Choose an Adoptive Family for Your Baby
“I thought I’d have to take whatever family they gave me. When I learned I could actually choose, everything changed. I found a family in Draper that felt perfect.” – Sophia from West Valley City
The most important decision in your adoption journey is choosing the family who will raise your child. At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we believe you should have complete control over this choice. From the mountains of Layton to the red rocks of Hurricane, Utah families are waiting to meet you.
Meeting Waiting Adoptive Families
How Many Families Can I Look At? As many as you want! We have:
- Over 100 pre-approved families waiting
- Detailed profiles with photos and information
- Families from all backgrounds and walks of life
- Regular updates as new families join our program
What Information Do I Get About Families?
- Photos of the family, their home, and pets
- Information about their jobs, hobbies, and values
- Their hopes and dreams for a child
- Why they want to adopt
- Their parenting style and family traditions
“I looked at maybe 20 profiles before I found ‘the one.’ The family lived in Bountiful and had two dogs, just like I always wanted growing up. I knew immediately they were right.” – Taylor from Cache Valley
Open Adoption vs Closed Adoption
Open Adoption:
- You meet the family before birth
- You can stay in touch after adoption
- Get photos, letters, emails, or visits
- Your child grows up knowing you
Closed Adoption:
- No contact with the adoptive family
- All communication goes through the agency
- Your identity stays private
- The family’s identity stays private
Semi-Open Adoption:
- Limited contact through the agency
- You can send letters and photos
- No direct contact information shared
- You can upgrade to more openness later
“I chose open adoption and get pictures every month. Last week I got a video of her first steps. It makes my heart so happy to see her thriving.” – Brittany from Tooele County
Selecting the Right Family
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Do I want my child raised in a city or small town?
- What values are important to me?
- Do I want them to have siblings?
- What kind of education do I want for my child?
- Do I want them to know about their heritage?
Questions to Ask Families:
- How will you tell our child about adoption?
- What does openness mean to you?
- How do you handle discipline?
- What are your family traditions?
- How will you support our child’s interests?
How Does Adoption Work for Birth Mothers in Utah
- “Placing Baby for Adoption in Utah”
- “Birth Mother Rights Utah Adoption”
- “Adoption Process for Birth Mothers”
- “How to Start the Adoption Process”
Choose an Adoptive Family for Your Baby
- “Can I Choose the Family for My Baby”
- “Meet Waiting Adoptive Families”
- “Open Adoption vs Closed Adoption”
- “Selecting the Right Family”
Talk to an Adoption Counselor
- “24 Hour Adoption Helpline”
- “Chat with Adoption Counselor”
- “Emergency Adoption Help”
- “Help When You Need It”
Open Adoptions in Utah
- “Can I Have an Open Adoption?”
- “Can I Limit the Contact? Do I Get to Choose?”
- “Birth Mother Testimonials”
- “Success Stories from Birth Mothers in Utah”
Late Pregnancy Adoption Options
- “Third Trimester Adoption Plan”
- “Hospital Adoption Plan”
- “Late Term Adoption Choices”
- “Baby Has Already Been Born”
Birth Mother Support After Adoption
- “Birth Mother Support Groups Utah”
- “Post-Adoption Counseling”
- “Open Adoption Contact Agreements”
- “Ongoing Birth Mother Services”
The Matching Process
Step 1: Review Profiles Your case manager will show you families that match what you’re looking for.
Step 2: Ask Questions We’ll get answers to anything you want to know.
Step 3: Meet the Family This can be by phone, video call, or in person – whatever feels comfortable.
Step 4: Make Your Choice Take all the time you need. This is your decision.
“I chose open adoption and get pictures every month. Last week I got a video of her first steps. It makes my heart so happy to see her thriving.” – Brittany from Tooele County
Different Types of Families
We work with all kinds of families:
- First-time parents and families who already have children
- Single parents and married couples
- Families of different races and religions
- Families in Utah and across the country
- Military families and civilian families
- Young families and older families
What Families Want to Know About You
Adoptive families often ask:
- What you like to do for fun
- Your medical history
- Your family background
- Why you chose adoption
- What kind of contact you want
You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.
“The family I chose wanted to know about my love of art. Now they send me pictures of the finger paintings my daughter makes. She got my creative side!” – Autumn from Dixie
Red Flags to Watch For
While most families are wonderful, watch out for:
- Families who pressure you to decide quickly
- Those who won’t answer your questions
- Anyone who seems only interested in the baby, not you
- Families who refuse any openness
- Those who make promises they can’t keep
At Heart to Heart Adoptions, all our families are carefully screened. Our staff knows them well and can help you avoid any concerns.
Support During Matching
Your case manager will:
- Help you know what questions to ask
- Arrange meetings with families
- Give you honest feedback about families
- Support your decision, whatever it is
- Be there during emotional moments
Remember: You are choosing your child’s family. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and take your time. The right family will feel right to you.