Frequently Asked
Questions

Is Adoption Right For You?

Over the years, it has become apparent that birth mothers who are able to make an adoption plan for their babies are doing so for the most unselfish reasons. They are hoping to provide a better life for their child than they believe they are in a position to provide at that time ...
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Do I have to appear in court when placing my child for adoption?

If I am under 18, do my parents have to give permission for me to place my child?

What if the birthfather is not involved? Can I still place the child for adoption without his consent?

What information is needed from the birth father?

Can I name the baby?

Do I have to list the birthfather on the Birth Certificate?

Once I sign the Permanent Surrender, can I change my mind?

What is open adoption?

What qualifications must a family meet before they can adopt my child?

How much will I know about the adoptive family?

Can I be assured that my child will be brought up in the religion I choose?

How soon after the baby is born can he/she be placed with the adoptive family?

May I have photos of my baby?

If something would happen to the adoptive family, would I be responsible for parenting the child or would I be notified?

Will my medical expenses be paid by the agency?

How long will Gentle Care be available to me after placement?

How can I find out more about adoption and Gentle Care?

Is Adoption Right For You?
Adoption by Gentle Care is here to assist you in creating an adoption plan that is individual to you and in the best interest of your baby. Our caring and professional counselors have helped over 1300 women through their pregnancy and with the placement of their baby. Over the years, it has become apparent that birthmothers who are able to make an adoption plan for their babies are doing so for the most unselfish reasons. They are hoping to provide a better life for their child than they believe they are in a position to provide at that time.

Gentle Care is here to assist you with your physical and emotional needs, to counsel you as to the process, and to support you no matter what your decision. There is no pressure or coercion.

Our hope is to help. We are located in Ohio and can give you the personal attention that you need. Our counselors will travel to you to bring information and to give you an opportunity to meet your counselor and make sure you feel comfortable with Gentle Care and the process. That counselor will support you through each and every step of the way.

Do I have to appear in court when placing my child for adoption?
No. As long as your child is under 6 months of age at the time of placement, you do not have to appear in court.

If I am under 18, do my parents have to give permission for me to place my child?
No. In the state of Ohio, grandparents do not have legal rights to your child even if you are under 18, and therefore do not have to give consent for you to place your child. However, Gentle Care does require you to have legal representation throughout the adoption procedures. Gentle Care will provide an attorney for you or we will cover the expense of the attorney of your choice.

What if the birthfather is not involved? Can I still place the child for adoption without his consent?
If you are not legally married to the birthfather and he has not expressed a desire to raise the child or registered with the Ohio Putative Father Registry, Ohio law does not require the consent of the birthfather.

What information is needed from the birth father?
As much information as possible is needed. Remember his medical history is one half of your child’s medical history. If he is not involved or is unaware of the adoption, we will ask you to provide as much information as you can concerning the birthfather, such as physical description and medical information.

Can I name the baby?
If you choose to name the baby that name will appear on the original birth certificate. The adoptive family may or may not choose to keep that name. Many times they have names already picked out, or they may use the name you have given as the middle name.

Do I have to list the birthfather on the Birth Certificate?
No. However if you do place his name on the birth certificate, he may have to sign an affidavit at the hospital swearing he is the birthfather in order for his name to appear on the birth certificate.

Once I sign the Permanent Surrender, can I change my mind?
Once you have made the decision to place your child and you have signed the Permanent Surrender forms giving legal custody to the agency, it is a final decision that cannot be changed. This is why it is extremely important to consider all of your options before making this decision. If you are uncertain about your decision you should consider signing a Temporary Agreement and placing the child in foster care to give yourself more time to consider your options.

What is Open Adoption?
A fully open adoption is when birth parents and the adoptive family know identifying information and there is a mutual agreement to maintain contact throughout the child's life so the child will continue to have a relationship with the birth parents. It is not, however, co-parenting. Once the birth parents have relinquished their rights to the child, they do not have any legal rights as to how the child will be raised. Any arrangements the adoptive family and the birth parents make to continue contact is based on a trusting relationship and is not legally binding.

What qualifications must a family meet before they can adopt my child?
All prospective parents must complete a thorough home study and series of background checks, both local and statewide and in some cases FBI checks. Further requirements include physical exams, income statements, references and completion of Infant CPR.

How much will I know about the adoptive family?
A series of autobiographies/profiles are given to you for the purpose of selecting the adoptive family. The profiles include information about the parent's occupation, ages, physical descriptions, motivations to adopt, hobbies and interests. It also explains in what religion they plan to raise the child and what type of ongoing relationship they hope to have with the birth parents. You will also have the option of meeting the family or talking with them on the phone.

Can I be assured that my child will be brought up in the religion I choose?
You can be assured that Gentle Care will honor your request for any specific religion. However, it is not a guarantee the adoptive family will not change their religion, or that the child may not choose another religion as an adult.

How soon after the baby is born can he/she be placed with the adoptive family?
Legally, the baby can be placed with the adoptive family any time after the Permanent Surrender has been signed by the birth parents. The Surrender can be signed any time after 72 hours from birth. The child remains in the hospital during those 72 hours. If you need more time to make your decision, there is the option of placing the baby in short term, loving, infant foster care.