Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to know what I want before I call?

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A: No, you do not have to make up your mind before speaking with a counselor or adoption professional — that’s what they’re there for! It is actually best to talk with someone prior to and throughout your decision-making process so you can gather information about all of your options in order to make the best decision for you and your baby. 

 

Exploring adoption is a personal process that varies from one individual to the next, and there is no set time in which you have to make your decision. Making that first contact with any adoption professional can be scary, but find comfort knowing that when you contact Ka Makana it is confidential and there are no obligations should you decide that you do not want to choose adoption. 

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Q: Will the race of my baby affect the adoption plan?

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A: Many women are fearful there may not be a family who wants to adopt their baby. Be assured that there is a family for every baby. The adoption process is the same for everyone and you can get assistance in finding a family who is looking forward to adopting your baby.

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Q: What kind of support can I expect during my adoption process?

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A: Emotional Support: The Ka Makana team is available to you around the clock from the time you come to us for help.

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Adoption Support: We will guide you through the process of selecting a family for your child, making a birth plan, and planning for what comes after the birth and adoption. You will have the option of having your own independent attorney who will advise you on your legal rights in adoption and will ensure that all paperwork is handled properly.

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Financial Support: Adoptive families are occasionally willing to provide reasonable financial support for legitimate expenses (rent, food, transportation, clothing, and medical costs) a few months before birth and a few months after birth. The details of this will be laid out clearly for you by the Ka Makana team.

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Q: What are the different types of adoption?

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1. Open Adoption: Birth parents and adoptive parents typically communicate directly with one another and continue future contact with each other.

 

2. Semi-Open Adoption: There is usually is limited or no identifying information exchanged between the adoptive family and the birth parents but may communicate occasionally via phone or other agreed upon platforms. 

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3. Closed Adoption:  Typically birth mothers who select Closed Adoptions are not interested in meeting the adoptive family and may not want information about the child.  She can choose to request to open the relationship in the future.

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Q: Are people right when they say that this is selfish of me? How should I respond when they say something like that?

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A: Choosing adoption for your child may be the most loving and unselfish decision that you can make. When someone states that adoption is a selfish choice, they may not understand the sheer magnitude of what a woman sacrifices when she chooses adoption. Adoption reflects positively on everyone involved. Your situation and circumstances may make it too difficult for you to raise a child, but adoption allows you to make sure your child receives the type of life you want your child to have. There are families out there who are unable to have children, but are ready to raise a child and want nothing more than to become parents. The act of giving someone who could not otherwise experience the joy of parenthood the opportunity to be a parent is another way that adoption is a selfless act.

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Q: Will I regret choosing adoption?

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A: There are many emotions that come into play with adoption. Regret is an unpredictable emotion. Most women who choose adoption have good days and bad days. Most women will have some regrets and most will experience doubt as they choose adoption.  However, if you work with adoption professionals who help you through the process, help you work through your emotions of grief and loss, help you create an adoption plan where you are in control, then you will be able to gain acceptance of your decision to provide your child a better life through adoption.