Welcome Opening Prayer Cell phones, Restrooms, etc. Program Overview INFANT ADOPTION ORIENTATION AGENDA

Bethany Christian Services manifests the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families through quality social services. BETHANY’S MISSION STATEMENT

Began in 1944 in Grand Rapids, MI National network of offices, COA accredited More than 75 locations nationwide More than 33,000 children have joined their forever families HISTORY OF BETHANY

Date began Programs offered Placement numbers HISTORY OF THIS BRANCH

Domestic Infant Adoption Intercountry Adoption Older Child Adoption Embryo Adoption TYPES OF ADOPTION

THEN: Secretive ~ No contact ~ Agency-controlled NOW: Openness ~ Birthfamily selects ~ Every child is adoptable ~ Adoption is discussed ~ Adoption recognized as a lifelong process ~ Internet ADOPTION: THEN AND NOW

Bethany’s eligibility requirements: ~ Both adoptive parents are active members of a Christian church State eligibility requirements: ~ Application ~ Assessment ~ Paperwork requirements ~ Interview, home visit Family portal Approval (continued) ADOPTION PROCESS

(continued) Profile/Web Wait Role of birthparent selection Pass-through costs Selection and meeting Preparing for placement ADOPTION PROCESS

Placement options Legal risk Relinquishment Birthfather issues Post-placement supervision Finalization PLACEMENT/LEGAL ISSUES

Defining continuum of options ~ Open ~ Semi-open ~ Closed Benefits of openness ~ Child ~ Families (birth and adoptive) Openness = relationship = trust OPENNESS IN ADOPTION

Who are they? What are their reasons? Best interest of the child Myths about birthmothers Counseling is client-centered and needs-based They participate in and drive the process BIRTHMOTHERS

LETTING GO VIDEO

Healthy newborns Babies with special placement needs Babies with possible challenges based on prenatal or genetic histories CHILDREN AVAILABLE

Branch-specific fee schedule What the fee covers Benefits FEES

Tax credits Bethany loan FINANCING ADOPTION

All adoptive placements, like all other services, are supported by some level of donation dollars Bethany is committed to social services for children and families here and abroad Bethany families become part of Bethany’s worldwide ministry BETHANY IS MORE THAN AN ADOPTION AGENCY

QUESTIONS?