Let us walk this journey with you

COUNSELING, SUPPORT

& ADOPTION PLANNING

We provide loving support and community resources to expectant parents facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Contact Us

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

At Hand in Hand, we do not charge for pregnancy counseling services.  This is a ministry of Christian Family Care, and the cost of this program is paid for by generous givers who believe in our Mission of walking alongside women who are facing unplanned pregnancy.

Absolutely!  We would LOVE to help you!  If you choose to parent, we can connect you with resources inside and outside of Christian Family Care to set you up for success.  Part of our mission is to strengthen families, and we desire the privilege of walking alongside you on your parenting journey!

Open adoption is a form of adoption in which the biological parents participate in the process of placing the child with an adoptive family and may continue to have contact thereafter.

A semi-open adoption is a form of adoption where the birth parent(s) and adoptive family have contact during pregnancy and often meet in person right before or right after birth.  The birth parent(s) and adoptive family exchange calls and texts during this time, and after the adoption, the adoptive family sends updates so that the birth parent(s) can be aware of important updates about their child.

Closed adoption is a form of adoption in which the biological parents have no direct contact with the adoptive family, and the adoptive parents often know little or nothing about the biological parents.

As the birth parent(s), you have the choice to determine whether you want an open or a closed adoption.  At Hand In Hand, we promote open adoption to all adoptive families, because we believe in the power of transparency and relationships.  However, confidential adoption plans are available for you.  The ultimate choice is yours, and we give you full autonomy to make this decision.

In the hospital, you may have as much or as little contact with your baby as you choose.  When planning your child’s adoption, you will work with your pregnancy counselor and the adoptive family to decide how often you would like to receive updates and visit with your child.  Our adoptive families respect the desire of birth parents to know that their child is loved and well cared for. 

Yes!  At Hand In Hand, we have adoptive couples who come from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life and have been carefully screened and approved to adopt.  There are additional options such as choosing a family member, friend, or someone who has been recommended to you.  Your pregnancy counselor will discuss all options with you, and be there for you, as you determine which option is best for you, your child, and your family.

You are able to choose an open, semi-open, or confidential adoption plan.  Your pregnancy counselor will ask you to provide your complete medical and social history for your child.  Regardless of the type of adoption plan chosen, this information is required to be shared in accordance with Arizona law.  You may choose to share or not share your full identity and/or where you live with the adoptive family.  If you have chosen an open adoption plan, you will likely have ongoing, direct contact with your child and the adoptive family.  Therefore, you will have many opportunities to share more details about yourself as you grow in relationship with them.

The information your child will have about his or her birth father depends upon his relationship with you and your pregnancy counselor.  Birth fathers are often willing to give complete medical and social historical information to the adoptive family because they recognize how important this is for their child.  In some cases, however, the only information available to the adoptive family is the information provided by the birth mother.

You have the option of allowing your child access to the adoption record at his or her 18th birthday.  You also have the right to change your mind about this at any time, as long as you provide the adoption agency with this information.

You have the right to choose the plan that is best for you and your baby.  Further, you have the right to change your mind at any point in the process until you have signed the adoption consent documentation.  In Arizona, once you have signed adoption consents, they are irrevocable.  You cannot legally sign adoption consent documentation until at least 72 hours after the baby is born.  Up until that point, adoption is only a plan.  The 72-hour timeframe gives you time to meet your baby, recover from delivery, and make a final decision.
If you choose adoption, you will not be responsible for the cost of your medical bills.  Arizona law also allows the agency to cover living expenses as long as the financial assistance helps to ensure your and the baby’s health, safety, and well-being.  Specifically, expenses such as rent, transportation, phone, food, and clothing can be covered expenses.  However, the financial support we provide is based upon individual need.  This is a topic you will want to discuss with your pregnancy counselor.

Your information is confidential.  Many women choose to keep their pregnancy and choices private, and at Hand In Hand, we fully respect this decision.  If at any time you would like for your pregnancy counselor to help you navigate how to tell your friends and family, we are happy to assist with that as well.

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