Adoptive couples
Adoption
Questions & Answers
We place your baby or child with the adopted family that you chose from our waiting list immediately and forever. No foster care, no temporary placement, and no case plan. You can have peace in your heart knowing this is a PERMANENT PLACEMENT with your adopted family.
How does Bundle of Hope assist with domestic adoptions?
Bundle of Hope provides personalized adoption services to support both birth parents and adoptive families. For expectant mothers, we offer guidance, resources, and emotional support to help them make the best decision for their child. For adoptive families, we assist with home studies, pre-adoption preparation, and post-placement reports required by the courts. We also facilitate interstate compact services to ensure a smooth adoption process across state lines. Every step of the way, we’re here to help create loving connections and bring hope to families.
What type of adoption is right for me?
At Bundle of Hope, we work with families of all backgrounds and believe every child deserves a loving home. As you begin your adoption journey, consider what type of adoption aligns with your heart and family. Many of our adoptions involve African American or Biracial children, and we encourage prospective parents to thoughtfully reflect on their openness to different racial and cultural backgrounds.
Additionally, it’s important to decide what level of openness feels right for you—whether that’s an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Each option offers different levels of communication and connection between birth parents and adoptive families. Our team is here to guide you through these decisions and help you find the best path forward for your family.
How much does adoption cost?
Our adoption services are completely free for birth parents. For adoptive parents, costs may vary and should be discussed with our agency before beginning the process. These typically include agency fees, legal expenses, and approved birth mother living costs. All financial support for the birth mother is reviewed and approved by the courts to ensure transparency. In most cases, birth mothers qualify for pregnancy Medicaid, which covers medical expenses related to the pregnancy. Our team is here to guide you through the financial aspects of adoption and ensure a smooth and ethical process for everyone involved.
Does your agency place children with single adoptive parents?
At Bundle of Hope, we believe that both a father and a mother provide essential role models in a child’s life. Because of our commitment to this belief, we only place children with married couples who can provide a nurturing, faith-based environment. Our goal is to ensure that every child grows up with the guidance and love of both a mother and a father.
Will the adoptive couple and birth mother meet?
This decision is entirely up to the birth mother. At Bundle of Hope, we want every birth mother to feel at peace with her adoption plan, whether that includes meeting the adoptive family or not. Some birth mothers choose to build a relationship with the adoptive parents, while others prefer more privacy. We respect and support whatever choice brings the most comfort and reassurance to everyone involved.
Will we have ongoing contact with the birth parents?
The level of contact between adoptive parents and birth parents is determined before the adoption and outlined in the adoption agreement. Some adoptions are open, allowing ongoing communication through letters, pictures, or visits, while others are semi-open or closed, with limited or no direct contact. Our team will help you explore the best option for everyone involved, ensuring a plan that provides clarity, comfort, and peace of mind.
Do birth parents receive counseling?
Yes, birth parents receive both pre-adoption counseling and, if needed, post-adoption counseling. Our goal is to provide compassionate support throughout the adoption journey, helping birth mothers feel confident and at peace with their decision. Many of our birth moms find that the guidance they receive before placement gives them the reassurance they need, but post-adoption support is always available for those who want it.
Does the birth father have rights?
Yes, birth fathers have legal rights in the adoption process. The state requires a diligent search to locate the birth father and obtain his consent for the adoption. If he cannot be found, a legal notice will be published in the city where he and the birth mother last had contact. This notice runs for four weeks to allow an opportunity for him to respond. Our team ensures that all legal steps are followed to protect the rights of everyone involved while keeping the adoption process as smooth as possible.
When and how does relinquishment take place?
The decision for adoption happens in two stages: first during prenatal counseling and again after birth. The legal, binding consent is signed 48 hours after birth, or sooner if the birth mother is discharged from the hospital before then. Once consent is signed, the adoption process moves forward. Birth parents are not required to attend the termination and finalization court hearings, as these proceedings are handled by the court and agency. Our team ensures that every step is conducted with care, providing guidance and support throughout the process.
When does placement take place?
Placement typically occurs after the birth mother signs the consent forms, which usually happens 24 to 48 hours after birth. Once consent is given and the hospital stay is complete—typically around 48 hours—the baby is then released to the adoptive family. Our team ensures that this process is handled with care and support, prioritizing the well-being of both the birth mother and the baby.
Can the adopted child search for their birth parents?
Yes. In Florida, birth parents are given information about the state’s adoption registry, where they can choose to register their contact information. Once the child turns 18 years old, they have the legal right to search for their birth parents. If both parties have registered, the state can help facilitate contact. Our goal is to ensure that all adoption records are handled with respect and care, allowing for the possibility of future connections if desired.
