State licensed, non-profit, adoption agency, established in 1975, subsidiary under Child & Family Service Mission: support vulnerable children globally by advocating for and assisting with permanency and adoption into loving families. Philosophy: hold the wellbeing of the child above all else, believe in keeping Hawaii’s children in the state of Hawaii whenever possible

Who: HIC accepts Women and men of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, and religious affiliations while encouraging participation by fathers in the planning, if they are known and willing. Why: Women faced with an unexpected pregnancy may be searching for options for themselves and for the baby. What: HIC provides understanding, supportive, unbiased services to every person looking for answers. When: Any stage of pregnancy. Where: Mostly at HIC’s Honolulu office but can make arrangements to meet birth parents closer to home.

Pregnancy resources: information on giving birth, medical insurance, and counseling services Support: Birth mother and father support; also on evenings and weekends Long term ‘Ohana: Birth parents and adoptive families can stay in touch with HIC – become part of ‘Ohana Comprehensive birth and placement planning: help in designing a pregnancy and birth plan suited individually. HIC will be your hospital coordinator, help with insurance needs, and legal issues.

HIC provides option counseling: discusses the emotional, psychological, and physical rolls of being a parent in order to allow the client to make the most informed decision. More in depth psychological counseling is recommended from a 3 rd party before adoption decision is finalized if the client feels there is biased views on the adoption process.

HIC works hard to best match the birth parents wishes with the wishes of the adoptive parents Supports all types of adoption (closed, open…) Local, within the United States or throughout the world

Adoptive parents must to go through a very extensive and invasive background check that includes: financial status, employment verification, W2’s, medical clearance, references of friends for past 5 years, marriage certificates, criminal clearance, child abuse clearance from every state/country lived in during past 5 years, social worker inspections of home and work, every 18+ y/o in home fingerprinted for criminal record check, must attend parent adoption training classes….!

Collection of a basic medical Hx: showing diseases or other medical conditions An in depth interview is conducted on the birthparents interests, hobbies and any other information they are willing to share and pass on This information can help the adoptive parents tell the child the story of his/her birthparents -“Child’s Story”

Positive: Birthparent Terminate parental rights Make an adoption plan Child placed for adoption Court termination Child with special needs Negative: Real Parent Give up Give away An unwanted child Child taken away Handicapped child

Making the decision to make an adoption plan can be a very difficult time for our patients Knowing what resources are available for our patients can greatly reduce the fear, anxiety, and shame that may come with terminating parental rights HIC can provide a start to finish fully comprehensive plan of care for these patients Proper communication with our patients can open the door to their wishes or concerns regarding childbirth and the possibility of adoption (terminating parental rights.

Location: 1168 Waimanu Street, Honolulu, HI Phone: Website: Contact: Jennifer Kwok, LCSW –Director of Social Work Lani Oprescu, Program Director

J. Kwok. personal interview. 8 October 2013