By Tina Miller, Program Coordinator/Adoption at LFCS
If you take all the women who become pregnant each year, 90 percent or more will choose to parent their baby. For those who cannot choose parenting, there are several paths available.
The five primary options include:
- Adoption placement through an agency or facilitator. Even within this option, there are many choices. You can research trusted providers through the federal Child Welfare Information Gateway to learn about the various programs and philosophies available.
- Adoption placement with someone you personally know. This is often referred to as independent or designated adoption, where the birth parent selects an acquaintance, friend, or family member.
- Guardianship. A parent may arrange for a trusted friend or family member to care for the child temporarily while maintaining the possibility of resuming parenting in the future.
- Foster care and reunification. If child protective services are already involved, parents can choose for their child to enter temporary foster care and actively work toward reunification. They can also express a preference for the foster parents to eventually adopt the child if reunification is not possible.
- Safe Haven relinquishment. A woman can anonymously leave a baby at a designated location, such as a baby box, emergency room, or staffed fire station. Child protective services then steps in to place the child in care, which may ultimately lead to adoption. You can review specific state guidelines and locations through the National Safe Haven Alliance.
When a woman is pregnant and in crisis, meaning parenting is not an option she can easily choose right now, LFCS provides a safe, dedicated space to receive education and support. You will always be given accurate, nonjudgmental information about all your options.
Every woman is assigned a dedicated case manager. Our goal is to connect you to vital community resources, help stabilize your situation, assist with prenatal care coordination, and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
We Are Here to Help
If you or someone you know is pregnant and needs a supportive advocate to talk to, please reach out to the LFCS team.
- Email: [email protected]
- Call: 866-326-LFCS (5327)
- Learn More: Visit the LFCS Pregnancy & Support Services page to connect with a local representative.