What Happens When You Call an Adoption Agency?

Calling an adoption agency can feel like a much bigger step than it actually is. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you may worry that making the call means you have already decided. It does not. When you contact Alaska Adoption Services, the first goal is simply to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.

Step 1: You Reach Out

Start by calling or messaging Alaska Adoption Services.

You do not need to have the right words. You do not need to know whether you want adoption. You can simply say that you are pregnant and want information.

We will start from there.

Step 2: We Listen to What Is Going On

Before we explain the adoption process, we want to understand your situation.

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy, financial stress, an unsafe relationship, substance use, housing problems, or simply know that parenting is not the right choice for you right now?

You can tell us as much or as little as you are comfortable sharing at first. The more we understand, the better we can explain what support may be available.

Step 3: We Answer Your Immediate Questions

Most women have a few questions that feel urgent.

You may want to know whether adoption costs anything, whether the baby's father has to agree, whether you can choose the adoptive family, or whether you can have an open adoption. We will answer those questions in plain language. If something depends on your specific circumstances, we will explain that too.

You do not have to understand every part of adoption during the first conversation.

Step 4: We Explain Your Options

Next, we walk you through what adoption could look like for you.

That may include how an adoption plan works, how adoptive families are chosen, what happens at the hospital, and what support is available before and after birth. We can also explain open adoption and what ongoing contact may look like after placement.

Our job is to give you enough information to make your own decision.

Step 5: We Talk About What You Need Right Now

Sometimes the most important needs have nothing to do with paperwork. Do you need prenatal care, transportation, housing help, counseling, treatment resources, or support with another difficult situation?

Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to connect you with local services or explain what pregnancy related assistance may be available under Alaska law.

If you are in a rural community, we can also talk about distance, travel, and how to stay connected throughout the process.

Step 6: You Decide Whether You Want to Keep Exploring Adoption

At this point, you may want to move forward. Maybe you need more time. Both are okay.

Talking with our adoption agency does not obligate you to place your baby for adoption. You can gather information, ask questions, and take time to think.

If you decide adoption is not right for you, we respect that decision.

Step 7: We Help You Create an Adoption Plan

If you want to continue, we begin creating a plan around your needs and preferences.

Your adoption plan can include the type of adoptive family you are looking for, the level of openness you want, your hospital preferences, and how you hope to stay connected after placement.

You do not need to make every decision at once. We can work through each part with you as you are ready.

Step 8: You Learn About Waiting Adoptive Families

One of the most important parts of the process is choosing a family.

You can review waiting families and learn about their lives, values, parenting plans, and reasons for adopting. You can also ask questions about their understanding of open adoption. 

If one family feels like the right fit, we can help you connect with them. If none feel right, you do not have to choose one just because they are available.

Step 9: We Prepare for the Hospital

As your due date gets closer, we talk about what you want your hospital experience to look like.

That may include who you want with you, how much time you want with your baby, when the adoptive family should be involved, and what would make you feel most comfortable.

Your hospital plan can change if your feelings change after birth. Giving birth is your experience, and adoption does not take that away from you.

Step 10: You Make Your Final Decision After Birth

Creating an adoption plan during pregnancy is not the same as giving legal consent.

After your baby is born, you will have time to process what you are feeling and understand the next legal steps. If you decide to move forward, we will guide you through the consent process and make sure you understand what you are signing.

If you have questions or doubts, tell us. You should never feel pushed through such an important decision.

Step 11: Support Continues After Placement

Our relationship with you does not end when you leave the hospital.

Adoption can bring many emotions, even when you feel confident in your decision. We remain available for post placement support and to help you navigate your open adoption relationship.

You are still an important part of your child's story after placement.

Calling Alaska Adoption Services Is Just a First Step

If you are considering adoption in Alaska, contacting Alaska Adoption Services does not lock you into a decision. It simply gives you a place to ask questions and understand what your options really are.

You do not need to prepare a speech before you call. You do not need to know what you want yet. Start with your situation. We will listen, explain what comes next, and help you take the process one step at a time.