Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be an emotional and scary time. Upbring’s caring and supportive Adoption Specialists can help you take control by assisting you in creating a unique adoption plan made just for you and your baby. Here’s what you can expect after you’ve contacted an Adoption Specialist at Upbring.
Confidentiality and around the clock personal support
Our warm and welcoming Adoption Specialists are here for you around the clock and will work one-on-one with you to give you the personal support that you need. You can also expect to work with the same Adoption Specialist throughout the entire adoption process. Together, you will complete the initial paperwork in order to identify your immediate needs. In many situations, Upbring is able to assist with medical and living assistance or with any other resources that have been identified as a need for you and your baby.
We know that every woman seeking adoption for their child is unique and deserves to be treated with respect. Together, we can explore what you think is best for yourself and your child. Feel confident that the things we discuss, along with your information, are 100% confidential. Again, you are in control and can change your mind at any time during this process.
Speak with other mothers that have made an adoption plan with Upbring
You are not alone. Not only do you have 24/7 support from your Upbring Adoption Specialist, but you will also be able to connect with mothers who have walked in your shoes. Choose as much contact as you would like with an expectant mother that has created an adoption plan with Upbring.
Decide the level of communication you would like with the adoptive family
Your Adoption Specialist will help you explore how much contact you would like to have with an adoptive family both before and after the birth of your baby. Determining the amount and types (exchange of pictures and emails, phone conversations, face to face visits, etc.) of communication you would like with an adoptive family will help determine the type of family you may choose for your child.
Would you like to begin forming a relationship with the adoptive family before your child is born? Would you like the adoptive family to be present at the hospital? Do you want pictures of your child once a year or would you prefer face to face visits once a month? We will help you explore your thoughts on all of these questions in order to decide the amount and types of communication you are comfortable with.
Choose an adoptive family
Once you’ve decided the amount of contact you want, you can decide whether you would like to choose a waiting adoptive family. You will be presented with photobooks containing pictures and information about our approved Upbring adoptive families that best match your wants and needs. All of Upbring’s waiting adoptive families have gone through a rigorous screening and training process. Our amazing adoptive families are often unable to have biological children of their own and are eager to shower a child with love.
If you decide you would like no communication with the adoptive family of your choice, that is absolutely okay. If you would like for your Adoption Specialist to select an adoptive family for you, we can do that as well. Every adoption plan is unique, and YOU are in control.
Create a birth/hospital plan
Your Adoption Specialist will help you explore what you would like your hospital experience to look like. Discussing the hospital stay in advance will also help you be better prepared for what will take place during your stay at the hospital. Would you like to spend time bonding with your baby after birth? Would you like the adoptive family to be there in order to bond with the baby as well? Would you like to spend time with the adoptive family and baby together? The Adoption Specialist will be present at the hospital to make sure your wishes are respected and to offer you 24/7 support during your hospital stay.
Legal help
For expectant parents deciding on whether to choose adoption for their child, the legal process may seem scary and confusing. Upbring’s Adoption Specialists and experienced Adoption Attorneys will be with you every step of the way. In the state of Texas, the paperwork that terminates your parental rights cannot be signed until 48 hours after birth. After this paperwork is signed and all parties have been discharged from the hospital, the adoptive family will be ready to take the baby home. Upbring will supervise the adoptive family and child for 6 months until the adoption is finalized in court. You will never need to worry about appearing in court.
Ongoing support and assistance with setting post-adoption goals
Upbring will continue to support you after the birth of your child and can assist with communication between yourself and the adoptive family if needed. This can mean passing letters, photos and videos between both parties and/or setting up visits with your child.
Before and after birth, you and your Adoption Specialist will continually explore your future aspirations. You can achieve your goals and dreams, and we are here to support you.
Meet your Adoption Team
Erin Patterson, LMSW
Director of Adoption
Erin Patterson is the Director of Adoption at Upbring where she supervises international adoption, domestic infant adoption and post-adoption support services. Erin graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Masters of Social Work with a concentration on Community Administration and Leadership and holds the certification of Licensed Master of Social Work. An Upbring employee of nearly 10 years, Erin has a background in disaster relief and adoption services in their various forms. Erin has been fortunate enough to work and travel in countries such as Ghana, South Africa and Haiti, granting a deeper understanding of the realities of adoption in developing countries. Erin now lives in Austin with her husband and two children and spends her free time cooking for a crowd.
Kelly Keen, LMSW
Domestic Adoption Specialist
As a Licensed Master Social Worker with a background in foster care and adoption, Kelly Keen has a wealth of experience working directly with children and families. Kelly graduated from Texas State University with her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. As a Domestic Adoption Specialist at Upbring, Kelly has a passion for serving all members of the adoption triad; expectant parents, adoptive parents and children. She is committed to creating meaningful connections with expectant mothers and strives to provide the counsel and support they need throughout the adoption process and beyond. Kelly and her husband have three amazing children and reside in the Austin area.
To reach an Upbring Adoption Specialist for more information, support or to begin creating an adoption plan, please call 1-833-80ADOPT or visit our domestic adoption page. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.