Prospective Adoptive Parents

Adoption Step by Step

Alternatives to Adoption/Assisted Reproduction

Adoption Step by Step

Midwest Adoption Center can provide support and information at each step of the adoption process. Some couples begin the adoption journey with an initial consultation which provides an overview of adoption in the Chicago area, helping to assess options and plan those first critical steps. MAC consultants are available at each step along the way:

Infertility or motivation to adopt - Making the transition from trying to achieve a pregnancy to achieving an adoption is complicated. Couples may experience tension in their relationship or deep feelings of failure and sadness. Even though a decision has been made to pursue adoption, their infertility will remain a life-long issue. Exploration of these feelings and discussion centering on how infertility and adoption are inter-related can be very helpful.

Confirming the decision to adopt - Many couples approach adoption with some ambivalence. It may be related to regret about not having a birth child, concerns about the process, worries about legal risks or a more undefined anxiety about adoption in general. MAC can help identify concerns and realistically evaluated the implications of each before coming to a decision to proceed.

What are the best placement resources - Given their profile, budget and the kind of child they are able to accept into their family, what are the agencies, facilitators, lawyers, etc. most likely to help the couple meet their goal of placement? MAC can help explore many options, even making initial contacts on their behalf and produce a list of the "best bets". In addition, MAC can suggest other adoption related resources particular to their situation such as support groups, reading material, magazines and newsletters, seminars and workshops.

An adoption primer - MAC can provide an overview of adoption issues as they make the decision whether or not to move forward towards adoption. Reading lists and information about workshops and seminars in the community can be provided.

Openness in adoption, what does it really mean and what is right for us - Many couples have some information about openness in adoption but don't really understand what it may mean for them and their child. MAC can help each couple determine what level of openness is right for them as well as understand the practical implications of their decision.

Behind the scenes support during the process - There are endless decisions to make and countless anxieties before the baby is born, during the time in the hospital and after placement. MAC provides a source of support and information to help the adoptive couple through this extremely stressful time.

Adoption STEP-BY STEP offers the help you need, when you need it. After the initial appointment, consultations can be provided by telephone.

If you are interested in this program, please contact MAC through email or by phone at (847) 298-9096.

Alternatives to Adoption

To receive this information, please contact Midwest Adoption Center by email or phone at (847) 298-9096.