Who is New Life Pregnancy Center?

New Life Pregnancy Center is the new name for New Life Children’s Services, which is a child placing agency licensed by the State of Texas.  We are still the same New Life that was founded in 1983, now doing business as New Life Pregnancy Center, so look for our new name and logo.  

How can New Life help?

We are pleased that a birthmother has chosen to give life to her baby.  New Life encourages the pregnant woman to explore all of her options (i.e. single parenting, marriage, adoption placement).  We encourage her to make a budget and a pro/con list.  We also encourage her to talk to family and friends, and explore community resources.  

New Life offers group counseling, individual counseling and post-placement counseling to help the birthmother make a good choice for her and her baby.  NO ONE WILL PRESSURE YOU ABOUT ADOPTION. 

New Life desires that birthmothers attend group, individual counseling, and childbirth classes.  We expect her to keep her doctor appointments and take good care of herself and her baby. 

ASSISTANCE

Do you have a place for birthmothers to stay? 

Yes, we have Christian families (Shepherding Homes) with whom she can live for the duration of her pregnancy.   

What are the expectations of a birthmother who stays in a shepherding home?

The New Life policy states that she may stay with the family during the duration of her pregnancy.  After making an adoption plan for her child, she may return to the Shepherding Home for two (2) weeks.  If she chooses to parent she must make other living arrangements before being discharged from the hospital.  Our goal is to help a birthmother plan for the future of herself and her child. 

Will the birthmother’s medical costs be covered by either the agency or the adoptive parents or both?

If the child is placed for adoption through New Life, medical costs not covered by insurance will be paid by the agency. 

If the adoption agency and/or the adoptive parents help with the birthmother’s expenses, what would that include?

Any assistance would be provided by the agency and would be limited to pregnancy-related costs. 

If the birthparent keeps the baby, does s/he repay New Life?

“An agency providing adoption services must not require repayment from a birthparent for any services if the birthparent chooses not to relinquish a child for adoption.” As a child-placing agency we cannot require that s/he repay us, but we would gladly accept any reimbursement paid on their behalf.  This will enable New Life to continue to help others in need.

ABOUT ADOPTIVE PARENTS

1.  What will the adoptive family know about the birthparent(s)?

An adoptive family will receive, at minimum, a complete social, genetic, educational, medical history of the birthparents and his/her family.  They would also want to know whatever the birthparent chooses to share, such as pictures of the birthparents, his/her family, etc. 

The agency will not share identifying information (last name, address, phone number, etc.) about the birthparent(s) with the adoptive family. 

2.  How much can the birthmother be involved in choosing the family for her child?  And how much can the birthparents know about the adoptive family (occupation, living area, ages, etc.)?

During the later part of the pregnancy, birthparents will be shown profiles of prospective adoptive families, including pictures, first names, ages, occupation, educational

background, religious preference, interests and hobbies, letters they have written to the birthmother, autobiographies, a Christian questionnaire, and a video that the adoptive family prepares.  Additionally, the birthparent(s) will have the opportunity to meet the adoptive family on a first name basis at New Life while she is still pregnant.  This would take place after a family has been chosen. 

3  What “qualifications” must a couple meet before they are accepted as clients in your agency (financial, emotional stability, unable to have children, age, etc.)?

We place within the state of Texas in two parent Christian homes where both husband and wife are active members of their church, between the ages of 21 and 40 and having been married for a least three years.  They must be emotionally stable, financially secure, and meet all licensing standards for the state of Texas. Some exceptions are made within the age limits in special needs circumstances. 

4.  Does the agency ever deal with couples who are out of this state, or must they live in the state where the agency is?

Virtually all of our adoptive placements are within the State of Texas.  Out-of-state placements are made in unique situations. 

ABOUT THE BIRTHFATHER

5.  What information, if any, is needed from the?

Any information we receive from the birthfather is valued.  Of course, medical history is very important.  We ask birthfathers to complete a questionnaire about their medical, educational and social background.  Adoptive families are very appreciative of the information received from these questionnaires. 

6.  When, if at all, does the biological father have to be present in the legal process?

It is not mandatory that the biological father be present, however, we would like the opportunity to work with him to secure his involvement in the adoptive process.  It is mandatory that every effort be made to notify and inform him of the adoption plan.  The law requires that he be notified of any suit filed to terminate any parental rights that he might have. 

If he is alleging to be the biological father of the child, he can register with the state Paternity Registry in the Bureau of Vital Statistics.  This allows him to assert his parentage, independent of the mother, and preserve his rights as a parent.  New Life is required to check this registry if the birthfather has not been served. 

7.  Does the birthfather have to agree to the adoption?  If yes, who gets him to sign the adoption papers?

In the State of Texas the law says that birthfathers have a right to exercise their parental rights to a child.  The State has developed the Paternity Registry for men who wish to acknowledge paternity of a child.  It is the agency’s responsibility to contact a birthfather and discuss the birthmother’s plan for adoption.  At that time we ask the birthfather to sign the Affidavit of Waiver of Interest in Child – the legal document relinquishing any parental rights he may have to the child.  This document states that the birthmother has named that person as the father of her child.  It is not a statement of Paternity.  It is not a document that can be used in any other way (i.e. child support, etc.). 

