I recently sat in a meeting at the Opelousas Pregnancy Center where I had the privilege of meeting the agency director of Open Arms Adoption Services, Angela White.
Women who seek services at the Opelousas Pregnancy Center are often met with challenges and uncertainties surrounding their pregnancy and are provided education and resources to help support them throughout the process. Mrs. Angela spoke to the volunteers and directors at the center about what her organization offers and led to deep discussions about adoption.
Surprisingly, adoption is regarded as kind of a taboo conversation, especially when it comes to an alternative option for mothers faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Mrs. Angela shared what modern adoption looks like and better ways to educate both types of clients - those seeking to adopt as well as an alternative and positive choice for unexpected pregnancies.
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One of the topics that were touched on during the meeting from the director at the Opelousas Pregnancy Center is the decision for an expecting mother to choose adoption. It can be a very challenging decision for many reasons and often met with thoughts of regret or shame from the mom.
Mrs. Angela shared many cases with us of inspiring stories where young women made the difficult choice, but rather than viewing it as 'giving up their baby' these moms actually gave their baby a new chance at life that she may not have been able to provide herself for a number of reasons. She brought a book which she shared with us that was written from the perspective of a birth mother who chose an open adoption arrangement for her son.
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It's a touching book that reveals the often unseen part of the adoption story from a birth mom and the lessons learned along her journey through adoption. This is a great read for any mom or expecting mom that is facing challenges in her pregnancy or personal situation as well as potentially interested adoptive parents! Find it on Amazon here.
Making the Decision to Adopt
When deciding on whether adoption is right for you and your family it is important to look at all of the factors that should be taken into consideration: your willingness to change your home environment to incorporate the needs of your adoptive child, understanding your ability to meet the child's needs, consideration of the development of children throughout various stages in life.
The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a very insightful fact sheet that covers things you need to know to better help you make the decision if adoption is right for you.
Mrs. Angela also brought a few other books with her which she shared with the group that can provide great resources for those considering adoption or who have recently adopted. Click on the image of the book to be redirected for more information.
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There are children of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds who are patiently waiting to be adopted. Licensed and authorized adoption providers like Open Arms can help you navigate the adoption process, the pathways to different types of adoption and the needs of children who are eligible. You can use the Child Navigator on the Louisiana Department of Children and Family to view children locally who are currently waiting to call a home their own.
