Adoption Choices of New York during COVID-19

Adoption and COVID

If you are pregnant and considering putting your child up for adoption in New York, COVID-19 might have you concerned and asking questions about how adoption works through a pandemic.

Adoption Choices of New York is open, fully operational, and here to help with adoption services. Adoption is considered an essential service so no matter what businesses are closed or restricting their hours, we can still help. We remain open to help expectant mothers who want to place their child for adoption. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week supporting birth mothers via phone, text, chat, social, Facetime, Zoom or Skype and in person.

Adoption Choices of New York is committed to the care of pregnant women in New York considering adoption, birth mothers who are navigating the adoption process, in the process of placement, or in need of post-placement support throughout the coronavirus crisis. We are also dedicated to prospective adoptive parents and families pursuing adoption.

There is still a lot to learn about COVID-19, but let’s answer a few questions and find out what steps can help keep everyone safe:

1. Can I choose adoption during COVID | coronavirus | pandemic | lockdown | quarantine?Yes. Adoption Choices of New York is open and prepared to fully support pregnant women considering adoption and birth mothers through the adoption process in New York.
2. Can I continue with my adoption plan for my child? Yes. If you have already been matched with an adoptive family, your adoption plan will continue regardless of COVID-19.
3. How are adoption agencies in NY taking precautions with pregnant women and birth mothers? Adoption Choices of New York is open and still helping pregnant women and birth mothers. We are able to meet virtually via phone, text, video, chat, or social. We can also meet in person. We will ensure proper safety gear, wear masks, and follow social distancing guidelines.
4. Is the adoption process in New York Still the same during COVID? Yes! You can still make an adoption plan just as you would have before COVID-19. You will still work with one of our adoption caseworkers, who will provide support and resources and answer any questions you have. You will still fill out paperwork, choose the type of adoption that works for your needs, browse prospective adoptive parent profiles and match with the family you want to adopt your baby.
5. Will COVID cause delays in my adoption process? Delays in the adoption process will vary from person by person due to the different ways of communication and what you are comfortable with. Keep in mind there may be some delays since everyone must practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It might take a little longer to communicate with everyone involved in the adoption process. For example, families hoping to adopt must go through interviews and home studies, which are usually conducted in person. Because of COVID-19 safety measures, completing these protocols might be slower. But don’t worry; there are still many families waiting to open their homes and hearts to an adopted baby. We are working hard to make sure you connect safely with an adoptive family.

6. Should I postpone my prenatal doctor’s appointments? No. You should still see your doctor. Prenatal check-ups are important to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. Your doctor will give you advice about how to protect you and your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy and during the pandemic.
7. I’d like the adoptive family to be with me at my prenatal appointments. Who is allowed in the doctor’s office? Different healthcare providers have different rules about visitors to keep everyone healthy and safe. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you’re allowed to have someone accompany you to your doctor’s appointments.

8. How can I stay in touch with the adoptive parent during the COVID-19 crisis? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)has advised against physical person-to-person contact of any kind. You put yourself and your baby at risk by being in the same room with other people and breathing the same air. During this time, it is best to communicate with the adoptive parents on Facetime, Skype, or Zoom. You can also call and send text messages.
9. I’m about to give birth and place my baby for adoption; what will my hospital experience be like? It is still safe to give birth at a hospital, where professionals can provide the best care. Your labor and delivery team will do everything they can to protect your health and your baby.Before entering the hospital, you will be screened and/or tested for COVID-19. If you test positive or are suspected of having COVID-19, don’t worry. You will still be cared for, just in another part of the hospital in order to prevent the spread of disease.

   Your labor plan should be the same as it would be normally pre-pandemic. Generally, COVID-19 should not change the preferred timing and method of your delivery. Check with your doctor to see if you need to make any modifications. Your labor and delivery team will wear masks and other personal protective equipment. Ask your doctor about whether or not you should wear a mask during labor and delivery.

10. Can I have visitors with me when I give birth if I’m choosing adoption? Ask your healthcare provider about their visitor policies for mothers in labor. You’ll likely be limited to one support person in the delivery room/maternity ward with you for the duration of your hospital stay. This visitor could be a family member, a friend, a member of the adoptive family, a doula, your adoption caseworker, etc.Visitors will be screened for symptoms. They must wear a face covering and follow all other public health and hospital guidelines. Check with your hospital to figure out when visitors are allowed to visit and which hospital entrance they should use.

    Ask your caseworker and healthcare provider about options to video chat so more people can be virtually present for the birth of your baby.

11. How long will I stay in the hospital after giving birth and placing my baby for adoption? You’ll be discharged as soon as safely possible to minimize your time spent at the hospital. Returning home quickly protects your health and prevents exposure to COVID-19. Your care team will ensure that you are in good health and fully ready to be discharged before you are sent home.
12. The family adopting my baby doesn’t live locally. How is COVID-19 affecting their travel plans? These days, traveling is more complicated. Taking a flight, riding a bus or train or driving can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. If your adoptive family is traveling from out of town to meet your baby at the hospital, they will need to find a transportation solution that follows public health requirements for safe travel. Your hospital and your caseworker will ensure that your baby is safely delivered to the adoptive parents.
13. What if I test positive for COVID before giving birth? So far, very few babies born to mothers with COVID-19 test positive for the virus in the first few days. Depending on the hospital, one person may be allowed in the hospital room with you during birth; you both will be asked to wear a mask. The baby will receive usual care and bathed after delivery.Newborns of women  who have tested positive for COVID-19 are usually tested 24 hours and 48 hours after they are born. If the test is positive, the baby may get tested every 48-72 hours until there are two negative tests in a row. If the baby tests positive but does not have any symptoms, the adoptive family will be advised to follow up often with the baby’s pediatrician during the first 14 days after the baby was born.

14. Will support services from adoptive families be affected? No. You will continue to receive support. If the adoptive parents have agreed to pay reasonable living expenses of the birth mother, then this should continue. Reasonable expenses include rent, utilities, basic telephone and Internet service, food, clothing, transportation, insurance, and other expenses necessary to maintain your health and the health of your baby. The potential adoptive parents of your child should also pay the necessary medical expenses, legal and court costs, and the fees of other professionals seen by the birth mother.
15. What about post-placement assistance? If you are scheduled to deliver in the coming weeks or you have recently given birth and placed your child for adoption, post-placement adoption assistance is available. Adoption Choices of New York will continue to work with birth mothers. This includes health care treatment and counseling support. You will continue to receive financial assistance for six weeks post-placement.

Adoption and COVID in New York

COVID-19 has the entire world thinking differently. Many of the choices we make are reflected by our current situations, including the global pandemic. At Adoption Choices of New York, we consider health and safety as highly important. While we have made a few slight changes so that adoption can continue smoothly and safely for you and prospective adoptive families, most aspects of adoption remain the same! Adoption is still an option, just as much as it was before. The impacts of COVID-19 on adoption in New York are limited, but they’re worth knowing while you create your adoption plan with a trusted, licensed adoption center.

Please make sure you check the CDCand WHO websites regularly for any COVID updates!

Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email