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For Professionals

How to talk about adoption

Talk through options: Just because someone mentions they are interested in adoption does not mean they have made a decision. It is important to review all their options with them, including parenting, adoption, and abortion. Click here for more information on each of these options.

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Check your feelings at the door: Whatever you think about adoption, it is important to make sure that you are conveying only the facts and not your own opinion about what the expectant parents should or should not do. Be compassionate towards their situation, but be careful to not sway them with personal opinions. 

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Use positive adoption language: Making sure that you are using appropriate language can help when speaking about adoption. To learn more about positive adoption language, visit: Positive Adoption Language | Adoptive Families

 

Provide a referral: If someone is interested in exploring adoption or parenting, you can refer them to New Hope! We can provide information and ongoing support for families choosing both adoption and parenting. 

How to Make an Adoption Referral

If you are working with someone who is interested in learning more about adoption or parenting, we would love to talk with them! 

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To make a referral, you can:

  1. Provide the expectant parents with our phone number and have them call us. They can call 315-437-8300 Monday- Friday 9:00-4:30 PM, or 315-800-2366 on evenings, weekends, and holidays. With their permission, you can also call on their behalf and provide us with their contact information for us to follow up. 

  2. Provide the expectant parents with our website and have them fill out our contact form. We will then follow up with them during normal business hours.

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If the expectant parents are only interested in parenting resources, they can get connected to our parenting support services by calling us at 315-437-8300.

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*Please note that we only work with expectant/birth parents residing in New York State, with the exception of the 5 boroughs of NYC and Long Island.

Resources

If you have questions about adoption, want to schedule training for your staff, or want adoption literature/brochures, contact us! 

Call: 315-437-8300 or fill out our contact form, and we will follow up with you. 

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To learn more about adoption, explore our website or visit: 

  • Do I have to pay to make an adoption plan for my child?
    No, all our services to expectant and birth mothers are free.
  • If I make an adoption plan, does this mean I am a bad mom/dad?
    No. Even though it is a difficult choice, making an adoption plan for your child is a loving choice. It reveals your loving heart because you want more for your child than you can currently provide. You are actively involved in making a plan to ensure they remain safe, healthy, and happy.
  • How can I know that my child will be well taken care of?
    Our adoptive families must go through an intense screening and interview process before being approved to adopt through New Hope.
  • If I make an adoption plan, does this mean I will never see my child again?
    No. You have the opportunity to choose how much contact your adoption will have. This is referred to as “openness”. Most commonly, we see women choosing to have letter/picture updates of the child a few times a year, in person visits, or a combination.
  • What rights does the father of the child have?
    Paternal rights varies depending on the situation. We suggest that you contact us to discuss your specific situation.
  • I don’t have reliable transportation. Am I required to come to the Syracuse office?
    No, our caseworkers can come to you and meet you at your home or other location in your community.
  • I already gave birth to my child. Is it too late to make an adoption plan?
    No, it is not too late! New Hope can facilitate adoptions for children up to age 2.
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