Frequently Asked Questions

pregnant woman sitting on couch looking at phone wondering about adoption
Here are some questions that women thinking about adoption ask us. You may find the answer to your question here:
What does adoption cost me?

There is no cost to you as a birth parent. In fact, you can even receive free counseling, maternity clothes, and other items you may need.

Does my baby's father have a say?
Your baby’s father can be as involved in the adoption as he desires. He can help in choosing the family and in ongoing contact if he wishes.

If he is no longer in your life, we can help you determine what the legal steps are to placing your child for adoption in regards to him. It is different in every state and every situation. Please call or text Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784 and let us know about your situation so we can give you more specific answers.

How long do I have to decide?
You can take as long as you need to make this decision. Many women decide in their last trimester of pregnancy that adoption is the best choice for their baby. Others may choose earlier in their pregnancies, or even after the baby is born.

There is no “perfect time” for deciding on adoption. It is never too late. If you are unsure, ask for Lifetime’s free counseling to help gain some clarity on your choices.

What is the first step for me?
You can start by calling or texting us at 1-800-923-6784, seven days a week for more information. You can review the family profiles online and select the three families you feel you might want to speak to. We will be able to give you more details about these families and arrange for you to call them.

All of our adoptive couples have toll-free numbers, allowing you to call them without charge. You might find one family that just stands out and you only want to speak to them. The choice is yours. Some of our families may be unavailable pending a match, so we encourage you to select more than one.

We will send you some forms to fill out. You need to return them to us with proof of pregnancy.

Take a moment right now to call or text Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784. We are here to speak with you.

Could I meet the adoptive parents?
Yes. You can speak with them on the phone and meet them in person. You can even connect through video chat, such as Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, or Skype. You need to feel comfortable and confident with the adoptive parents you have chosen, and for some women, meeting in person is a vital step in this process. For others, just speaking on the phone is enough.
I've used drugs during my pregnancy. Is adoption an option for my baby?
Yes. We have families that have shown interest in babies and older children who have been exposed to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. Just call us and we can give you details of what we will need to get started. There is a home for every child with Lifetime.
What are Lifetime's hours?
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text us anytime, even right now at 1-800-923-6784.
What is open adoption like?
In open adoption, you may choose the adoptive family, rather than having an agency choose the family for you. Lifetime provides a wide selection of loving families who are waiting to adopt. You may also decide on the amount of contact you wish to have after the adoption. Some women want letters and photos, others want visits or phone calls, and some want no contact at all. The choice is up to you.

You may choose the family that best meets your needs and those of your child, or if you prefer, we can select a family for you. There are a variety of options available with open adoption and every Lifetime Adoption is customized to your needs.

Can I have counseling as I decide?
Yes! Lifetime has counseling available to you at no cost. You can speak with a licensed counselor, a peer counselor, or even just Lifetime staff 24 hours a day by calling or texting 1-800-923-6784. All options are available to you throughout the decision making process, as well as after you deliver your baby.
How do I know the family is safe?
Lifetime screens each and every adoptive family who is working with us. A licensed social worker will conduct a thorough home study evaluation and visit the adoptive family’s home. This evaluation includes a background check, medical evaluations, financial screening, and FBI screening.

You can be assured that your baby will be raised within a loving and safe family environment. Lifetime doesn’t accept all adoptive parents that apply to our program. You will be able to speak personally to families, so that you can determine who you’d like to adopt and raise your child.

Can I see my baby in the hospital?
Yes. You choose how things go at the hospital. You can see and hold your baby. You can choose to feed and care for your baby if you wish. You can also involve the adoptive parents if you’d like.

This is a very personal decision. And you may not know right now what you want. That is one of the benefits of choosing to work with Lifetime. We will allow YOU to make the choices. You are completely in control and can design what is best and most comfortable for you

Do you have families for older children?
We have loving families seeking children of all ages and races. You may also determine what type of contact you desire, if any, for after the adoption.

Your extended family, such as grandparents, can continue to be involved in your children’s life if you desire. For some birth parents, this is a true blessing of open adoption.

Is there help for me after the adoption?
Yes. In fact, there are a lot of different options. You can receive ongoing counseling and support, as well as apply for the Lifetime Adoption Foundation Educational Scholarship. This can provide help for you to pursue your education.

