[artteacher]

I am advertising for a private adoption situation and have been contacted by mothers of birthmoms who are researching adoption for their daughters. In both situations it seems that they are not finding the answers to the questions that serve their best interests. Can anyone tell me where I can advise them to get that info. As someone hoping to meet the family who will be a part of our future, I'm not sure that advising them to go to an adoption agency for counseling would be in my own interest. Are there birthmom support groups these girls could contact in the Virginia area that they could contact to hear about the pros and cons before they make such a life altering decision?

[stevetcg]

Why would directing them to an adoption agency not be in your best interest?

An adoption agency would be the best resource available, regardless if they were ultimately to use the agency or go the private route. I would direct them to a quality, not for profit agency that they feel comfortable with. Remember, the services offered by adoptions agencies are free for birth parents.

[Synnen]

Depending on the adoption agency, it WOULD be in their best interest to direct them there.

I strongly suggest non-profit agencies (like Lutheran Social Services or Catholic Social Services) over private agencies though.

LSS also has a HUGE network of birthmother support groups (I've been involved in a few of their groups over the years due to several moves).

In addition, there are counselors that specialize in adoption issues--many OB/Gyns know how to get that information if they do not have it already.

Planned Parenthood also has a good network of adoption support groups/birthmother support groups.

Kudos to you for caring about the birthfamily as a whole :)