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Creating An Adoption Plan in Arizona
If you are pregnant and considering adoption in Arizona, you may be wondering what an adoption plan looks like and whether you get to make decisions about what happens.
You do!
An adoption plan is a personalized plan that allows you to make choices about your adoption experience, your baby's adoptive family, the type of adoption and future contact you would like, your hospital and birth experience, and the support you need along the way.
You don't have to know exactly what you want before you contact Starr Adoption Services.
Our Adoption Options Counselors are available 24/7 to answer your questions, listen to your circumstances, and help you understand your choices.
Talking with us does not commit you to adoption.
Our goal is to provide information and support without pressure or judgment so you can make the decision that feels right for you and your baby.
An adoption plan is a plan created around your wishes, your circumstances, and your hopes for your child.
There isn't one adoption plan that is right for everyone.
Some expectant parents want an open adoption with ongoing contact. Others prefer a semi-open adoption with communication through an agency. Some prefer a more private or closed adoption.
You may have very specific ideas about the family you want for your child. You may know exactly what you want your hospital experience to look like—or you may have no idea yet.
That's okay.
Your Starr Adoption Services counselor will take the time to listen to you and help you explore the possibilities.
This is your adoption plan.
You Have Choices
Creating an adoption plan means you can talk about the things that matter most to you.
Your plan may include decisions about:
Choosing an Adoptive Family
You can participate in selecting the adoptive family for your baby.
You may want a family with certain values, interests, beliefs, family structure, parenting philosophy, or lifestyle.
You can tell us what is important to you, and we can help you learn about families who may be a good fit.
View Starr Adoption Services families →
Choosing the Type of Adoption
You can discuss:
Open adoption
Semi-open adoption
Closed adoption
There is no single type of adoption that is right for every expectant parent.
Choosing How You Stay Connected
Depending on your adoption plan, you may discuss:
In-person visits
Phone calls
Video calls
Emails
Letters
Photos and updates
Other forms of communication
Your wishes and the adoptive family's expectations can be discussed as you create your plan.
Creating a Hospital & Birth Plan
You can also make a plan for your hospital experience.
You may want to discuss:
Who you want with you during labor
Who you want supporting you during delivery
Whether you want the adoptive family at the hospital
When you want the adoptive family to arrive
Who you want to hold or spend time with your baby
Your preferences for communication
Your comfort and privacy
Other wishes that are important to you
Your birth may not go exactly according to plan, and that's okay. Your adoption professional can help you navigate changes along the way.
You Are in Control of Your Adoption
One of the most important things we want you to know is that your adoption plan belongs to you.
You are not creating a plan for the adoption agency.
You are creating a plan for you and your child.
Your circumstances, feelings, and wishes are unique.
You may know exactly what you want.
You may have lots of questions.
You may change your mind about certain details as you learn more.
Your adoption counselor can help you talk through those decisions without telling you what you should choose.
Our job is to listen, explain your options, and support you.
Choosing an Adoptive Family
Choosing the adoptive family can be one of the most meaningful parts of creating an adoption plan.
Starr Adoption Services has home-study-approved adoptive families who are waiting to grow their families through adoption.
You can tell us what qualities you are hoping for in a family.
For example, you may be interested in:
A single parent
A married couple
A family with other children
A family without other children
A particular religious or spiritual background
Certain values or traditions
A specific lifestyle
A family who enjoys particular hobbies or activities
A family who lives in a particular type of community
A family who is comfortable with an open adoption
There may be other things that matter to you, too.
Tell us what is important to you.
We will help you explore families and consider which family may be the right fit for your adoption plan.
Want to See Some of Our Families?
View Starr Adoption Services Adoptive Families → Our SAS Families
The families shown online may not represent all families available through Starr Adoption Services. Contact us so we can learn more about what you are hoping for.
Choosing the Type of Adoption
Another important part of creating an adoption plan is deciding what kind of relationship you would like to have with your child and the adoptive family after placement.
There are three common types of adoption plans: open, semi-open, and closed.
These descriptions are general. Every adoption relationship can look different, and your adoption professional can help you explore what may work best for you.
