care and delivery
- –Attorney fees for legal services
- –Adoption agency fees
- –Living expenses up to $3,000 (rent, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and personal care items during pregnancy through 60 days after birth)
Important: All payments are made directly to service providers whenever possible (like paying rent to your landlord or bills to the utility company). This protects you and ensures everything is legal and ethical.
Do I Get to See My Baby?
Yes! In Ohio, you have the right to:
–Hold your baby after birth
–Spend time with your baby in the hospital
–Name your baby or help choose the name
–Take photos and keepsakes
–Have the adoptive family there (if you want) or keep them away until you’re ready
Hospital Plan
Your case manager will help you create a hospital plan that explains exactly what you want:
–Who can visit you
–Whether the adoptive family is present at delivery
–How much time you want alone with your baby
–What happens when it’s time to say goodbye