Private Adoption occurs when a parent makes a choice to place their child(ren) with another family for a number of reasons. This choice can be made at any time in the child’s life.

Foster care is a temporary service provided by the state for children who cannot live with their families due to a variety of circumstances ranging from neglect to endangerment to abuse.

Licensed adoption agencies have oversight through the state and are held to a high standard when it comes to ethically meeting the needs of expectant mothers. As a non-profit adoption agency, we provide for expectant mothers throughout pregnancy and even into life after placement. This is something independent attorneys in Arkansas are not required to do.

There are 3 types of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. Each level refers to the amount of contact between the birth mother and the child post placement.

Open adoption involves direct contact and communication with the adoptive family as well as in person visits after the baby goes home with the adoptive parents.

Semi-open involves some level of contact between the adoptive family and the birth family but the specifics will be worked out in each situation.

Closed adoption means the adoptive parents and the birth parent(s) have no contact and often do not even exchange personal information.

We advocate for semi-open and open adoptions because these are the healthiest for both the adopted child and the birth family. However, expectant moms ALWAYS have choice in the level of openness with their child.

It is important that you feel safe and cared for during and after your pregnancy. Ethical adoption agencies will provide you with your own legal representation and will counsel you throughout the process. At Shared Beginnings, you will have a voice every step of the way.

Your voice will always be heard. When placing for adoption, you have a lot of decisions to make. We will be there, guiding you along the way, but the choices will always be yours. Here are a few examples of things you have control over:

– Choosing an OBGYN

– Requesting your own attorney

– Choosing an adoptive family

– Creating a birth plan that fits your needs (Who do you want in the room with you? Do you want to spend time with baby in the hospital or have the adoptive parents care for him/her or a mixture of both?)

– Deciding the level of openness after baby is born

Adoptive parents working with Shared Beginnings go through a rigorous screening process: phone interview, in person meeting (if applicable,) background checks, and a home study. Home studies involve state and FBI background checks, disclosing financial history and stability, emotional and physical well-being, parenting style, information on any minors in the home, documentation of pet vaccinations, and more.