8.  What if the birthfather will not cooperate in my adoption plan?

If the birthfather refuses to sign the legal document cooperating with the adoption plan, we must inform him that the court requires that he be served with legal papers in regard to this matter.

The birthfather may choose to not sign the papers and simply have his parental rights terminated by “default” if he does nothing more in the matter.

The birthfather that opposes adoption has the right to hire an attorney and contest the adoption.

It is our desire to work with birthfathers and help them to be a part of the decision-making process.  If a birthfather chooses to sign the legal document, he can receive letters and pictures from the adoptive family just as the birthmother will. 

FILES, RECORDS, ETC.

9.  What exactly do the agency’s files on the birthmother contain?

Intake information; social / genetic / educational / medical history summary; medical records - pregnancy / delivery; legal papers; correspondence; caseworker notes. 

10.  Who has access to the files at the adoption agency?

Only New Life staff members. 

11.  Can the birthmother request that the files be sealed until the child is eighteen or is this automatically the case?

State law seals the legal records of the adoption automatically.  We would ask the birthmother to sign a Disclosure of Information statement indicating her desire and/or willingness to be contacted by the agency if/when the child desires to meet her - either at or after age eighteen or when the adoptive family is in agreement if under age eighteen. 

12.  What are sealed records?

Legally, sealed records are those that require a court order to be opened. 

13.  What is open adoption?

“Open adoption” refers simply to “open channels of communication between the birthparents and the adoptive parents” (Silber and Speedlin, Dear Birthmother, 1982, page 1).  This, as opposed to “closed” adoption, which emphasizes secrecy and maintains “there should never be contact between any of the parties involved after the legal relinquishment” (Silber and Speedlin, pages 1-2).  We believe the openness is beneficial to all parties, but is especially important for the child.

“Open adoption”, as further defined within the philosophy and policies of our agency, is a process in which the birthparent(s) is involved in selecting the adoptive family from a group of families studied and approved by the agency.  The birthparents are asked to write a letter to their child explaining why an adoption plan was made and encouraged to share photos of themselves and family members.  We also ask birthparents to meet with the adoptive family at the placement and then to maintain an ongoing exchange of letters and photos with the adoptive family for the following 18 years. 

14.  Can the client gain information from New Life on Minimum Standards, compliance status report, and the agency’s policies?

Yes.  These are available upon request. 

15.  Who can I contact if New Life seriously fails to meet the Minimum Standards and adoption policies?

We try diligently to follow the policies and meet the needs of everyone that is involved in the adoption process.  However, if New Life does fail to uphold the minimum standards and adoption policies, and does not make the necessary changes when brought to their attention, a complaint may be filed at the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Licensing Division. 

16.  Do you have liability insurance?

Yes, we do have liability insurance. 

THE ADOPTION PROCESS 

17.  Do the birthmother’s parents need to sign papers in order for her to place her child for adoption?

No, it is not legally necessary; however, if she is 17 or under, there is an Affidavit that a parent can sign, indicating knowledge of her adoption plan. 

18.  When does the birthmother have to sign the adoption papers?

The relinquishment papers cannot be signed until at least 48 hours after the birth of the baby.  The birthmother will only sign the relinquishment papers if she chooses to do so and when she is ready to do so.  It is never an easy choice.  

19.  What documents must be signed?

*  The Relinquishment of Parental Rights must be signed by the birthmother.

    ( if she is married, her husband must also sign this document).

*  The Affidavit of Status, naming the birthfather, must be signed by the birthmother.  This is a sworn document to the court.  DO NOT LIE.  If you know the birthfather’s entire name, first name, or last known address, you MUST SAY SO.

*  The Waiver of Interest must be either  1) signed by the birthfather, or  2) he will be served with notice of the impending court hearing to terminate parental rights.  He does have to go to court. 

20.  Will the birthmother have to go to court?      

No. The Affidavit of Relinquishment states that she waives her right to go to court, there-

fore she does not go to court.  A New Life staff member will go to court to represent her. 
 

21.  Once the birthmother signs the adoption papers, can she change her mind?

No.  The Relinquishment is very clear and specific in stating that it is final and

irrevocable and that she should not sign it if she thinks she would ever wish to change her mind. 

22.  After the adoption is finalized, what further contact will the birthparent(s) have with the agency?

It is the desire of New Life to maintain contact with all birthparent(s) over the coming months and years.  We want to be available to help birthparent(s) work through their grief and build a relationship with the adoptive family. 

23.  What happens if the baby is born with birth defects?  Will the adoptive parents still want to adopt her baby?

Our goal is to place every child in an appropriate family, a family where that child will be accepted, loved and nurtured.  The adoptive family will be contacted and presented a complete medical history.  If they feel they are willing to accept the challenge of dealing with these special needs, the placement will proceed as planned.

If the child’s difficulties are such that the chosen family feels they are not prepared or equipped to accept a child with these special needs, the child will be placed in interim care until an appropriate family is found.  New Life will help facilitate an appropriate placement if the defects are severe. 

24.  How soon after the baby is born can s/he be placed in his/her new home?

The baby can be placed with the adoptive family as soon as the birthmother signs the Relinquishment of Parental Rights, which can be as soon as 48 hours after the baby’s birth.   

25.  Why do babies go into interim (foster) care before they go to their adoptive family?

Babies go into interim (foster) care:

1)  if no appropriate family is studied, approved, and waiting to adopt

2)  if the placement is considered a legal risk (because the birthfather / legal father has not signed the necessary legal papers) and the selected family is unwilling to accept that risk (for example, if the adoption is being legally contested). 

RELIGION

26.  Can the birthmother select the religion she wishes the couple to be?

We place only in Christian homes where the husband and wife are both active members of their church, but a specific denomination (religion) may be requested. 

27.  Can she be assured that her child will be brought up in that religion?

You can be assured that your child will be placed in a Christian family.  We have no guarantees that a family will continue in the denomination they are in at placement (but we have no cause to assume they will do otherwise). 

THE BABY

28.  Will the birthmother be able to see the baby in the hospital?

Yes, very definitely!  This baby is hers, she has the rights of any other parent.  We encourage her to see the baby and spend time with him/her while in the hospital. These can be special moments and special memories. 

29.  Are the birthmother’s parents, friends, father of the baby, etc. allowed to see the baby?

Certainly!  We would encourage it and would like pictures of all with the baby in these special times. 

30.  Can the birthmother have a picture of her baby?

Definitely!  We encourage her to have pictures taken of herself with her baby also. 

31.  Will she be able to have a visit with her baby before she signs the adoption papers?

Yes, very definitely!  We encourage you to spend quality time with your baby while in the hospital.  

32.  Can the birthmother name her baby, and will the adoptive parents keep the name she chooses?

Yes, she may name the baby.  We encourage her to do so.  The birthmother may request that the adoptive family keep a part of the name she has chosen.  New Life families agree to use that name as one of the child’s names.  New Life recognizes the importance of a name.  We are shown through the Bible the value that God placed upon names.  We believe that a name given to a child by his/her birthparent is a gift that can never be taken from that child.  

33.  If the birthmother chooses to place her baby with a New Life family, what minimum communication with the family is the birthmother assured of?

      All New Life families agree to meet with the birthparents during pregnancy, at the time of placement and again when the child is 6 or 7 months old.  All New Life adoptive families agree to send pictures, letters, and a developmental report every month for the first six months and twice a year after that (usually Christmas and the child’s birthday) for 18 years. All written communication is sent to New Life.  New Life does not share either party’s last name or address.

      After the six-month visit, face to face contacts are at the discretion of the adoptive family.  Most of our adoptive families desire to continue meeting with the birthparent(s) because they understand the importance for everyone involved.

      Any discussions or agreements that a birthparent may have had with the adoption agency or any prospective adoptive parents concerning communication, contact, or visitation with the child or its adoptive parents is not a legally enforceable agreement. 

Any communication, contact, or visitation with the child is dependent on the adoptive parents’ consent, and such consent is not legally guaranteed.  

34.  What may the birthmother send to her child (gifts, papers, books, etc.), and will she have the assurance that her child will get these items?

A letter from you explaining your reasons for choosing adoption will be a treasure that your child will cherish through the years.  Most birth families send gifts at Christmas and birthdays.  We encourage letters and pictures on a regular basis to help the child and the family know of your love and concern.  The assurance you have that your child is receiving what you send comes from your conversations and relationship with the adoptive family. 

35.  If for some reason there is an accident and the child’s adoptive parents are killed, will the birthparents then be responsible for the child and would they have that option if they so desire? No.  

36.  What if the health of one of the adoptive parents changes?

New Life will attempt to share information about developing genetic conditions, terminal illness, or death of any persons involved in the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptee) with the other parties. 

37.  Will the child be able to get information about the birthparents if s/he desires?

Yes, it’s definitely our goal.  It depends largely on the birthparent maintaining contact with the adoptive family and agency through the years. 

38.  If a child is placed for adoption, can the child find the birthparents at age eighteen?

We keep our own registry for children placed through New Life; the State of Texas also provides a state registry to help match adoptive children and birthparents. 

39.  In the years to come, if the child searches for his/her birthmother, would the agency contact her before the child does?   

Yes. It is important for you to keep New Life informed of your current address. 

40.  Can the birthmother find her child if she decided she wanted to search for him/her?

That depends on the child, the family, the circumstances and the age of the child.  If the child is eighteen and is open to meeting with his birthmother, the agency would seek to facilitate that meeting.