Support
Our Mission
Pregnant?

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, the staff at Family & Children’s Agency can help you understand your choices without feeling pressure to make any specific decision. Contacting Family & Children’s Agency does not mean that you have to make an adoption plan – we will help you create the plan that you feel is best for you and your baby.

This service is available free of charge, and every call is confidential. Whatever you decide, we can help you obtain the resources you will need, such as:

  • Medical Care
  • Financial Assistance
  • Counseling
  • Maternity Clothing
  • Interim Care

If you decide to parent your child, our Child & Family Development programs can be an ongoing resource and provide parenting education and support so you and your baby can thrive. Click here for more information about these programs.

If you decide to make an adoption plan, we are experienced in adoption planning in Connecticut and New York and can help you understand the process and your rights. 

You can tell us what you are looking for in an adoptive family for your child, and we will help to find the right family. Some criteria you might  consider are location, religion, personalities, interests, and whether there are other children in the family. You can also decide if you want to meet the family and how much information you want to share with them.

Coming to terms with your feelings about adoption is an important personal process. You may want to continue counseling in the months after you have given birth, and FCA can connect you with those services. We can facilitate communication between birth and adoptive parents so you can be kept informed of your child’s development and well-being. Our birth parent and adoption counselors work closely together to ensure the best plan is made for you and your baby. At FCA, we view adoption as a lifelong process, and we’re committed to helping you find the solution and support you need.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

If your family is in need of support, we understand that you have a lot of questions. Rest assured our staff is here to help you understand the process. We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive.

What is Family & Children’s philosophy on adoption?

Family & Children’s Agency believes in a caring approach that is concerned with the needs and rights of all parties involved as we work to create safe and permanent plans for children. We view adoption as a lifelong process where we work to support all participants involved in the adoption including birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

How can Family & Children’s Agency help me?

FCA counselors are neutral, compassionate, and informative. A birth parent counselor will come to meet you where you are and help you explore all of your options. There is no charge for this counseling. Our birth parent counselors may help you find some resources or support that you had not thought of. 

Calling Family & Children’s Agency does not mean you have to make an adoption plan. Regardless of your decision, we will help you obtain the resources you may need, such as housing, medical care, and financial assistance. 

If you decide to parent your child, our Child & Family Development programs can be an ongoing resource and provide parenting education and support so you and your baby can thrive. Click here for more information about these programs.

Can I choose the adoptive family?

Yes. You will be able to view profiles created by prospective adoptive families who have been approved to adopt. Some expecting parents  who come to Family & Children’s Agency have already made a connection to a family with whom they want to place their baby. In that instance, we can help complete the adoption process in a supportive and safe environment.

How will my medical care be paid?

If you do not have insurance or are entitled to State insurance coverage, we will help you make those arrangements to ensure your bills are covered, whether you decide to place the baby in adoption or not. If you choose adoption, your out-of-pocket medical costs pertaining to your pregnancy will be paid through the adoption process.

Can I receive any support for living expenses?

Yes. According to State laws, you are able to receive some financial support. Your social worker can help you assess your needs and give you more information about financial support.

How do I make a plan for the hospital?

Your counselor will help you make a hospital plan that feels comfortable for you. Your counselor will be at the hospital to be a support and advocate for you and your baby.

What happens when I leave the hospital?

Remember that you have choices. You may want some more time to think about your decision. You may decide to have the baby stay with one of our interim care families until you are absolutely certain that you are ready to voluntarily terminate your parental rights. Or you may want to place the baby with the adoptive parents from the hospital. Whatever you decide, our birth parent counselors will be there to help.

What are my legal rights?

You remain your baby's legal guardian until you have decided to sign the papers to voluntarily terminate your parental rights and the documents are reviewed by a judge. Your parental rights are not terminated until the hearing set by the court. Your counselor will be there to support you through each step of the process.

Does my baby’s other parent need to be contacted?

The law requires both birth parents be aware of and in support of a plan to place the child for adoption. Both birth parents are offered counseling and support throughout the process. We understand that your relationship may be sensitive and we will help each of you through this.

Who else do I have to tell?

If you are over the age of 18, all of our work together is confidential. The law requires we talk to the legal guardian of birth parents under the age of 18.

After placement, can I have contact with the adoptive family and my child?

Yes. The majority of adoptions today are considered "open," which includes the sharing of information and ongoing contact. The goal of Family & Children's Agency is to create a fluid plan that works best for all parties involved in each adoption.

Contact Us
Testimonials
“FCA made a very complex and laborious process easier - the staff and social workers are very helpful and the classes were valuable. ”
— Adoption client
“I feel that the team really cares about our family and has genuinely empathized with the ups and downs throughout the adoption experience.”
— Adoption client
“FCA was informative, supportive, and encouraging through an uncertain and emotional process. We looked forward to our appointments both pre- and post-placement to help us feel prepared, centered and hopeful!”
— Adoption client
“We would like to thank you for your support and guidance through our adoption process. You made the process far less stressful and prepared us to be better adoptive parents.”
— Adoption Program Client
“My adoption case manager held my hand throughout the entire process. I always trusted her and felt supported by her.”
— Adoption client
“The team at FCA made the process of adoption seamless. With FCA our entire life changed.”
— Adoption client