Choosing a Loving Adoptive Family in Florida When You’re Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and exploring your options, you’re not alone. Many women in Florida facing an unplanned pregnancy find themselves feeling scared and overwhelmed, wondering what the next step should be. If you are considering placing your baby for adoption, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right family.
We know this is a deeply personal and brave decision, and we are ready to act as the adoption entity and walk with you through every step.
Step 1: You’re in Control of Your Adoption Plan
As an expectant mother, you have the right to be a part of the decision-making process for your baby’s future. You can be as hands-on or as hands-off as you want.
Some women feel strongly about picking the family who will raise their child. They want to see photos, read letters, and truly get a sense of the people involved. If that’s you, you absolutely have the right to make that choice.
But not everyone wants to—and that’s okay too. Perhaps you’d rather let a trusted professional, like the adoption entity, make the match for you. There is no wrong way to do this; your comfort matters most. Whether you want to be hands-on or let our team take the lead, we will support you either way.
Step 2: Decide What Matters Most to You in an Adoptive Family
Every expectant mother is different. You might want your baby to grow up in a big, lively family, or you may picture a quiet home with one or two parents. You might care about things like religion, location, education, pets, or even hobbies.
Here are a few questions to help you think through your preferences:
-
Do I picture my baby growing up in a city or somewhere more rural in Florida? Or do I want my baby to grow up in another state?
-
Is it important that the family shares my faith or cultural background?
-
Would I feel more comfortable with a couple, a single parent, or a same-sex couple?
-
How much contact would I like to have after the adoption?
These are just starting points. You don’t have to have all the answers right now, but thinking about them can help shape your adoption plan.
Step 3: Reviewing Adoptive Family Profiles
When you’re ready, we will show you profiles of families hoping to adopt. These usually include:
-
Photos of the family, their home, pets, and daily life
-
A letter written just for you, often from the heart
-
Details about their values, routines, and why they want to adopt
You can take your time looking through them. You can ask questions, talk to them, or even meet in person or over the phone—whatever feels right to you.
Step 4: Choosing the Type of Adoption That’s Best for You
You also get to decide how much contact you want in the future. In Florida, adoption plans are flexible, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
-
Open adoption means you stay in touch, maybe through letters, pictures, phone calls, or even visits.
-
Semi-open adoption means updates might come through your adoption entity or a dedicated adoption service.
-
Closed adoption means no ongoing contact or identifying information is shared.
What you want may change over time, and that’s normal. We’ll talk through all your options until you have a clear idea of what type of contact or communication feels right to you.
Step 5: You Deserve and Will Receive Support
Choosing adoption doesn’t mean giving up. It means doing something incredibly thoughtful and loving, even when it’s hard.
At Tate Healey Webster, we’ve helped many women through this journey. As an adoption entity, we will meet all statutory duties during the adoption process, and will make sure you have the legal, economical, and social support you need. You will never be alone or pressured to make a decision before you’re ready.
You can also receive help with living expenses, medical care, counseling, and more, as allowed by Florida law. We will take care of all the paperwork to have everything approved by the Court, and will stick up for your right to make this choice for you and your baby.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone in This Journey
You are already doing something brave just by exploring your options. Whether you choose to make an adoption plan or not, we are here to answer your questions and support you without judgment.
If you’re ready to talk, or just want to see what’s possible, reach out to us. We’ll listen.
Email us at [email protected] or text/call Erica at 813-258-3359 to speak with someone who understands. You don’t have to do this alone.