Unplanned Pregnancy, Need Help?
You are facing an unplanned pregnancy. You are scared and confused.
Where can you turn for help?
Nightlight Christian Adoptions wants you to know that you have choices. By gathering information on all of your options, you can make an informed decision that you'll be able to live with.
Even if you are sure you want to parent your child, we would like to talk with you. Talking with our counselors doesn't obligate you in any way to place your baby for adoption, but it will help you plan for the future no matter what you decide.
Adoption has changed over the years. Today's adoptions are "open" adoptions where women select and meet a family before making the decision of who will nurture their child. (To see some of Nightlight's approved families, go to our waiting family profiles.) You will decide the type of ongoing contact you want to have with the adopting family, whether it is through pictures, letters, emails, or visitations. You are able to get to know your child and over time your child will know about you and will always know how much you cared -- because you chose a loving family for them.
Adoption doesn't cost you a thing, and our time, even if you choose to parent, is free. If you need help, adopting families can legally help with pregnancy-related costs such as medical bills, counseling for both birthparents, maternity clothes, and living expenses.
Adoption is about loving your baby so much that you give them the world, being mature enough to admit you are not ready to parent, and responsible enough to choose the right family to care for your child. It gives you the opportunity to create a life for you and your child that you both can live with.
If you'd like to learn more about the loving option of adoption, with no obligations, call us. The call is free: (888) 933-2237. If you would like to look at the profiles of couples who have already completed a homestudy and are ready to provide a loving home to a child, you may click on Adopting Parent Profiles.
Birthparent FAQ's
What are the ages of children that you place through Nightlight?
We typically place newborns in our domestic program. It is rare for an older child to be placed through private adoption.
What kind of criteria should I consider when selecting a family for my child?
A few of the concerns you might have when selecting an adoptive family who will love and parent your child are:
- marital status and length of marriage
- any previous marriages
- age of parents
- any other children in home
- employment status of parents
- financial stability
- religion
- compatible personalities and arrangement for ongoing contact
(Take a look at the profiles of families waiting to adopt. All these families have an approved adoption homestudy and are working directly with Nightlight Christian Adoptions for their domestic adoption.)
When does Nightlight begin matching women with an adopting family?
Once the social worker has completed all visits and approved the Homestudy of the adoptive parents, and we have received the "Dear birthparent" letters and photo albums we can begin showing the family profile to women who plan to place their child for adoption.
What if I'm matched with an adoptive family through another source?
Notify our office and your Social Worker immediately. Depending upon the specific situation, you may fall under a modified adoption in which we can provide you counseling services.
When does California law say the relinquishment can be signed?
A woman can sign the relinquishment anytime after she has been medically discharged from the hospital.
How long do birthparents have to change their mind?
This varies from state to state. Contact us for more information.
What is Special Baby Care?
When a baby has been born and the mother has not yet decided if she will parent or place the child for adoption, we have certified families who will temporarily care for the child.
What rights does the child's father have under California law?
In California, the child's father will generally fall into one of two categories: presumed or alleged. A presumed father is a man who is married to the mother or who has actively exercised his parental rights though the pregnancy. His rights are the same as the mother. An alleged father has fewer rights, but must be notified of the adoption plan. It is important to discuss the rights of a birthfather in your adoption with the agency or your attorney.
Other states have different requirements for fathers. Please contact us for more details.
Why choose open adoption?
We believe it is the healthiest situation for all members of the adoption triad. The purpose of open adoption is to comfort and encourage you with the knowledge of your child's well-being, to provide answers for the child, and to empower the adoptive parents in raising their child.
What is the adoption triad?
The adoption triad is a term used to describe the three-sided relationship that exists in an adoption between birth parents, adoptive parents and the adopted child.
What varying degrees of contact are available in open adoption?
Open Adoption encompasses a broad spectrum of contact between the birth and adoptive family. It can be as little as exchanging pictures and letters through the agency a few times a year to ongoing direct contact and visitation.
Adoption Services Menu
Nightlight Christian Adoptions is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) adoption agency, licensed by the states of California and South Carolina to provide adoption services, and is Hague Accredited through COA. Nightlight can perform adoption homestudies for residents of South Carolina and Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties).