Greater Hopes Family Services, Inc.
Greater Hopes Family Services, Inc. 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 451-0245 Fax (616) 451-0240 greaterhopes@greaterhopes.orgmailto:greaterhopes@greaterhopes.orgshapeimage_2_link_0
 
 
 
 
You have options... and we can help We are not here only for adoption-minded moms-to-be. If you are experiencing a surprise pregnancy, and you need support, whether you’re planning to parent your child or place your child for adoption, we are here to help. If you’re in a crisis pregnancy, and are unsure about your options, or what you’d like to do - please contact us ANY TIME. Parenting your child Parenting is stressful even for the most prepared parents, so don’t let the idea of new stress scare you. There are many programs for parents who want to do a good job raising their children. We will help you find the right community resources for your situation and we can match you to a resource family who will support, encourage and guide you according to your particular needs. You will NOT be left ‘alone’ in parenthood if you are willing to build new relationships and connections. Considering Adoption? Some things to Consider... Some agencies and some adoptive families may promise to help you with your finances because you are considering adoption for your child. BE CAREFUL. While Michigan adoption law does allow for some expenses to be paid to birthmothers, please think twice about what you accept in relation to your plan for adoption. Don’t allow finances be the incentive to make up your mind on adoption or parenting, and certainly don’t let it be the criteria on which you pick any specific agency or family to assist you with your plans. Don’t feel obligated to proceed with an adoption plan that no longer feels right only because someone helped you out during your pregnancy. When all is said and done and you reflect on your adoption choice, you want to look back and KNOW that all of your choices were made out of love and concern for your child’s future. We tell you this not because we don’t trust your ability to make a wise choice, but because we have heard stories from birthfamilies who later regretted that financial support was a primary part of their adoption decision. Adoption should be a choice that feels good NOW and LATER.... Adoptaid supports Open Adoption What is open adoption? An open adoption is a legal transfer of parental rights from one set of parents to another. Original parents become birthparents, adoptive applicants become parents. Both sets of parents love and nurture the adopted child. The new parents raise, teach, discipline, make decisions on behalf of, and provide for the child as their son or daughter, as a member of their immediate family. Why is Open adoption better? Most adoption practitioners tend to agree that a genuine open adoption is an adoption based on truth, reality, honor, respect, options and flexibility, acknowledgment of pain, transformation, a relationship kin to covenant, and a desire to maximize the adopted child’s total life experience by being inclusive of all the child’s blood and psychological relatives. This helps the child to better understand the whole picture that makes up himself, and allows the birthfamiles to know that their child is being loved and taken care of. What does an Open Adoption look like? Sometimes birthparents and birthfamilies become very close with the newly created family and develop relationships much like we see with today’s extended families. Birthfamilies may take on a significant role similar to in-law families created by marriage. When a couple marries and accepts their spouse's family, they do it out of love for their spouse. Shouldn’t the same be given to a child who joins the family? Frequently birthmothers and mothers, and birthfathers and fathers, develop relationships similar to siblings, and a child’s different sets of grandparents often find it gratifying to have other adults doting on their grandchild. Potential problems... Of course problems may arise --given that we’re all dealing with humans and intense emotions. We know problems will surface, but you will learn to work through them with the support of your caseworker and through classes specifically designed to address adoption related issues. What if I don’t want an open adoption? We are here to meet your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us if your wishes aren’t for an open adoption. There are other options. There are a wide range of adoption plans to chose from, from closed adoptions to very open adoptions. We are here to meet your needs. Please contact us regarding your options. Birthparent Support Services Michigan adoption law gives birthparents the right to this service at no cost to the birthfamily. Birthparents need the support and encouragement from an experienced professional while undergoing their unplanned pregnancy. You may find value in talking about and problem-solving your situation with someone whose only goal is to help you. Effective pregnancy counselors are sensitive to the issues of grief and loss, trauma, indecision, frustration and intensified interpersonal relationships that accompany an unplanned pregnancy. Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy? Are you in a position where you are not sure you can continue to parent your child? ...Unsure about your abilities as a parent? You’are not alone.
Helpful Information Resources for Parenting: *Find a WIC Center Near you http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/WIC.htm *To find out if you qualify for Michigan Health Care Programs for Pregnant Women: CLICK HERE Resources for Choosing Adoption: *There are many benefits of Adoption, to read what the American Pregnancy Association says CLICK HERE So many Questions: We know you have a lot of questions, that’s why we’re here. Please email or call us directly with any question you might have. http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/WIC.htmhttp://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5453_5530-105987--,00.htmlhttp://www.americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/benefitsofadoption.htmlshapeimage_5_link_0shapeimage_5_link_1shapeimage_5_link_2
Making a Decision Your Choice to Parent: Being a parent can be one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of life. Besides love, the most essential key to parenting is support, and the ability to give your child a secure future. Consider asking yourself these questions: * Are you able to financially provide for you and your child’s basic needs? *If you are single, is marrying the father a possibility? Why or why not? Would he consider counseling or parenting classes? *What type of support could the father of the child provide? (financial, role model, childcare) *Will your family help support you? *Would you be able to consider living with a family or a single mom should you need the additional support? *What would you need in order to live on your own with your child? *How can you continue to reach your goals to make a better life for you and your child? Your Choice for Adoption: Every adoption plan looks different. There is everything from closed to very open adoptions, and everything in between. The first step is to obtain as much information on adoption as possible, so you can make an informed decision. Our agency can help answer any tough questions you might have. Here are some things that adoption CAN include: * You can choose the adoptive family and many details of your child’s future. *You can determine what you would like your relationship to be with your child and the adoptive family. *At any point in the process you may decide to parent if you are really not comfortable with your adoption plan. *Counseling, support groups and other services enable each person involved to work through the grieving process, issues of loss and challenges along the way. Ask yourself these questions: *What is the ideal home for my child? *What do I want provided for my child? *Am I able to provide these things for my child, or would an adoption plan be a good alternative?