A designated adoption is one in which the adoptive family locates and finds the prospective birth mother, or the birth mother locates the prospective adoptive family without the assistance of an adoption agency. Designated adoptions may occur through word of mouth, an adoption facilitator, an out-of-state attorney, or friends of the birth mother.
After the birth mother is located, an adoption agency can help oversee the designated adoption process. The licensed adoption agency can help facilitate the adoption by providing a variety of services to both the prospective adoptive parents and the birth mother.
For example, the adoption agency can complete home studies, provide counseling to the adoptive parents or the birth mother, and provide legal services for the birth mother. Adoption agencies can also ensure that the birth mother receives financial help for living, legal and medical expenses throughout the designated adoption process.
One of the main benefits of a designated adoption is that the costs are reduced. In fact, most adoption agencies will substantially lower their fees for designated adoptions. Additional adoption fees are based on the needed services, whether the birth mother has medical insurance, whether the birth father is cooperative and supportive of the designated adoption, and the type of counseling needed by all parties.
Although giving a child up for adoption is a very difficult decision, regardless of the type of adoption chosen, a designated adoption can allow the birth mother the peace of mind of knowing the prospective birth parents, and have a choice in who will rear her child.
Designated adoptions also provide the same benefits as other types of adoptions for the birth mother: counseling and support, housing assistance, paid medical expenses, paid legal expenses, and the opportunity to pursue goals and dreams.
Designated adoptions also allow adoptive families the blessing of rearing a child and the ability to participate in the pregnancy in a way that might not be possible with a closed adoption.