Open Adoption
An open adoption may include ongoing communication or contact between the birth parent, child, and adoptive family.
Depending on the individual adoption plan, communication might include:
Photos and updates
Phone calls
Video calls
Letters
In-person visits
Other forms of communication
The amount and type of contact can vary.
An open adoption does not necessarily look the same for every family.
Ready to Talk?
You don't have to have everything figured out before you contact Starr Adoption Services.
If you're pregnant and considering adoption in Arizona, we're here to listen.
Call or text us 24/7 at 480-519-4393.
Your conversation is private and confidential.
No pressure. No judgment. Just someone who will listen and help you understand your options.
Call or Text 480-519-4393
Starr Adoption Services
Serving Expectant Parents Throughout Arizona
What is an Adoption Plan?
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption may allow communication and updates while maintaining agreed-upon boundaries.
For example, information, letters, photos, or updates may be exchanged through an agency or another agreed-upon method rather than through direct contact.
This type of plan may be appealing to someone who wants updates about their child while also wanting more defined boundaries.
Closed Adoption
A closed adoption generally involves limited or no ongoing identifying communication between the birth parent and adoptive family.
Some expectant parents may feel that a more private adoption is the best choice for their circumstances.
Your counselor can explain the different possibilities and help you think through what feels right for you.
What Kind of Contact Can I Have After Adoption?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
You can talk with your counselor about the type of communication or contact you would like to have.
You might want:
Photos and updates
You may want to receive updates about your child as they grow.
Phone or video calls
You may want to communicate with the adoptive family or your child by phone or video.
In-person visits
Depending on your adoption plan and circumstances, you may want to discuss future visits.
Letters or emails
You may prefer written communication and updates.
A combination
Your adoption plan can be individualized around what you hope your relationship will look like.
Starr Adoption Services can help you and the adoptive family discuss expectations for ongoing contact.
Creating Your Hospital & Birth Plan
For many expectant parents, thinking about the hospital is one of the most important parts of creating an adoption plan.
You may have questions like:
Who will be with me?
Will the adoptive family be at the hospital?
When will they arrive?
Will I be able to spend time with my baby?
Who will support me during labor?
What if I change my mind about something at the hospital?
These are all questions you can discuss before your baby's birth.
Your counselor can help you create a hospital and birth plan that communicates your wishes to the appropriate people involved in your care.
Your plan may include preferences regarding:
Labor and delivery
Your support person
The adoptive family
Time with your baby
Communication
Privacy
Hospital visitors
Other personal wishes
Your comfort and your wishes matter.
What If I Don't Know What I Want Yet?
That's completely okay.
You don't have to arrive with a completed adoption plan.
You don't even have to know whether you want adoption.
You can simply call or text and say:
“I have questions.”
We can start there.
You can ask about:
Adoption
Parenting
Your pregnancy
Choosing an adoptive family
Open adoption
Financial assistance
Housing or other resources
The hospital
Legal questions
What happens after placement
You can take time to learn.
There is no pressure to make an immediate decision.
Can I Change My Adoption Plan?
Your circumstances and feelings can change as your pregnancy progresses.
You may learn something about yourself, your baby, the adoptive family, or the adoption process that makes you want to reconsider some part of your plan.
Talk with your adoption professional as soon as possible if you have questions or want to make changes.
Because adoption involves important legal steps, your attorney can explain how Arizona law applies to your particular situation and what legal rights and requirements may apply at different stages.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Understanding your options is an important part of making an informed decision.
Can I Create an Adoption Plan in My Third Trimester?
Yes, you can still contact Starr Adoption Services during your third trimester.
You may still have time to:
Talk with an adoption professional
Explore your options
Create an adoption plan
Learn about adoptive families
Choose an adoptive family
Develop a hospital and birth plan
Discuss financial and pregnancy-related support
Talk with an attorney
Prepare for placement
Every pregnancy and adoption situation is different.
If your due date is approaching, don't assume it is too late to ask for help.
Call or text us at 480-519-4393.
What If I've Already Given Birth?
If you have already delivered your baby, you can still contact Starr Adoption Services to discuss your circumstances.
You may be in the hospital.
You may have already taken your baby home.