Lifetime is always here for you and can help you with resources for whatever needs you may have.

What does adoption cost me?

There is no cost to you as a birth parent. In fact, you can even receive free counseling, maternity clothes, and other items you may need.

What is open adoption like?
In open adoption, you may choose the adoptive family, rather than having an agency choose the family for you. Lifetime provides a wide selection of loving families who are waiting to adopt. You may also decide on the amount of contact you wish to have after the adoption. Some women want letters and photos, others want visits or phone calls, and some want no contact at all. The choice is up to you.

You may choose the family that best meets your needs and those of your child, or if you prefer, we can select a family for you. There are a variety of options available with open adoption and every Lifetime Adoption is customized to your needs.

Does my baby's father have a say?
Your baby’s father can be as involved in the adoption as he desires. He can help in choosing the family and in ongoing contact if he wishes.

If he is no longer in your life, we can help you determine what the legal steps are to placing your child for adoption in regards to him. It is different in every state and every situation. Please call or text Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784 and let us know about your situation so we can give you more specific answers.

Can I have counseling as I decide?
Yes! Lifetime has counseling available to you at no cost. You can speak with a licensed counselor, a peer counselor, or even just Lifetime staff 24 hours a day by calling or texting 1-800-923-6784. All options are available to you throughout the decision making process, as well as after you deliver your baby.
How long do I have to decide?
You can take as long as you need to make this decision. Many women decide in their last trimester of pregnancy that adoption is the best choice for their baby. Others may choose earlier in their pregnancies, or even after the baby is born.

There is no “perfect time” for deciding on adoption. It is never too late. If you are unsure, ask for Lifetime’s free counseling to help gain some clarity on your choices.

How do I know the family is safe?
Lifetime screens each and every adoptive family who is working with us. A licensed social worker will conduct a thorough home study evaluation and visit the adoptive family’s home. This evaluation includes a background check, medical evaluations, financial screening, and FBI screening.

You can be assured that your baby will be raised within a loving and safe family environment. Lifetime doesn’t accept all adoptive parents that apply to our program. You will be able to speak personally to families, so that you can determine who you’d like to adopt and raise your child.

What is the first step for me?
You can start by calling or texting us at 1-800-923-6784, seven days a week for more information. You can review the family profiles online and select the three families you feel you might want to speak to. We will be able to give you more details about these families and arrange for you to call them.

All of our adoptive couples have toll-free numbers, allowing you to call them without charge. You might find one family that just stands out and you only want to speak to them. The choice is yours. Some of our families may be unavailable pending a match, so we encourage you to select more than one.

We will send you some forms to fill out. You need to return them to us with proof of pregnancy.

Take a moment right now to call or text Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784. We are here to speak with you.

Can I see my baby in the hospital?
Yes. You choose how things go at the hospital. You can see and hold your baby. You can choose to feed and care for your baby if you wish. You can also involve the adoptive parents if you’d like.

This is a very personal decision. And you may not know right now what you want. That is one of the benefits of choosing to work with Lifetime. We will allow YOU to make the choices. You are completely in control and can design what is best and most comfortable for you

Could I meet the adoptive parents?
Yes. You can speak with them on the phone and meet them in person. You can even connect via videoconferencing such as SKYPE. You need to feel comfortable and confident with the adoptive parents you have chosen, and for some women, meeting in person is a vital step in this process. For others, just speaking on the phone is enough.
Do you have families for older children?
We have loving families seeking children of all ages and races. You may also determine what type of contact you desire, if any, for after the adoption.

Your extended family, such as grandparents, can continue to be involved in your children’s life if you desire. For some birth parents, this is a true blessing of open adoption.

I've used drugs during my pregnancy. Is adoption an option for my baby?
Yes. We have families that have shown interest in babies and older children who have been exposed to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. Just call us and we can give you details of what we will need to get started. There is a home for every child with Lifetime.
Is there help for me after the adoption?
Yes. In fact, there are a lot of different options. You can receive ongoing counseling and support, as well as apply for the Lifetime Adoption Foundation Educational Scholarship. This can provide help for you to pursue your education.

Lifetime is always here for you and can help you with resources for whatever needs you may have.

What are Lifetime's hours?
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text us anytime, even right now at 1-800-923-6784.