So You Want to Adopt:
Information for Prospective Parents

DOWNLOAD ABRAZO'S ADOPTING PARENT INQUIRY FORM HERE
You'll need a PDF reader to view and print this online form. Most computers have one installed; the Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free. You may also request that the API form be mailed to you by contacting Abrazo.

What is ABRAZO and what does it stand for?

Abrazo is the Spanish word for "embrace," and at ABRAZO, we embrace both the concept of adoption and those whose lives are touched by it. At ABRAZO we're committed to simplifying the process while making the dream of adoption more readily accessible to people of all backgrounds. We are a private, nonprofit adoption center licensed by the State of Texas and specializing in open adoption placements nationwide (in all states but NY).

How long do people have to wait to adopt healthy babies nowadays?

National statistics suggest the wait for a healthy infant to adopt is currently averaging 5-7 years. At ABRAZO, most adoptive families can generally anticipate placement opportunities within 6-12 months (with many happy homecomings occurring even sooner for for those with no children and flexible placement expectations.

How is it that the wait at ABRAZO is so much shorter?

At ABRAZO, we carefully screen applicants to ensure "goodness of fit" between the agency's services and the adopting families' needs. ABRAZO's full-service program is geared to couples with documented infertility, 25 years of age or beyond, legally married one year or more, with emotional stability and financial security. (Designated adoptions and special needs programs are also available to those without medically-indicated inability to conceive.)

All of ABRAZO's families begin the process with an inspiring educational seminar, our "Parents of Tomorrow" weekend, which helps to better ready them for openness, enhances their comfort level with birthparents, and empowers them to prepare their future child to understand and embrace the adoption decision. Furthermore, ABRAZO honors birthparents' rights by going the extra mile to ensure they are aware of their options, have carefully prepared for the adoption decision, and receive the support they need before, during and after. It stands to reason that birthparents and adopting families consider ABRAZO the agency of choice.

How much does it cost to adopt these days?

Talk to attorneys, facilitators and agencies across the country and you'll hear estimates that run from $30,000-$45,000 per case-- and even beyond! At ABRAZO, we know that adoption is the investment of a lifetime, and we believe quality services should be available to everyone who is committed to parenting and ready to put a child's needs first.

Abrazo offers four alternative programs with differing fee options:

• Our designated program, for agency facilitation of pre-matched cases, or in which proactive adopting parents locate their child's birthparent via outreach and networking efforts and then receive full support, pre-placement and post-adoption services. (Pre-placement education/training fee, paid upon program entry: $2750; agency/post-adoption fee, paid at placement: $2750.)
• Our full service program, wherein we provide case referrals, counseling, matching, support and/or placement services helping prepare would-be parents for happy homecomings of newborns, infants and toddlers or sibling groups. Please note: Abrazo's full-service program is available only to those with proven infertility, defined by the agency as a medically- documented inability to conceive. (Pre-placement education/training fee, paid upon program entry: $4750; agency/post-adoption fee, paid at placement: $4750.)
• Our special needs program, enabling the adoption of extra-special, hard-to-place children who otherwise might languish in foster care.(Pre-placement education/training fee, paid upon program entry: $1750; agency/post-adoption fee, paid at placement: $1750.) Note: state subsidies may also be available for qualifying special needs placements.
• Our independent service fee (for counseling and private consultation only) runs $150 per hour or portion thereof.

Homestudies and case-specific costs (Texas-approved maternity and medical expenses, legal fees and court costs, foster care if needed, finalization and travel expenses, etc.) are additional, of course. Abrazo's typical domestic cases generally fall within a range of $14,000-20,000, including agency fees (assuming full insurance or Medicaid coverage of medical costs.) Please note that all fees paid are non-refundable.

How much openness do you require in your adoptions?

ABRAZO recognizes that the specific terms of openness of any adoption plan are best decided on the basis of the participants' mutual needs and their shared commitment to the child's welfare. At a minimum, however, ABRAZO placements entail honest disclosure of basic identifying information, and direct, ongoing adoptive parent-birthparent contact throughout the child's lifetime. (After finalization, ABRAZO also expects that annual updates be provided to the agency, through each child's 18th birthday.) We know everyone comes to this process with varying needs and expectations, so we work with birthparents and adopting parents to negotiate lasting agreements which honor individual concerns and yet are in keeping with the best interests of the children involved.

Although Texas currently has no laws in place granting agencies or courts the authority to enforce the agreements birthparents and adoptive parents make to keep in touch after finalization of the adoption, we believe that open adoption is best because it is based on honesty and trust, and we know these things are good for children. So we trust that those who want what is good for their children will keep their promises--for the child's sake.

What is the application process at ABRAZO?

Adopting families begin their journey to parenthood at ABRAZO with the completion of an "inquiry" or preapplication form (available online here). This is followed by the full application. Upon receipt of the completed application, eligible full-service applicants attend one of ABRAZO's popular and inspiring "Parents of Tomorrow Orientation Weekends." The agency grants acceptance to qualified applicants and with approval of your homestudy, you're on your way to bringing your baby home! (Some lucky graduates have become ABRAZO parents within literally weeks or even days of completing the orientation weekend.)

Can we state a preference for the sex of our child?

Yes, although we don't encourage it. Gender preferences are likely to decrease your placement opportunities and may delay the adoption process dramatically, since birthparents generally choose their child's adoptive family before the baby's sex is confirmed, and sonograms may often be unreliable.

Can the birthmothers change their mind about the adoption plan?

In Texas agency adoptions, birthparents have full rights to renege on an adoption plan without repayment or recrimination up until the time that valid relinquishment documents are completed (a minimum of 48 hours after birth), at which point the decision becomes irrevocable (unlike many states, which allow a lengthy "grace period" during which birthparents may "reclaim" or otherwise revoke consent). However, at ABRAZO, we feel that what is most important isn't that our birthparents cannot legally change their minds but that they are so certain of their decisions that they wouldn't choose to disrupt the placement-- even if they could. Statistics suggest that some 15-20% of birthparents nationwide fail to place; at ABRAZO, with our strong commitment to birthparent counseling, we seek to help birthparents better understand their decision in advance and to be more prepared for it (if and) when it happens.

Like any worthy life quest, adoption is an experience rich with both rewards and risks, and ABRAZO strongly advises prospective clients to research all their options and to prepare accordingly. No adoption professional can rightfully guarantee placement, nor a risk-free adoption process, as those depend upon factors beyond any program's control.

What kinds of children are available for adoption through ABRAZO?

At ABRAZO, we place primarily American-born newborns of Anglo-Caucasian, Hispanic and/or African-American descent (Toddlers and sibling groups are also available, on occasion).

Have more questions? Feel free to contact us.... we're here for you.