What is Covered in Adoption Counseling in Oklahoma?
By Eric Somarriba
Adoption is a long and often hard process, and we understand much support is needed for birth mothers. Unfortunately, some birth mothers lose the support of their loved ones for choosing to go forward with their unplanned pregnancies. Even if a birth mother still has support, meeting with professionals can go a long way in easing the process. As such, Adoption Choices of Oklahoma provides support via adoption counseling offered along with our other services. We have guided women through the adoption process for 19 years and dedicate ourselves to supporting them throughout every step. We help plan your baby’s adoption and ensure you’re never alone at any point during your Oklahoma adoption.
Q&A About Adoption Counseling
To best explain adoption counseling, we sat down with Natalie Turner, the Executive Director of Adoption Choices of Oklahoma. There we asked her many questions about the details of Oklahoma adoption, and her answers and shown below.
Q: What is Adoption Counseling?
A: Adoption counseling with our case workers is them walking through the adoption process with our birth parents. We explain the process and how it works and are there for them to be a support system.
Q: How Does a Birth Mother First Connect With a Counselor?
A: When they first contact our adoption agencies in Oklahoma, their information comes directly to me. I initiate contact and answer any initial questions that they have. We do this to get their personalities, see their situation, and then determine their location. Then at that time, I assign it to a case worker in their area who would have the best connection with them.
Q: What is The Most Common Topic That Comes Up in Counseling?
A: The most common topic is the type of adoption and if the birth mother can choose the family. The answer is yes, they are fully involved in the selection process and what type of family they want. A big misconception is that the birth parents initially think they don’t have a say, but it’s the complete opposite. They tell us what they want their adoption plan to be like then we find families to meet their criteria. The perception is that we’re going to pick, and then the birth family decides but what happens is different. We meet with them and hear what they want it to be like. We ask what contact they want, and then we find families that want the same thing they do.
Q: What Does An Average Meeting Look Like?
A: An average meeting is like going to have coffee, somewhere where they’re comfortable or at home. We come to them unless they want to meet at the office. But usually, people are more comfortable meeting at home or in a public place. So, it looks just like a sit-down, and we just go over details and discuss her needs. Whether it’s just support for the week because she lost her support, we’re there to be her new support system. But it’s usually having a sit-down conversation on what she’s thinking and what’s going on in her situation.
Q: How Often Can Meetings Be Held?
A: As often as the birth mother needs. Each situation is different. The first meeting starts with the case worker setting an initial intake to review paperwork. But it’s just as much as she needs. It depends on her schedule and her doctor’s appointments. We at least check in once a week, but if our services are needed, we’ll check in more. It all depends on what they need
Q: What Impact Has Counseling Had on Birth Mothers?
A: A support system mainly. One thing to understand is that adoption is difficult. It’s difficult for family and friends and other surrounding areas. Many outsiders don’t understand what the birth mother is going through, so we’re a support system for them. In some cases, I’ll say 70% or more. The caseworker may be the only support system for a birth mother. If her family doesn’t support her decision, we’re there to support them and hear what they need. We want to be there with them at the hospital. We’re here if they need to call or talk. It’s always an open door of communication for whatever they need.
Q: Can Birth Mothers Receive Counseling After The Adoption is Done?
A: Yes, even after the adoption finished. I have several birth mothers that I maintain contact with even though their case is closed. We’ve built a relationship, and sometimes I’m the only line of support, and I want to see my girls succeed. It may be talking about her enrolling in school or maybe talking about her getting a job. I have a birth mother from three years ago who was excited to tell me she got a job. She’s also working on getting her place, so we stick around. It’s not just about work. Even though the case is closed, we follow up and are there for them. We do offer counseling through a therapist if they want. That is allowed up to six months after placement.
Q: Is There a Limit on How Long a Birth Mother Can Have Counseling?
A: Our caseworkers end their caseworker and counseling services for the case two months post placement. But they remain available to our birth parents if they need guidance or emotional support. The official casework is just closed out sixty days post placement. Paid Therapist counseling and support are available up to 6 months after the adoption.
Adoption Counseling With Adoption Choices of Oklahoma
We hope these questions and answers give you confidence in knowing you’re not alone. Our private adoption agencies won’t simply drop you when we finish your case. We’re here for the long run. We are here for you, especially if we’re the only ones to be there at every step. Adoption can be long and hard, but we are here, ready to be the support system you need.
To begin your adoption process with us, contact an adoption center near you. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us. Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-201-6643 | Email