You may simply be wondering what your options are.
You don't have to figure it out by yourself.
Our adoption professionals can listen to your situation and help you understand what options may be available.
I've Already Delivered
What Support Can I Receive While Creating an Adoption Plan?
Creating an adoption plan involves more than choosing an adoptive family.
You may need practical, emotional, medical, or legal support during your pregnancy.
Depending on your circumstances and applicable Arizona requirements, Starr Adoption Services may be able to help connect you with resources involving:
Pregnancy-related assistance
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Maternity clothing
Medical support
Counseling
Case management
Legal support
Your adoption professional can talk with you about your individual circumstances and explain what support may be available.
Learn More About Financial Assistance
You Don't Have to Create Your Adoption Plan Alone
You may have a lot of decisions to make, but you don't have to make them without support.
Your Starr Adoption Services counselor can walk through the process with you one step at a time.
We can help you think about:
What do I want for my child?
What kind of family am I hoping for?
What kind of relationship do I want after adoption?
What do I want my hospital experience to look like?
What support do I need during pregnancy?
What questions do I have about the legal process?
There is no need to have all of the answers when you call
Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption Plans in Arizona
What is an adoption plan?
An adoption plan is an individualized plan created with an expectant parent to outline their wishes and preferences for the adoption process. It can include choosing an adoptive family, deciding on the type of adoption and future contact, planning for the hospital and birth, and identifying support needed during the pregnancy and adoption process.
Do I have to choose adoption if I contact Starr Adoption Services?
No.
You can contact Starr Adoption Services simply to ask questions and learn about your options.
Talking with an adoption professional does not mean that you have committed to adoption.
Can I choose the adoptive family?
Yes. Expectant parents can participate in selecting an adoptive family. You can tell your counselor what qualities and characteristics are important to you and review information about available families.
Can I choose an open adoption?
You can discuss open, semi-open, and closed adoption with your counselor.
Your preferences for communication and contact can be discussed as part of your individualized adoption plan.
Can I meet the adoptive family before placement?
Depending on your circumstances and adoption plan, you may have an opportunity to communicate with or meet the adoptive family before placement.
Talk with your counselor about what you would like.
What can I include in my hospital plan?
Your hospital plan can address your wishes for labor and delivery, who supports you, who you want involved, the adoptive family's involvement, communication, time with your baby, privacy, and other preferences that are important to you.
Can I create an adoption plan if I'm in my third trimester?
Yes. You can contact Starr Adoption Services at any point during your pregnancy to discuss your options and learn about creating an adoption plan.
What if I've already given birth?
Contact Starr Adoption Services as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances. If you are still in the hospital or have already taken your baby home, an adoption professional can help you understand your options.
Can I change my adoption plan?
Your circumstances and wishes can change. If you have questions about changing your adoption plan, talk with your adoption professional and attorney so you understand the options and legal requirements that apply to your situation.
What if I'm not sure adoption is right for me?
You don't have to be sure.
You can contact Starr Adoption Services to talk about your pregnancy, parenting, adoption, financial concerns, relationships, or other circumstances affecting your decision.
No pressure. Just support and information.
Why Starr Adoption Services?
Starr Adoption Services believes that adoption should be approached with compassion, honesty, and respect for the expectant parent.
We don't believe you should be pressured into making a decision.
We believe you deserve:
A private and confidential conversation
Honest answers to your questions
The opportunity to explore your options
A voice in choosing your child's adoptive family
The ability to discuss the type of adoption you want
Support in creating your hospital plan
Counseling and emotional support
Help understanding the adoption process
Support throughout your adoption journey
Most importantly, we want you to feel heard.
Adoption Is About Choices
There may be many decisions involved in creating an adoption plan.
But you don't have to make all of them today.
You can start with one conversation.
You can ask questions.
You can take your time.
You can tell us what matters to you.
And if you decide adoption is right for you, we will help you create a plan that reflects your wishes for you and your child.
This is your plan.
Our Approach
In addition to considering your values, preferred family type, and other preferences, we also seek to match birth and adoptive families who have similar goals for ongoing contact & connection.
Lasting Relationships
Adoption is about having MORE people to love and to love your child.