Common Expectant Mother Questions

An unplanned pregnancy can be scary. If you are feeling unprepared, unsure, or overwhelmed we are here to help relieve your stress with some common questions and answers.

• I think I may want to place my baby for adoption. What is my first step?

  • First steps vary from person to person. Some want to speak with a family member first others may consider reaching out to an adoption agency to have a non-biased conversation, while still others may consider talking to their faith leader or other important person in their life. While there may not be a perfect first step a common theme is to start by getting support and having someone to talk to. Starr Adoption Services has available specialist and therapist to chat with you about your options and to let you know you are not alone.

• What if I am not sure if I want to parent or do an adoption?

  • It is really common to continue to process this decision, along with the emotions and realities related to each decision. Your Starr Options Counselor is here to process with you through this challenging decision. In Arizona you must wait until the baby is at least 72hours old to make your decision, but this time frame varies depending on your state. In other states you'll have anywhere from 12hours to a few days before making your final decision to sign the Consent to Adoption/Relinquishment of Parental Rights.

• What if I decide to parent?

  • If you decide to parent we have parenting classes to continue supporting you & your child. Your adoption specialist will still be available to assist you emotionally through the transition.

• What does it look like if I do an adoption?

  • You get to select if you want to have an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. If you decide to move forward with one of these adoption choices, you will get to select a home study approved family to develop a relationship (if you desire) with to raise the baby.

• I am struggling financially, are supports available to help me through this time.

  • Yes, living expenses may be available in your case. Expenses are reviewed and approved through the court, but must be deemed to be reasonable. Living Expenses may include things such as assistance with rent, utilities, food, a bus card, gas money, and your cell phone. These expenses vary from person to person and as mentioned before they must be approved by the court. Living expenses are NOT payment for a child(ren).

• What services does Starr Adoption Services offer to birth parents?

  • Starr Adoption Services have a full array of services including Intake Services, Counseling Services, Court Approved Pregnancy Related Living Expenses, Parenting Courses, Case Management, Hospital Planning, and more.

• Will someone be at the hospital with me during my delivery?

  • We strive to be available to support you at the hospital during your delivery. On occassion we may not make it to you in time if you deliver quickly, live far away, or cannot leave another delivery. We will work with you to develop a plan for your delivery.

• Does Starr Adoption Services have an office in Tucson, Arizona?

  • Yes, we have an office in Tucson, Arizona and we also provide services state wide for birth parents.

• How do people get to become adoptive parents?

  • Prospective adoptive parents must go through a rigorous process including background, financial, health, reference, and home checks, amongst many other criteria and requirements. Families often take 6-12 months or more to make it through the approval process to become eligible to adopt & based off of national averages many families wait 5-7 years from that time to be selected by expectant parents as prospective adoptive parents.