The Impacts of COVID-19 on Adoption 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. Thus, we have made a few changes so that adoption can continue smoothly and safely for birth mothers and prospective adoptive families.
However, most aspects of adoption will stay 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.
Changes in Adoption: Virtually the Same
We want you to have a smooth adoption process. We understand that you may be worried about the pandemic affecting your adoption plan. Rest assured, most aspects of adoption will be nearly the same as normal. Adoption is still ongoing — people who want to adopt will still be able to apply as normal. The biggest changes come in communication.
Thankfully, we have modern technology to guide us through these strange times. Virtual methods of communication are readily available.
While we cannot meet in person, you can still communicate with our agency through the phone, e-mail or video chat as needed. We can deliver profile books by e-mail so you can select the ideal adoptive family. This way, we can communicate as safely and efficiently as possible — we understand how important these choices are for you.
Depending on your adoption plan details, you may have the chance to communicate with the adoptive family through phone calls, texts or ZOOM going forward as well.
What Will My Hospital Stay Look Like?
Your hospital stay and delivery experience are your choices to make and an important part of your adoption journey. Unfortunately, one of the impacts of COVID-19 in New York include changes to the hospital birth experience. It’s important to note that the exact situation may vary from hospital to hospital.
However, you do not have to go through the birth alone: hospitals allow one guest, whose temperature may be checked at the door. You may have to take a COVID-19 test in hospital on the day of the birth and wear a mask along with your guest and the hospital staff.
These exact rules may change from hospital to hospital and will likely change over time, so we recommend double-checking with the hospital’s labor and delivery offices closer to your due date. This way, you can create a plan accordingly.
How Will I Finalize The Adoption?
You may wonder how adoption proceedings are ongoing. Much of the world has had to adapt quickly to coronavirus prevention, and the courthouses are no different. In New York, most of the state is in phase four of courthouse reopening. According to nycourts.gov, both phases four and three still have restrictions on who is allowed into the courthouse. For adoption proceedings, everything will be done remotely, including finalizing the adoption.
All in all, adoption should be very similar both during this pandemic or not. The big changes are the hospital stay and how you’ll communicate throughout your adoption journey. You are still in control of your adoption and hospital plans, even if some things are different. Adoption is still a relevant option for you.
We will do everything in our power not only to help you through your adoption plan, but to keep it as positive as always. While communication with the adoptive family and with our agency has changed, we know virtual options make a huge difference in the process. You’ll still have the option to choose an adoptive family and communicate with them. Despite the impacts of COVID-19 on adoption in New York, this is still your journey to go on.
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
Meet the Author: Tara Giuffre has always loved reading and writing and grew up in the worlds of Narnia, Harry Potter and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Taking this passion for stories, she received a degree from Rutgers University in Journalism & Media. Besides writing, she likes long walks on the beach, spending time with her family (and her cat, Sansa), and baking the perfect loaf of bread.
She enjoys sharing vital information about adoption and birth mothers choosing adoption to families making important choices for their future family!
