Adoption Info -> Domestic Adoptions -> Loving Options

Loving Options

The Loving Options program places newborn infants for adoption. The birthmother chooses a waiting family for her baby and together they decide on the level of openness in the placement.

CHILDREN AVAILABLE: Because of the demographics of Oregon, most of the infants are Caucasian. We attempt to ensure good health for our infants by offering prenatal care and nutritional counseling for birthmothers; however, we cannot guarantee that birthmothers will follow our suggestions, and there are cases when a birthmother is referred to us late in the pregnancy; therefore, prenatal care may be lacking. A medical history is obtained from the birthmother and, when possible, from the birthfather. We provide families with the opportunity to tell us what health risks or conditions in an infant's background they will knowingly accept. It is important to understand that PLAN cannot guarantee the health or good condition of any child; just as with birth children, there is always a risk of physical, emotional, psychological, or other problems.

FAMILY REQUIREMENTS: Families in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are eligible for this program. The program is open to any infertile couple; however, the following is a general description of the type of family usually requested: average age of 30-45 years, preferably college educated; married at least five years; infertile, usually with no more than one or two children. Childless is requested quite often by birthmothers. Divorce is acceptable, depending upon the circumstances. We also have requests for a variety of religions. It is expected that a family applying is of good moral character, in reasonably good health, and financially stable. Another consideration of birthparents when choosing a family is openness regarding contact. Nearly all of our birthparents choose a family who is willing to have a face-to-face meeting. This meeting usually takes place before the birth of the child, after a family is selected. More than one meeting may occur giving both parties the opportunity to decide whether or not to continue. It is extremely important for the prospective adoptive family to be comfortable with the birthparents, especially in the event of a fully open adoption. We find sometimes that a family is so anxious for a child they compromise in areas that they later find difficult. The basis of an open adoption is developing a relationship with the birthparents for the well being of the child. Most birthparents desire ongoing communication in the way of pictures and letters sent through the PLAN office. The number of contacts varies, but contact at least once a year through age 18 of the child is recommended. Some birthparents are requesting once-a-year visitation in a neutral setting. This may be a one-time event or ongoing depending upon the agreement between the family and the birthparents. Families adopting through Loving Options are required to attend ongoing seminars until placement. Families adopting through Loving Options are required to attend a Waiting Families Seminar which is designed to help prepare families for some level of openness in their adoption.

REFERRAL & PROCESSING TIME: Waiting time is estimated at one to two years after approval of the adoption study. The number of applicants accepted into the Loving Options program is limited. Applicants will be notified when it is time to proceed with the adoption home study. At that time, applicants will be required to sign the Adoption Services Agreement and pay the adoption study fee and the program prepayment fee as specified in the Loving Options Adoption Fee Schedule. In the rare instance that an applicant's adoption home study is not approved, the program prepayment fee will be refunded. If the applicant's adoption home study is approved, and the applicant is selected as a potential adoptive parent, the applicant will, at or before the time of placement, be required to sign a written Placement Agreement. Infants are usually placed directly from the hospital from two to four days after birth.

OREGON FAMILIES

EDUCATION:  Pre-adopt education provides important basic information about adoption-related issues and is required for all adopting families. PLAN has joined forces with an agency offering a wonderful, fun, online pre-adopt education course. For more information about preadopt education, please click here.

APPLICATION: The first step is to complete and submit your application. The following documents must be included: application fee, two family photos, and photocopies of Form 1040 (current federal tax return showing gross income), birth certificate for each applicant, marriage certificate (if applicable) and divorce decree (if applicable).

LOVING OPTIONS TRAINING COURSE: Once your application has been sent to PLAN, you will receive a letter offering the Loving Options Training Course that includes information about the program and two books to help prepare you for some level of openness with the birthmother of your child. Several questionnaires included in the manual must be filled in and returned to PLAN before your homestudy will be scheduled.

FAMILY PROFILE: After your application is received and you have completed the Loving Options Training Course, you will be asked to design a "Dear Birthmother" letter and picture portfolio that will be presented to the birthmother once your adoption homestudy is approved. PLAN requests 12 copies of your profile.

WAITING FAMILIES SEMINARS: The Waiting Families Seminars are designed to provide additional support and education. Waiting Family Seminars are held on a Saturday in the spring and fall of each year. The meetings include guest speakers, panel presentations, and the opportunity to interact with counselors and other PLAN staff. Attendance either prior to, or just after placement, is a requirement of the program.

POST PLACEMENT: Your social worker will make two in-home post placement visits and, in most cases, will recommend that you begin finalization proceedings. Once all financial obligations have been met, PLAN will consent to the adoption. The necessary legal documents will be sent to the attorney of your choice, and you will complete finalization.

WASHINGTON AND IDAHO FAMILIES

The steps are the same as above, with the following exceptions:

EDUCATION: Pre-adopt education provides important basic information about adoption-related issues and is required for all adopting families. If your homestudy agency does not offer at least ten hours of approved, adoption-specific education, you will need to take PLAN’s online preadopt course. For more information about preadopt education, please click here.

ADOPTION HOMESTUDY & POST-PLACEMENT: You will need to find a local agency to complete an adoption homestudy and provide post-placement services. Once you have done this, ask your social worker to send a copy to PLAN.

WAITING FAMILIES SEMINARS: These seminars are designed specifically for families residing in Oregon. Check with your local agency regarding similar seminars in your area.

ADOPTION COSTS: If you compare fees, you'll find that PLAN's are lower than most other agencies. PLAN's heart for finding forever families for children is reflected in our efforts to keep our fees as low as possible. To read more information about financing an adoption, including a substantial federal tax credit, visit our Financing page.